Job Title:                    Early Childhood Lead Teacher: Prekindergarten (Long-Term Substitute)

Office or Division:        Early Childhood & Lower School (ECLS) 

Reports To:                   Head of ECLS 

Effective Dates:            January - May 2026 (10-month, 1.0 FTE; possibility for continued

                                       employment for the 26-27 school year) 

The Wellington School, a vibrant PreK-12 independent school with 750 students in Columbus, Ohio, is dedicated to delivering an exceptional education through both traditional and innovative, hands-on teaching methods. Situated in a city known for its dynamic blend of culture and growth, Columbus offers an inviting and exciting place to live and work, boasting a thriving arts scene, multiple universities and higher education options, an expansive Metro Park system, diverse dining, and a welcoming spirit.

At Wellington, every member of our community plays a critical role in upholding our values as we help students find their purpose and realize their potential for tomorrow’s world. We strive to provide students, families, and faculty with an educational experience that challenges and inspires, helping all to achieve their fullest potential. Wellington is committed to providing its faculty and staff with professional development opportunities, a competitive compensation/benefits package, and a supportive work environment. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our unique approach to teaching and learning.

Mission
We help students find their purpose and realize their potential for tomorrow's world. 

Values
Be Curious
Be Yourself
Be Ambitious
Be Empathetic
Be Responsible

Position Description

We seek a caring and collaborative early childhood educator who can contribute the following to our spirited community: 

• Create a joyful, play-based classroom where young children feel known, supported, and eager to explore.
• Design developmentally responsive learning experiences that nurture early literacy, numeracy, fine-motor development, and project-based thinking.
• Observe children closely and adapt instruction to honor each learner’s strengths, needs, and developmental path.
• Partner with colleagues and families to build strong relationships grounded in trust, communication, and shared goals for each child.
• Cultivate an inclusive environment where every young learner feels a sense of belonging and practices empathy, independence, and collaboration.
• Engage in reflective practice and ongoing professional learning to support continuous growth as an early childhood educator.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a prekindergarten classroom of four-year-old learners with intentionality, warmth, and strong knowledge of early childhood best practices.
• Design and implement an engaging, developmentally appropriate curriculum that nurtures social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth.
• Integrate early literacy, numeracy, fine-motor development, and project-based learning experiences into playful, child-centered experiences.
• Create a classroom environment where children feel safe to take risks, engage with materials, and build meaningful early learning skills.
• Observe student learning, document growth, and adapt instruction to meet individual needs.
• Communicate clearly with families to build trust and support each child’s experience at school.
• Partner closely with the learning guide and collaborate with ECLS colleagues on planning, project work, routines, and student support.
• Contribute to school life through participation in meetings, professional learning, and community events.
• Uphold the mission and values of The Wellington School in all aspects of classroom and community life.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field required.
• Valid Ohio teaching license (or eligibility to obtain).
• Demonstrated experience teaching preschool-aged children, with a clear understanding of developmental stages.
• Strong classroom management rooted in relationships, consistency, and a supportive learning environment.
• Experience designing joyful, engaging learning experiences within a play-based and inquiry-driven framework.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Commitment to:
  • Cultural competency and inclusive teaching practices
  • Building a warm, respectful classroom community
  • Ongoing professional growth

Send your materials by December 15, 2025, to Cindy Hahn, ECLS administrative assistant, at hahn1@wellington.org

All candidates should include:

• Letter of interest
• Resume
• Completed application

The Wellington School encourages and welcomes applications from students, faculty, and staff without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, age, or other protected class. It does not unlawfully discriminate in the administration of its educational policies, financial aid programs, or school-administered extracurricular programs.

About The Wellington School

We believe every person plays a role in making Wellington a diverse, equitable, and inclusive place to learn, teach, and work. We seek to attract culturally and academically diverse faculty and staff who thrive on being engaged participants in our vibrant, innovative educational community. We embrace diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of our admission policies, financial aid, or employment.

Connections working at The Wellington School