Smith Street Maternelle is a French-immersion preschool in Brooklyn rooted in progressive early childhood education, bilingualism, intellectual curiosity, creativity, and deep respect for children’s inner lives. Across our campuses, we cultivate warm, thoughtful classroom communities where children are known well, families are welcomed into partnership, and teachers are supported in doing meaningful, reflective work.

We are seeking a Lead Teacher for the 2026-27 school year.

Key Responsibilities As Lead Teacher: 

• Designing and implementing a developmentally appropriate, child centered curriculum aligned with school philosophy and learning goals;
• Planning engaging, emergent lessons and activities in collaboration with associate teacher(s);
• Modeling and facilitating language immersion in French throughout the day; 
• Maintaining appropriate classroom ratios and ensuring a safe, supportive environment for all children; 
• Guiding and mentoring associate teacher(s), including providing regular feedback and modeling strong teaching practices; 
• Building trusting relationships with families, including: 
• Writing thoughtful conference reports twice per year, 
• Leading parent-teacher conferences twice per year, 
• Sending a consistent, reflective weekly classroom newsletter. 
• Communicating with families in a manner that is open, professional, and grounded in partnership;
• Creating and maintaining a clean, organized, and engaging classroom environment that reflects the interests and ideas of the children;
• Contributing to documentation of learning, including displays, portfolios, and pedagogical reflections;
• Supporting an inclusive classroom culture that affirms each child’s identity and fosters a sense of belonging;
• Participating in ongoing professional development, team meetings, and school wide events;
• Upholding all health, safety, and licensing requirements;
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Site Director or Head of School.

• French language proficiency (Required)
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or related field (Required)
  
• Two years of documented early childhood teaching experience (Required)
  
• Familiarity with French immersion, bilingual education, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Bank Street, or progressive education (Strongly Preferred)
• New York state teaching certification (Preferred)