Early Childhood Teacher - Lead Teacher Track

Job Description

Job Description

The Bellwether School is seeking an exceptional Preschool Teacher to join our vibrant, progressive learning community.

The Bellwether School is a nonprofit, holistic preschool in Williston, Vermont, serving children ages three to five. For more than 30 years, Bellwether has offered a high-quality, Reggio Emilia-inspired early childhood program grounded in the belief that children learn best through play, meaningful relationships, and authentic experiences.

We are looking for a reflective, experienced educator who thrives in a dynamic environment and is excited to be part of a warm, collaborative school community.

We place a strong emphasis on social-emotional development, curiosity, and learning that grows from children’s emerging interests. We are seeking a teacher who is passionate about early childhood education, knowledgeable about child development and developmentally appropriate practice, and committed to creating a nurturing, engaging, and child-centered learning environment. Our teachers value children as capable, curious learners and approach their work as observers, collaborators, and facilitators of children’s exploration and discovery.

As Bellwether continues to expand its early childhood program, we are looking for someone who is excited to contribute to a collaborative teaching team, grow alongside our program, and help shape meaningful learning experiences for young children. This position offers the opportunity for a strong candidate to step into a co-lead position immediately, or grow into leading a classroom in the following school year as our program develops. We are looking for someone who is ready to join our team as soon as possible.

The Ideal Candidate

You are:

• Passionate about play-based, emergent curriculum
• Grounded in relationship-centered teaching
• Skilled at creating inclusive, engaging classroom environments
• Reflective and committed to ongoing professional growth
• Energized by collaboration and community

Qualifications

• Minimum of an Associate degree or higher in early childhood education with a Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level Three (3) Certificate
• At least two years of professional experience working directly with young children in an early childhood setting.
• Excellent classroom management skills and familiarity with using emotion processing and positive approaches to behavior.
• Strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practice.
• A genuine passion for early childhood education and a commitment to play-based, child-centered learning.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including proficiency with relevant technology.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and build positive, respectful relationships with children and families.
• Interest in and readiness to grow into a classroom leadership role as Bellwether's program expands.
• Comfort with and experience in extending children’s learning outdoors and fostering a connection to the natural world.
• Current infant/child CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain certification within the required timeframe.
• Completion of Vermont Mandated Reporter Training and required Vermont orientation training, or willingness to complete required training within the applicable timeframe.
• Successful completion of all required background checks and clearances in accordance with Vermont regulations.
• Vermont Agency of Education teaching license with an endorsement in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education a plus!

Responsibilities

• Build positive, lasting relationships with children, colleagues, and families, fostering a warm, inclusive, and collaborative school community.
• Collaborate with the co-teacher to plan and implement a responsive, child-centered curriculum aligned with the Vermont Early Learning Standards, consistent with Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations, and grounded in the belief that children learn best through play and meaningful, hands-on experiences.
• Observe, document, and assess children’s learning and development using Teaching Strategies GOLD (TSG) and individual child portfolios.
• Make children’s learning visible through thoughtful classroom documentation that reflects their questions, interests, discoveries, and development.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with families through email, newsletters, scheduled conferences, and daily conversations at drop-off and pick-up.
• Maintain accurate records and uphold confidentiality in all aspects of the role.
• Contribute to maintaining Bellwether’s high standards of care and education, including compliance with and a commitment to exceeding applicable state licensing requirements and meeting program quality standards through Vermont STARS.
• Engage actively in ongoing professional development, maintain an individual professional development plan, and apply current research and best practices in early childhood education.
• Incorporate outdoor exploration and nature-based experiences into the curriculum, fostering children’s curiosity, connection to, and appreciation for the natural world.
• Participate fully in a collaborative teaching team, contributing to curriculum planning, reflective practice, and the ongoing growth of the program.
• Develop the planning, communication, and classroom leadership skills needed to take on increased responsibility, with the potential to lead a classroom in the following school year.
• Meet the physical demands of the position, including lifting 40 pounds or more and actively participating in indoor and outdoor activities with young children.
• Supporting children along their development in toilet training and diapering.
• Assist in cleaning the classroom at the end of the day.