Lead Teacher

The Goddard School; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

No nights and weekends

Childcare discounts

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Training & development

Competitive salary

Recognition programs

Job summary

The Goddard School in Springfield, IL is seeking a passionate Lead Teacher to nurture growth and support student development. You will implement age-appropriate lessons using our proprietary Wonder of Learning curriculum and maintain a safe, inclusive classroom environment.

You will collaborate with families, coordinate with Assistant and Resource Teachers, and apply positive guidance strategies to support social-emotional development. The role emphasizes growth within a supportive community.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; CDA or higher in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• CDA credential required or equivalent.
• 1–2 years experience with young children in licensed setting preferred.
• State-required pre-service training completed.

Responsibilities

• Implement age-appropriate lesson plans using Wonder of Learning curriculum.
• Create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Maintain open communication with families about child progress.
• Supervise activities to uphold health and safety standards.
• Observe and document children's learning to share insights with families.
• Support Assistant and Resource Teachers as part of a collaborative team.
• Model positive guidance for social-emotional growth and conflict resolution.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Relationship building

Physical ability

Education

High school diploma

CDA

Associate/Bachelor in ECE

Job description

• Professional development and CDA tuition reimbursement
• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) matching

Benefits:

• No nights and weekends
• Childcare discounts
• Recognition programs
• Professional development and CDA tuition reimbursement
• 401(k)
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) matching

The Goddard School® located at: 3411 Hedley Road Springfield, IL 62711 is seeking a passionate Lead Teacher. Nurture your growth. Empower your success. Join our welcoming community, where you can grow and make a real difference in children’s lives every day. If you’re passionate about education and children, and ready to advance your career, we’d love to hear from you!

Lead Teacher Key Responsibilities:

• Curriculum and Instruction: Implement age-appropriate lesson plans and activities using our proprietary Wonder of Learning® curriculum to engage and support each child’s growth
• Classroom Management: Create and maintain a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment
• Family Communication: Maintain open, effective and positive communication with families and guardians about their child’s progress and daily activities
• Health and Safety: Supervise children during indoor and outdoor activities to uphold health and safety standards, licensing regulations and ensure their well-being
• Assessment and Documentation: Observe, assess and document children’s learning and development to inform activities and share insights with families
• Team Collaboration: Support Assistant Teachers and Resource Teachers, fostering a collaborative and positive team environment.
• Behavior Guidance: Model and implement positive guidance strategies to support social-emotional growth and conflict resolution.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma required; associate's or bachelor's in Early Childhood Education (a minimum of 60 credit hours from an accredited college and 6 related directly to children 6 weeks - 6 years) or
• Child Development Associate (CDA) (required)
• 1-2 years of previous experience working with young children in a licensed childcare or preschool setting preferred
• Has successfully completed state-required pre-service training
• Develops relationships and communicates effectively with children, families and faculty members
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. in connection with the handling of children

A place to build little futures—and meaningful connections. At The Goddard School in Springfield, IL, the relationships we build with children, families, and each other are what make our school special. Built in 2019 and expanded with five new classrooms this year, our school has room to grow—and a 500-square-foot faculty lounge with room to recharge! We care about the work we do, celebrate the people we do it with, and make time for fun along the way.

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.