Lead Two's Teacher

The Gardner School; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Tuition discount

Professional development

Career growth

Job summary

The Gardner School Bucktown is hiring a Lead Two's Teacher to join our state-of-the-art preschool. You will lead a classroom with creativity, care, and excellence, mentor assistants, and build strong relationships with families and children.

Ideal candidates hold a CDA or Associate's with ECE hours or a Bachelor's in ECE, have 2+ years of early childhood experience, and are eligible to work in the U.S. We offer competitive pay, robust benefits, and opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• CDA or Associate's degree 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)
• 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

Skills

Work eligibility in US

Attendance reliability

PC skills

Physical stamina

Communication skills

Education

CDA or Associate's degree 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

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 Bucktown! We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Two's Teacher working in our State-of-the-Art facility. At The Gardner School of Bucktown, 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 $19.55-$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: Opportunities for advancement within our growing organization

Qualifications

Education/Certification

• CDA or Associate's degree 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.