The Gardner School·Brentwood, Tennessee
The Lead Toddler Teacher is responsible for leading and inspiring the classroom through engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons while maintaining a safe and joyful environment. They will also mentor assistant teachers and build meaningful relationships with children and their families.
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We're Hiring!
Join our team as a Lead Teacher at The Gardner School of Brentwood!
We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Toddler Teacher working in our State-of-the-Art facility.
At The Gardner School of Brentwood, 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 $17.00-$23.00 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 (required); Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related degree (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 Abilities: Strong understanding of child development principles and early childhood education best practices. (Required) Excellent communication, leadership, time management and organizational skills. (Required) Ability to create and maintain a positive and engaging learning environment. CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain) (Required). Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. (Required) Intermediate PC skills and proficiency with general administrative tasks. (Required) Possess a valid driver’s license. Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently, sufficient to communicate effectively with students, families, and staff, implement curriculum and safety procedures, and complete written reports. Physical Demands: Frequently lifts or moves weight as in lifting, carrying, and holding children and infants of 10 to 60 pounds. Ability to read, write, speak, hear, think, communicate, concentrate, learn, and work. Ability to operate computer, phone, and other office equipment as needed. Regular and reliable attendance. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. The Gardner School is an academically focused preschool for ages 6 Weeks to 5 Years. We have created a rich learning environment that stimulates our students’ physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. We provide extensive training, orientation, and continuing education programs. We have locations in 8 states and are growing. We strongly believe in a strong internal path to promotions, rewarding our amazing teachers with opportunities to gain experience within our privately-owned company. Above all, we choose faculty members who love the early childhood profession and have a strong, positive curiosity about life that sparks confidence and joy in those around 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.
Candidates must hold a CDA or Associate's degree, with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education preferred. At least 2 years of early childhood education experience and current CPR/First Aid certification are required.
Market context
Lead Toddler Teacher roles in Tennessee are often competitive because centers look for candidates who can manage a busy classroom, support early development, and meet licensing or program standards. A high school diploma is required here, with a CDA or higher preferred, plus at least two years of Early Childhood Education experience. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then tailor your application to highlight classroom management and toddler-age experience.