Pre-K Head Teacher: Playful, Impactful Leader

Crossover; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

Alpha is hiring for a full-time, on-site Head Teacher to lead a Pre-K classroom where emotional safety, curiosity, and growth matter equally. You will design rich, play-based experiences that foster early literacy, numeracy, and social skills.

We hire educators who know preschool is more than childcare. Positions are in Manhattan, NYC or Chicago, IL with relocation assistance. Competitive compensation described below.

Qualifications

• Full‑time, on‑site role at Manhattan, NYC, or Chicago, IL with relocation assistance.
• An associate's degree or higher or any U.S. state teaching license or certification.
• At least 2 years of experience with children ages 3–5 in a structured, play‑based classroom.
• Experience documenting developmental milestones using a structured framework or assessment tool.
• Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• For the Chicago opening, a Montessori certificate or experience as a Reading Specialist.

Responsibilities

• Design joyful, sensory-rich learning experiences that intentionally build early literacy, numeracy, self‑regulation, and social development.
• Create a classroom where every child feels emotionally safe, deeply known, and excited to come to school every day.
• Observe children's development in real time, document meaningful progress, and use those insights to personalize learning.
• Adjust activities around each child's interests and developmental needs, helping every learner make measurable progress.
• Partner closely with families to share growth, celebrate milestones, and support each child's development beyond the classroom.

Skills

Play-based learning

Observation of development

Family partnerships

Emotional safety in classroom

Education

Associate degree or higher

U.S. state teaching license or certification

Montessori certificate or Reading Specialist experience (Chicago opening)

Job description

Alpha is hiring for a full-time, on-site Head Teacher to lead a Pre-K classroom where emotional safety, curiosity, and growth matter equally. You will design rich, play-based experiences that foster early literacy, numeracy, and social skills.

We hire educators who know preschool is more than childcare. Positions are in Manhattan, NYC or Chicago, IL with relocation assistance. Competitive compensation described below.