Lead Teacher

The Goddard School of Springfield, IL; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

No nights and weekends

Childcare discounts

Recognition programs

Professional development and CDA tu it

401(k)

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Training & development

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

Job summary

The Goddard School of Springfield, IL is seeking a passionate Lead Teacher to nurture growth and empower success in a welcoming community. Build meaningful relationships with children, families, and staff while delivering engaging, age-appropriate lessons using our proprietary curriculum.

Join a team that values safety, development, and collaboration, with opportunities for professional growth and CDA tuition reimbursement as part of competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma is required; completion of 60 credit hours related to children ages 6 weeks to 6 years.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is required.
• 1–2 years of experience with young children in a licensed childcare/preschool setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement age-appropriate lesson plans and activities using our Wonder of Learning curriculum to support each child's growth.
• Create and maintain a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Maintain open, effective communication with families and guardians about child progress and activities.
• Supervise children to uphold health and safety standards and licensing requirements.
• Observe, assess, and document learning to inform activities and share insights with families.
• Support Assistant and Resource Teachers to foster a collaborative team environment.
• Model positive guidance strategies to support social-emotional growth and conflict resolution.

Skills

Communication

Classroom management

Team collaboration

Relationship building

Childcare experience

Education

High school diploma

60 credit hours ECE

CDA credential

Job description

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.