The Gardner School
Location
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois
Salary
$19 - $23 / HOUR
The Lead Preschool Teacher is responsible for leading and inspiring the classroom while mentoring assistant teachers to uphold the school's core values. They will also plan developmentally appropriate lessons and maintain a safe, engaging environment for children and families.
Candidates must have at least 2 years of early childhood education experience and hold a CDA or an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education. A Bachelor's degree is preferred, and the ability to perform physical classroom tasks is required.
Competitive Pay: The starting pay range is $18.70-$23.10 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: Ongoing professional development and training, opportunities for advancement within our growing organization, and a supportive, mission-driven culture.
Education/Certification: CDA; or Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or related degree, with at least 6 credit hours in Early Childhood Education (required); Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related degree, with at least 6 credit hours in Early Childhood Education (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. The Gardner School provides children with a nurturing start for a successful future with a premier preschool experience for children. Built on decades of expertise, we promise to provide a school community that is safe, purposeful, and enriching. This commitment is fulfilled through the efforts of our engaged team members, the growth of thriving children, and the satisfaction of happy families. Together we provide exceptional care and education differentiated by our people, program, and promise.
Market context
Illinois classroom teacher roles are typically in steady demand, especially in districts seeking candidates who can support diverse student needs and communicate clearly with families and staff. This type of role is competitive because employers often look for classroom experience plus related backgrounds such as sociology, psychology, counseling, or education, and bilingual skills in English, Spanish, or Portuguese can strengthen an application. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then tailor your resume to highlight public speaking experience and weekend availability if you have it.
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