Lead Teacher

The Gardner School; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

401(k) match

Tuition discount

Paid holidays

Professional development

Job summary

The Gardner School Naperville South is seeking a Lead Teacher who inspires creativity, care, and excellence in the classroom. You will mentor assistant teachers, model the school's core values—Children First, Trust, Innovation, and Make a Difference—and build meaningful relationships with families and children.

You will plan developmentally appropriate lessons, maintain a joyful, safe classroom environment, and participate in ongoing professional development to advance your career within our

Qualifications

• CDA or Associate's degree is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education is preferred.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire your classroom with creativity, care, and excellence.
• Mentor assistant teachers and model The Gardner School’s core values: Children First, Trust, Innovation, Make a Difference.
• Build meaningful relationships with families and children.
• Plan engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that spark curiosity.
• Maintain safety, compliance, and a joyful classroom environment.

Education

CDA or Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.We're Hiring! Join our team as a Lead Teacher at The Gardner School of Naperville South!We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Teacher working in our State-of-the-Art facility. At The Gardner School of Naperville South, we believe learning begins with love — for children, for teaching, and for making a difference. Join our passionate, professional team in our state-of-the-art preschool, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated every day.What You’ll Do:Lead and inspire your classroom with creativity, care, and excellenceMentor assistant teachers and model The Gardner School’s core values: Children First, Trust, Innovation, and Make a DifferenceBuild meaningful relationships with families and childrenPlan engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that spark curiosityMaintain safety, compliance, and a joyful classroom environmentWhat We Offer:Competitive Pay: The starting pay range is $18.70-$23.10 per hour, based on education and experienceComprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; 401(k) with company match; childcare tuition discount; paid holidays; and professional development opportunitiesCareer Growth: Ongoing professional development and training, opportunities for advancement within our growing organization, access to our company-sponsored CDA program, and a supportive, mission-driven culture.Qualifications:Education/Certification:CDA or Associate's degree (required); Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related degree (preferred)Current CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)Experience:1+ years of early childhood education experience (lead or co-lead experience preferred)Knowledge, Skills and Physical Requirements:Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. (Required)Regular and reliable attendance.Intermediate PC skills and proficiency with general administrative tasks. (Required)Active engagement throughout the day including standing, sitting on the floor, bending, and lifting up to ~60 lbs.Ability to fulfill cognitive and interpersonal aspects of a classroom leadership including speaking, hearing, reading, writing, focusing attention, and building relationships.Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently, sufficient to communicate effectively with students, families, and staff, implement curriculum and safety procedures, and complete written reports.Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.The Gardner School extends equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by law.