Position Summary
Har Shalom Preschool is seeking a caring, organized, and collaborative Lead Preschool Teacher to lead a classroom of young learners. This role includes curriculum planning, classroom management, family communication, and mentoring assistant teachers while maintaining a nurturing, developmentally appropriate environment.
Our program is Montessori-inspired and incorporates elements of Reggio Emilia, emergent curriculum, and play-based learning to support each child’s growth. The Lead Teacher is expected to uphold school values, Colorado licensing requirements, Universal Pre-K standards, and the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.
The ideal candidate will implement an inspiring, dynamic instructional curriculum with each child in mind, build strong relationships with children and families, and cultivate a positive, cohesive classroom and staff environment.
Key Responsibilities
Curriculum & Planning
- Develop and implement a dynamic, developmentally appropriate curriculum tailored to individual children.
- Prepare bi-weekly lesson plans including activities, books, and developmental goals.
- Provide one Montessori-style lesson weekly.
- Send home intentional art projects.
- Rotate materials to reflect classroom themes.
- Meet monthly with the Director to review plans and progress.
Classroom Environment
- Maintain a clean, safe, and engaging classroom environment.
- Prepare materials and thoughtfully display children’s work.
- Support children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development.
- Maintain a clean, organized work environment at all times.
Child Development & Assessment
- Observe, assess, and document student progress at both the individual and group levels.
- Establish developmental assessments and use findings to guide instruction.
- Work productively with parents as partners in each child’s development.
Family Communication
- Build strong, respectful relationships with children and families.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for families.
- Send monthly updates and share photos regularly.
- Lead parent-teacher conferences twice per year.
- Maintain confidentiality at all times.
Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Mentor and support assistant teachers.
- Cooperatively lead weekly classroom meetings (Mondays) and attend staff meetings (Wednesdays).
- Ensure staff are informed and aligned on plans and expectations.
- Cultivate a positive, collaborative, and cohesive team environment with co-workers.
Professional Responsibilities
- Meet Colorado licensing and Universal Pre-K requirements.
- Complete 15 hours of professional development annually.
- Participate in school events and perform additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Meets Colorado Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) requirements.
- 2+ years of preschool or early childhood experience preferred.
- Montessori experience preferred.
- Strong communication, organization, and leadership skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Requirements
- Successful completion of background check and fingerprinting per Colorado regulations.
Professional Expectations
- Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, and teamwork.
- Foster an inclusive, respectful, child-centered environment.
- Uphold confidentiality and ethical standards.
- Engage in ongoing learning and reflection.
NAEYC Commitment
Commit to ethical practices, respect for children and families, collaboration with colleagues, ongoing professional growth, and advocacy for early childhood education.
