About this role
Job Description: St. Paul the Apostle Early Childhood Center is seeking a full-time Lead Teacher for our Preschool 4 classroom, beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. We are looking for a warm, creative, and dedicated educator who will foster a nurturing learning environment and lead with a passion for hands-on, inquiry-based learning. The ideal candidate brings a love for early childhood education, a collaborative spirit, and a desire to integrate the Catholic faith into the daily experiences of young children in meaningful and age-appropriate ways. Schedule School Year Shift Monday – Friday 9:00am-5:00pm Summer Shift Monday-Thursday 7:30am-5:30pm General Responsibilities: The duties of the lead preschool teacher include but are not limited to:
• Works closely with assistants and support staff to ensure consistency in classroom management and lesson execution.
• Is responsible for planning and implementing age-appropriate experiences that advance intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development, incorporating Christ-centered teachings and values.
• Observe and assess children’s progress, document learning milestones, and tailor instruction to meet individual needs.
• Build strong relationships with families through regular communication, report cards, and parent-teacher conferences.
• Implements positive reinforcement strategies to support children’s emotional regulation and social skills while promoting Catholic values. Benefits
• 3 personal days and 6 sick days in addition to school year planned breaks: 2 weeks Christmas, 1 week spring break, 3 days over Thanksgiving.
• Group Health and Dental Insurance
• Professional learning assistance
• Daily planning time
• Collaboration with other preschool teaching staff
• Retirement plan
• Discounted daily in house lunches
• PK-8th free tuition Candidates must meet the following qualifications:
• Bachelor’s Degree with early childhood emphasis or an associate degree with early childhood credentials
• CPR and First Aid Certified or willingness to be trained (employer will pay for training)
• Previous experience working in a preschool or early childhood setting.
• Commitment to fostering the faith of the children.
• Excellent classroom management skills.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Proficient usage and integration of technology in the classroom setting
• Commitment to lifelong learning as demonstrated by attendance at seminars, in-services, and training
• The candidate should be Catholic and uphold the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Must have or willing to take Virtus – Protecting God’s Children Training Please send electronic letters of interest and resumes, along with an employment application (https://dioceseofgrandrapids.na2.echosign.com/public/esignWidget?wid=CBFCIBAA3AAABLblqZhBk0q-RBzOxz24dAjpVHUKvmWJEi3SV9H1Wbyix6dBLgWMdu7wHDciMd3112kZhiGE*) to: St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School Sarah Kleinschmit Early Childhood Director [email protected]