St. John’s Lutheran Church invites applicants for the full-time position of Lead Teacher for our Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC). This position reports directly to the Director of the ECEC.
Serves as the lead teacher in the 2, 3, or 4-year-old classroom. Plans curriculum implementation while mentoring teaching assistants and guiding students through daily schedule. Communicates with parents on student activities and general learning milestones.
We currently use the Creative Curriculum which is an early childhood education curriculum that builds children's confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills through hands-on, project-based investigations. In addition, we use the Little Lamb Religious Education series for educational materials designed to teach children about faith, character, and true confidence.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Classroom Management
Develops effective lesson plans
Leads daily activities
Maintains record keeping of student's activities and academic progress and observations
Student Interaction
Develops a positive and structured classroom environment that engages and motivates students
Helps children regulate their behavior using a Christ-centered positive approach
Recognizes individual needs of students in relation to special talents, interests, styles, disabilities, and pace of learning
Helps children to think creatively, to solve problems independently, and to respect themselves and others
Teaches children to express themselves, communicate, and collaborate well with others
Communication and relationships with parents
Conducts parent-teacher conferences and hosts other classroom functions, e.g., back-to-school night
Establishes relationships with each family to ensure the child's needs are met and maintained daily
Uses assessments and other diagnostic tools to monitor the progress of students
Updates classroom bulletin boards regularly to keep parents informed of current lesson plans, activity calendars, and meal schedules
Mentoring teaching assistants
Collaborates with colleagues in planning activities, monitoring student growth, mentoring, and lesson observations
Helps build a supportive, caring team by maintaining close communication with team teachers and staff
Personal annual training and professional development
Complete, annually, a minimum of 24 clock hours of training appropriate to the age of the classroom children.
Participate, annually, in professional development opportunities, including but not limited to college courses, training classes, conferences, membership in professional associations, and/or publications.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required
Child Development Associate (CDA) or Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or Early Childhood Special Education. If degree is in a different major, must have earned at least 36 college credits in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or Early Childhood Special Education. Alternatively, a state public school certification to teach children aged birth to 8 years will be accepted.
Minimum of 2 years classroom experience.
Active membership in a Christian congregation or willingness to join.
Preferred
Bachelor’s degree with focus in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or Early Childhood Special Education.
Active membership in an LCMS congregation.
Additional Requirements
Employment is contingent upon completion of background checks, health screenings, and required certifications, including CPR/First Aid and state-mandated training.
Note
This description reflects the general responsibilities of the role and may be adjusted as needed to support the mission and operations of St. John’s Lutheran Church.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY:
This is a unique opportunity to lead a thriving early childhood program where faith, learning, and community come together. At St. John’s Lutheran Church, you will find a supportive environment, meaningful relationships, and the chance to make a lasting impact on children and families.
This is an in-person position based in a professional early childhood setting within a church environment. The Director works closely with children, families, staff, and church leadership to create a welcoming, safe, and mission-driven community.
APPLY NOW!
Please submit your resume outlining your experience and interest in the role to our HR coordinator, Jennifer Smith, at finance@sjlc.com, or our ECEC Director, Amanda Parks, at ecec@sjlc.com, now!