Early Childhood Educator

Bloom Community School is an independent, non-profit, private school dedicated to project-based education located in Normal, Illinois. We serve students PreK-8 in mixed-age classrooms using inclusive, inquiry-based, and student-centered learning approaches. Key components of our teaching philosophy and everyday practice include supporting and promoting positive social and emotional development, outdoor learning, and community-based learning. Our facilities are housed in the historic Normandy Village campus and are surrounded on all sides by public playing fields, playgrounds, a botanical garden, and a food forest.

We are currently looking for an early childhood educator to join our team for the upcoming school year (2026-2027) and beyond. The position involves teaching a mixed age classroom with a small student to teacher ratio. Team-teaching opportunities and teacher-mentoring in project-based education approaches will be provided.

Bloom Community School is strongly committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community of teachers and students. We seek candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity and inclusivity. Candidates from marginalized backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.

Job Responsibilities

• Plan, teach, and co-teach using play-based, inquiry-based and project-based approaches.
• Support student social and emotional development, including guiding groups through restorative justice circles, facilitating student-driven conflict resolution, and promoting mindfulness.
• Use a multi-sensory, structured literacy approach to teaching reading and writing.
• Develop innovative and creative lesson plans, including plans that involve outdoor learning and community-based learning.
• Establish and maintain an inclusive classroom environment.
• Maintain regular communication with parents demonstrating class activities.
• Work with community partners to develop out-of-classroom educational programming.
• Coordinate with the teaching team and administrative staff on student needs, wellness, and curriculum.
• Develop and communicate holistic student assessments with a focus on documenting and promoting student development throughout the school year.
• Assist with the coordination of school activities and events.

Job Skills & Qualifications

• At least one of the following:
• Teaching certificate or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or Education.
• Previous full-time employment teaching in play-based/project-based education schools.

• Open to learning and exploring new teaching skills and approaches, including:

• Co-teaching and co-planning with a team.
• Guiding student groups through restorative justice circles, facilitating

student-driven conflict resolution, and promoting mindfulness.

• Willingness to take teaching risks.
• Ability to work with students with a wide range of academic and social/emotional needs.
• Clear communicator. Must have strong communication and writing skills.
• Must be willing to participate in school governance.

Pay: $40,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,000 - $45,000