Now Hiring: Lead Preschool Teacher

St. John the Baptist Catholic School is seeking an experienced, dedicated Lead Preschool Teacher to join our school family!

Our preschool program provides a faith-filled, play-based, developmentally appropriate learning environment serving children from young three-year-olds through young five-year-olds. Our classroom includes young threes who may be beginning their schooling journey, four-year-olds continuing to develop their independence and foundational skills, and five-year-olds preparing for kindergarten.

We are seeking an educator who understands early childhood education and the different developmental needs of children ages 3–5. The ideal candidate understands social-emotional development, academic development, faith-based learning, and, most importantly, play-based learning.

The Lead Preschool Teacher will take ownership of classroom leadership and instruction while working with the support and guidance of the Preschool Director.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences aligned with Indiana Early Learning Standards and the preschool curriculum.

• Develop and maintain weekly lesson plans that support children’s developmental and academic growth.

• Create meaningful opportunities for learning through play, centers, child choice, exploration, movement, conversation, and hands-on experiences.

• Differentiate learning experiences to meet the individual developmental needs of children ages 3–5.

• Foster children’s social, emotional, academic, physical, and spiritual development.

• Establish consistent, developmentally appropriate classroom routines, expectations, and positive guidance practices.

• Use observation and assessment to monitor children’s growth and guide instruction.

• Maintain a safe, positive, engaging, and organized classroom environment.

• Communicate effectively and professionally with families, classroom staff, and school leadership.

• Maintain classroom practices that support our Paths to QUALITY Level 4 standards and applicable Indiana licensing requirements.

• Incorporate Catholic faith and values naturally throughout the preschool day.

Qualifications

Previous preschool classroom experience is required.

• Commitment to remain in the Lead Preschool Teacher position through the conclusion of the 2026–2027 school year. Opportunity for continued employment in future school years may be available.

• Direct experience working with three-, four-, and five-year-old children together in a preschool classroom setting.

• Demonstrated ability to meet the different developmental needs of children across ages 3–5 within the same classroom.

• Strong understanding of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practices for preschool-aged children.

• Strong understanding of play-based learning and the ability to intentionally connect play with developmental and academic goals.

• Understanding of both social-emotional and academic development in early childhood.

• Ability to independently lead and manage a preschool classroom.

• High school diploma required.

• Additional early childhood education training required (e.g., ILEAD courses, Indiana Learning Paths).

• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and extended background check.

• Must complete and adhere to all Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend Safe Environment requirements and policies.

• Ability to obtain CPR & First Aid certification.

• Ability and willingness to meet all applicable Indiana licensing and Paths to QUALITY requirements.

• Strong communication, organization, collaboration, and classroom leadership skills.

• Support for the Catholic mission and values of St. John the Baptist Catholic School.

What We Offer

• A supportive, team-centered school community.

• Strong leadership support and collaboration with the Preschool Director.

• Curriculum, classroom resources, and planning support.

• Opportunities for creativity within our developmentally appropriate, play-based program.

• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

• A Paths to QUALITY Level 4 environment committed to high-quality early childhood education.

• A positive, faith-filled environment focused on the whole child.

If you are an experienced preschool educator who understands the incredible growth that happens between ages three and five and is ready to lead a classroom where faith, development, learning, and play work together, we would love to hear from you!

Apply Today

Contact Shannon Jones
sjones@stjohnsb.com