The Goddard School of Chicago (South Loop), IL·Chicago, Illinois
The Lead Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment while building strong relationships with children and families. They will plan developmentally appropriate learning experiences, maintain classroom documentation, and provide leadership to supporting staff.
Tuition reimbursement Retirement plan Referral program Employee assistance program 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee discounts Health insurance Paid time off Signing bonus Vision insurance Competitive salary Opportunity for advancement Training & development Tuition assistance The Goddard School of South Loop – Chicago, IL Full-Time | Lead Teacher(s)
Do you love working with young children, take pride in your classroom, and want to work at a school where great teachers are valued and supported?
The Goddard School of South Loop is looking for experienced and passionate Lead Teachers for our Toddler and Early Preschool classrooms. We believe children thrive when they are surrounded by teachers who are nurturing, dependable, engaged and genuinely excited to help them grow. We also believe great teachers deserve a workplace that invests in them. Our goal is to build a team of educators who don't simply supervise children—we want teachers who build relationships, create meaningful learning experiences, take ownership of their classrooms, support their teammates, and continue growing professionally.
As a Lead Teacher, you will take an active leadership role in your classroom and help create a safe, loving and engaging environment for children.
Build warm, trusting relationships with children and families Provide attentive, active supervision throughout the day Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences Create a classroom environment where children can explore, learn and develop independence Observe children's development and individual needs Maintain regular classroom documentation and family communication Establish consistent classroom routines and positive guidance practices Keep your classroom organized, welcoming and prepared for learning Work collaboratively with supporting teachers and provide classroom leadership and direction Participate in school events, professional development and team initiatives Partner with our leadership team when challenges arise rather than feeling like you have to solve everything alone
Genuinely enjoy spending their day with young children Are warm, patient and nurturing Understand that active supervision and children's safety come first Take ownership of their classroom rather than waiting to be told what needs to be done Are dependable and understand how much their attendance matters to children and their teammates Communicate professionally with families, coworkers and leadership Are comfortable receiving feedback and interested in continuing to grow Work well as part of a team Bring positive energy and solutions when challenges arise Understand that teaching young children involves much more than completing a lesson plan—it is about relationships, engagement, observation and purposeful interactions throughout the entire day
You do not need to know everything on Day One. We value teachers who are willing to learn, receptive to coaching and committed to becoming stronger educators.
We know that taking care of children begins with taking care of the people who teach them.
At The Goddard School of South Loop, we strive to create an environment where teachers feel supported, appreciated and able to grow.
Competitive compensation based on education and experience Paid time off Paid holidays Health and other eligible benefits 401(k) benefits Childcare benefits/discounts Professional development and training opportunities Support with continuing education and credential advancement Opportunities for increased responsibility and career growth Classroom resources and curriculum support Regular appreciation and recognition throughout the year An accessible leadership team that is actively involved in the school We believe good work should be noticed. We regularly recognize team members who demonstrate exceptional commitment, teamwork, professional growth and care for our children and families.
Our leadership team believes in coaching, not simply correcting. We understand that early childhood education can be demanding. When something isn't working, our goal is to identify the challenge, provide resources and support, and help our teachers become successful. At the same time, because families entrust us with their children every day, we hold ourselves to high standards for safety, professionalism, reliability and accountability.
If you are looking for a school where you can simply "watch kids," this probably isn't the right position.
But if you want to be part of a school where your work matters, where you can develop as an educator, and where strong teachers are genuinely valued, we would love to meet you.
Experience working with toddlers and/or preschool-age children Early Childhood Education coursework, degree, CDA or equivalent qualifications preferred Ability to meet Illinois DCFS Lead Teacher requirements for the assigned classroom Strong communication and teamwork skills Ability to meet the physical requirements of an early childhood classroom Commitment to maintaining all licensing, health and safety requirements
Experienced Assistant Teachers who meet Lead Teacher qualifications and are ready to take the next step in their career are also encouraged to apply.
The relationships our teachers build with children can last for years. Many of our families begin with us during infancy and remain through Pre-K, giving our educators the opportunity to watch children grow from babies into confident kindergarteners. We take that responsibility—and that privilege—seriously. If you're an educator who wants to make an impact, continue growing, and be part of a supportive school community, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and tell us a little about what you love most about working with young children.
Candidates should have experience working with toddlers or preschool-age children and the ability to meet Illinois DCFS Lead Teacher requirements. Early Childhood Education coursework, a degree, or a CDA credential is preferred.
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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