Lead Teachers

The Gardner School; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Tuition discount

Paid holidays

Professional development

Career growth

Job summary

The Gardner School of North Center in Chicago, IL is seeking a Lead Teacher to inspire creativity, care, and excellence in a developmentally appropriate program.

You’ll mentor assistants, build strong relationships with families, plan engaging lessons, ensure safety and compliance, and foster a joyful classroom. A CDA/AA with ECE credits or higher is required, plus 2+ years of lead/co-lead experience and CPR/First Aid certification.

Qualifications

• CDA or Associate's degree in Early Childhood with at least 6 credit hours in ECE.
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related with at least 6 credit hours in ECE (preferred).
• Current CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• 2+ years of early childhood education experience (lead or co-lead preferred).

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, and 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 in Early Childhood with at least 6 credit hours in ECE

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related degree with at least 6 credit hours in ECE (preferred)

Current CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)

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 North Center!

We have an exciting opportunity for Lead Teachers working in our State-of-the-Art facility. At The Gardner School of North Center, 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 excellence
• Mentor assistant teachers and model The Gardner School’s core values: Children First, Trust, Innovation, and 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

What We Offer

• Competitive Pay: The starting pay range is $19.50 – $24.15 per hour, based on education and experience
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; 401(k) with company match; childcare tuition discount; paid holidays; and professional development opportunities
• Career Growth: Ongoing professional development and training, opportunities for advancement within our growing organization, and a supportive, mission-driven culture.

Qualifications

Education/Certification

• CDA or Associate's degree in Early Childhood or related, with at least 6 credit hours in ECE (required); Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related degree, with at least 6 credit hours in ECE (preferred)
• Current CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)

Experience

• 2+ 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 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.