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Lead Teacher

Bergen Family Center

📍 Englewood, NJ·Posted 24d ago

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💰 $46k–$50k/yrFull-TimeHealth InsurancePTO / Paid Time OffNo Nights or Weekends

POSITION TITLE: Lead Teacher

REPORTS TO: Director of Early Learning

LOCATION: Englewood, NJ

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

The Lead Teacher serves as the primary instructional leader within the classroom and is responsible for creating and sustaining a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children. Utilizing The Creative Curriculum, the Lead Teacher designs, implements, and evaluates comprehensive instructional experiences that support cognitive, social-emotional, language, and physical development. This role exercises substantial professional discretion and independent judgment in curriculum planning and delivery, assessment practices, classroom management, and implementation of individualized learning strategies. The Lead Teacher collaborates with families, Teacher Assistants, specialists, and leadership to support each child’s development, school readiness, and overall success.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development Associate (CDA) required.
Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field strongly preferred.

Experience

Experience working with young children required.
Experience implementing curriculum and conducting child observations and assessments preferred.
Experience utilizing The Creative Curriculum preferred.

Certifications/Licenses

All state-required clearances, certifications, and trainings must be maintained throughout employment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Operations & Service Delivery

Serve as the instructional leader of the classroom, implementing The Creative Curriculum to design and deliver developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with program standards and child needs.
Exercise independent professional judgment in curriculum planning, instructional delivery, assessment integration, and classroom management to promote strong child outcomes.
Establish and maintain a safe, inclusive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
Differentiate instruction based on developmental observations, child interests, and ongoing assessment data.
Apply knowledge of early childhood development and evidence-based practices to instructional decision-making.
Support social-emotional development using Pyramid Model strategies.
Collaborate with support staff and specialists to address individual child needs and strengthen instructional outcomes.

Assessment & Documentation

Conduct ongoing observational assessments and developmental evaluations using approved assessment tools to monitor children's growth, inform instructional planning, and support individualized learning goals.
Analyze assessment data, child progress, and classroom outcomes to inform instructional decision-making, curriculum implementation, and continuous classroom improvement.
Maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date child and classroom documentation in accordance with program requirements.

Leadership & Supervision

Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, training, and performance feedback to Teacher Assistants.
Foster classroom consistency and teamwork by modeling professional teaching practices, classroom management strategies, developmentally appropriate interactions, and implementation of program standards.
Collaborate with the Director of Early Learning to strengthen classroom quality, staff development, and program effectiveness.

Family Engagement & Communication

Maintain consistent, professional communication with families via Brightwheel, conferences, and scheduled meetings.
Build strong family partnerships by sharing child progress, developmental updates, and learning experiences.
Partner with leadership and support staff to address concerns related to development, behavior, attendance, or family needs.
Attend Parent/Teacher conferences

Professional Development & Continuous Improvement

Participate in ongoing Pyramid Model coaching through Montclair State University.
Engage in required observations (TPITOS/TPOT) and organization-sponsored professional development to maintain and expand expertise in early childhood education, child development, The Creative Curriculum, social-emotional learning, and evidence-based instructional practices, demonstrating continuous professional growth and reflective practice.
Apply coaching feedback and professional learning to strengthen instructional practice, curriculum implementation, and child outcomes.
Participate in staff meetings, planning sessions, and organizational training activities.

Compliance & Documentation

Follow all licensing regulations, program policies, procedures, and quality standards.
Maintain classroom records and documentation in accordance with program, licensing, and funding requirements.
Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and supervision requirements.
Perform additional duties as assigned to support program operations.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Communication & Family Engagement
Teamwork & Collaboration
Cultural Competence
Curriculum Design and Instructional Planning
Educational Leadership
Independent Decision-Making
Observational Assessment
Child Development Knowledge
Problem-Solving
Organization & Time Management
Adaptability & Continuous Learning

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Proficiency with Brightwheel.
Familiarity with The Creative Curriculum resources, lesson planning tools, and assessment systems.
Ability to utilize classroom technology, virtual meeting platforms, and electronic communication systems.
Basic proficiency with Microsoft 365.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed primarily in a classroom setting with young children.
Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, and sitting on the floor.
Ability to actively supervise children both indoors and outdoors.
Ability to lift and carry children, classroom materials, and equipment up to 40 pounds.
Exposure to outdoor weather conditions during playground and outdoor activities.

WORK SCHEDULE

Employment Status: Full-time, 40 hours per week

Typically, Monday through Friday during standard program hours (7:30 to 5:30 with variation based on program needs)
Attendance at occasional early morning or evening events, parent/teacher conferences, or professional development activities may be required.

COMPENSATION

Salary range: $45,500 (CDA/Associate Degree) or $50,000 (Bachelor’s Degree)

Benefits: health, dental, vision, retirement plan, paid time off, vacation time, sick time
Eligible for organization-sponsored professional development and continuing education opportunities.