The Gardner School·District of Columbia
Lead and inspire a classroom while mentoring assistant teachers to maintain high standards of care and education. Build meaningful relationships with families and children while ensuring a safe and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
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.
We're Hiring!
Join our team as a Lead Teacher at The Gardner School of Union Row!
We have an exciting opportunity for Lead Infant & Two's Teachers working in our State-of-the-Art facility.
At The Gardner School of Union Row, we believe learning begins with love — for children, for teaching, and for making a difference.
Join our passionate, professional team in our state-of-the-art preschool, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated every day.
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
Competitive Pay: The starting pay range is $21.25-$26.25 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
Education/Certification: AA in ECE or related; or at least 60 credit hours/AA in any subject area with 12 credit hours in ECE; or enrollment in a degree program provided candidate holds CDA and earns AA within 4 years of hire date. 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.
Requires an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or equivalent credit hours, along with at least two years of experience. Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. and possess or be willing to obtain CPR/First Aid certification.
Market context
In District of Columbia, lead infant and two's teacher roles are typically competitive because centers look for candidates with early childhood credentials, classroom experience, and current or obtainable CPR/First Aid certification. These positions often appeal to applicants who want a structured classroom setting with benefits such as health, dental, vision, paid holidays, and a 401(k) match. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your degree, experience, and certification status before applying.