Lead Teacher

The Goddard School; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free uniforms

Tuition assistance

401(k)

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Training & development

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

Job summary

The Goddard School of Naperville (83rd Street) is seeking a passionate Lead Teacher to guide a classroom with heart, purpose, and professionalism. You’ll mentor Assistant Teachers, implement engaging lessons with Wonder of Learning, and create a nurturing environment where children feel safe and excited to learn.

You’ll lead with confidence, collaborate with a supportive team, and uphold licensing standards in a state-of-the-art facility that includes an indoor gym.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; Associate’s/Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education preferred
• CDA certification preferred
• 1–2 years of experience in a licensed childcare/preschool setting
• Completion of state-required pre-service training
• Strong communication with children, families, and colleagues
• Leadership presence and classroom confidence
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to meet all state licensing requirements

Responsibilities

• Implement engaging, developmentally appropriate lesson plans using Wonder of Learning curriculum.
• Create and maintain a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Build strong relationships with families through consistent communication about milestones and daily experiences.
• Supervise children indoors and outdoors while following licensing standards.
• Participate in ongoing professional growth and leadership training.
• Observe and assess children’s development to inform instruction and share insights with families.
• Mentor and support Assistant Teachers and Resource Teachers in a collaborative culture.
• Model positive behavior and guidance to support social-emotional development.

Skills

Leadership presence

Communication skills

Classroom management

Mentoring

Lead with heart

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education

CDA preferred

State-required pre‑service training

Job description

Benefits

• Free uniforms
• Tuition assistance
• 401(k)
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) matching

Lead Teacher – Join Our Goddard Family

The Goddard School® of Naperville (83rd Street) is seeking a passionate, confident Lead Teacher who is ready to lead a classroom with heart, purpose, and professionalism.

We are proud to have an exceptional team of educators who collaborate, support one another, and bring positive energy into every classroom. At our School, we put teachers first — because you put children first.

As a Lead Teacher, you won’t just manage a classroom — you’ll inspire young minds, mentor Assistant Teachers, and create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, confident, and excited to learn.

You’ll implement engaging, developmentally appropriate experiences using our newest Wonder of Learning® curriculum, in beautiful, state‑of‑the‑art classrooms — including access to our indoor gym, a feature not all schools offer.

We believe great schools are built by strong leaders in the classroom. That’s why we support and celebrate our team with:

• Ongoing teacher recognition
• Staff appreciation lunches
• Fun team contests
• Supportive, hands-on leadership
• Professional growth opportunities

This is more than a job — it’s a place where your leadership is valued and your impact is felt every single day.

What You’ll Do

Curriculum & Instruction

Implement engaging, age‑appropriate lesson plans using our Wonder of Learning® curriculum to support each child’s individual growth.

Classroom Leadership

Create and maintain a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment where children thrive.

Family Communication

Build strong, positive relationships with families through consistent communication about milestones and daily experiences.

Health & Safety

Supervise children indoors and outdoors while upholding licensing standards and ensuring their well‑being.

Professional Growth

Participate in ongoing development and training to strengthen your leadership and teaching skills.

Assessment & Documentation

Observe and assess children’s development to inform instruction and share meaningful insights with families.

Team Collaboration

Mentor and support Assistant and Resource Teachers while fostering a positive, collaborative classroom culture.

Behavior Guidance

Model and implement positive guidance strategies that support social‑emotional development and conflict resolution.

What You Bring

• High school diploma required (Associate’s or Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education preferred)
• CDA preferred
• 1–2 years of experience in a licensed childcare or preschool setting
• Completion of state‑required pre‑service training
• Strong communication skills with children, families, and colleagues
• Leadership presence and classroom confidence
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to meet all state licensing requirements

If you’re ready to lead a classroom with confidence, creativity, and heart — and want to be part of a supportive, uplifting school community — we would love to meet you.

Come grow with us at The Goddard School of Naperville (83rd).

Each Goddard School location is privately owned and operated by Goddard Franchisor LLC franchisees. The Goddard School franchise owner(s) are the employers at each school, and the franchise owner(s) set their own wage and benefit programs, which vary by location.