Preschool Lead Teacher 

A full-time benefits-eligible position beginning August 20, 2025 

NPES is seeking an experienced, progressive, collaborative, and culturally-responsive early childhood expert and educator to be a lead teacher in the school’s outstanding Reggio-inspired preschool program, working with our threes, the entry class for our preschool through eighth grade independent school. 

A successful candidate will bring considerable developmental expertise, confidence, warmth, joy, and a process-oriented play-based approach to educating NPES’ youngest learners. A deep understanding of the social-emotional and intellectual needs of 3 and 4 year olds is a must. In the NPES early childhood program, teachers act as observers and guides, assisting students in purposeful play to organically develop foundational academic and social skills for success in the years ahead. Curating project-based, thematic learning opportunities in high-interest, emergent areas of study–with the development of social-emotional skills always at the forefront–is the hallmark of the NPES early childhood program. 

The lead teacher works closely and collaboratively with one full-time associate teacher in the preschool classroom (students who are three-years-old in the fall) as well as a part-time early childhood Art Teacher and a part-time Early Childhood Aid, while also being part of an early childhood team (Preschool and Junior Kindergarten) of 6 educators, including an experienced Team Leader. 

Responsibilities 

• Create and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences for 3-4 year olds in response to their interests 
• Differentiate curriculum proactively and responsively to meet the needs of all students
• Create and maintain an environment that is deeply rooted in SEL and is respectful to children; they should have voice and know they matter 
• Establish clear and healthy expectations and routines for the class that create a predictable, safe, supportive, and stable classroom environment 
• Document and display evidence of learning in ways that tell the story and communicate the skills gained 
• Provide daily opportunities for fine and large motor activities, social emotional experiences, literacy, science and math foundations rooted in emergent themes
• Build positive relationships with children, colleagues, and families 
• Serve as an expert in early childhood and as a resource for preschool parents through ongoing parent education 
• Communicate effectively and frequently in both informal and formal ways to families and maintain positive engagement with colleagues
• Create digital portfolios to present at parent-teacher conferences with meaningful examples of individual growth 
• Collaborate with the early childhood teaching team and co-curricular teachers to ensure learning is expansive and holistic 
• Delegate and communicate clearly with the assigned associate teacher
• Participate in ongoing professional development throughout the school year and continually grow in best practices 
• Participate in faculty meetings, parent-teacher conferences, field trips, and other important school gatherings. 
• Other duties assigned 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development (master’s degree strongly preferred) 
• A minimum of 3 years’ lead teaching experience working in early childhood (an elementary school setting preferred) 
• A proven track record with play-based, age-appropriate, emergent curriculum
• Knowledge and experience in Reggio Emilia, Responsive Classroom, and Positive Discipline is a plus 
• An understanding of the developmental needs of children ages three and four (intellectually and social-emotionally) and the ability to structure and maintain a healthy, respectful, and positive classroom community
• A philosophy and approach rooted in the importance of play and an ability to develop emergent curriculum authentically in response to student interest 
• A growth mindset, seeing mistakes as opportunities for growth, and a belief that learning, while it involves struggle and the need for resilience, should be joyful
• Strong executive functioning and communication skills (both written and oral)
• A commitment to the cultural curiosity and literacy necessary to contribute with intention to an affirming, inclusive, equitable, and just community where all possess dignity and respect
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and administration to support and extend the objectives of the curriculum and the well-being of students

About North Park Elementary School

North Park Elementary School is an independent school accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) located in Chicago's North Center-Ravenswood community. North Park serves 239 students in Preschool through 8th Grade Our students grow in the context of a positive, authentic, and committed independent school community of educators who know and appreciate them, peers who care for and support them, and parents and caregivers who engage meaningfully in our community. We are dedicated to raising confident, self-reliant individuals in partnership with families, instilling a sense of curiosity, a passion for learning, and a commitment to impacting the broader community in positive ways. North Park seeks to nurture curiosity, spark creativity, and sustain a vibrant, inclusive, community that supports all students, helping them become the best version of themselves. North Park believes that diversity is a critical source of strength for all. For more on the school’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, visit https://www.npeschool.org/about-us/dei/

Connections working at North Park Elementary School