Lead Two's Teacher

The Gardner School; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Childcare tuition discount

Paid holidays

Professional development

Job summary

The Gardner School in Chicago is seeking an engaged Early Childhood Teacher to lead vibrant classrooms with creativity and care. You will mentor assistant teachers, role-model The Gardner School’s core values, and build strong relationships with families and children.

You will plan engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that spark curiosity while ensuring safety and compliance, creating a joyful learning environment for young learners.

Qualifications

• Requires CDA/AA with ECE credits or higher.
• Bachelor’s in ECE preferred but not required.
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire your classroom with creativity and care.
• Mentor assistant teachers and model school values.
• Build meaningful relationships with families and children.
• Plan engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons.
• Maintain safety, compliance, and a joyful classroom.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Relationship building

Lesson planning

Safety compliance

Education

CDA or Associate’s degree with 6 ECE credits

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related with 6 ECE credits

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.

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.