Full-time

Schedule: 7:45 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday–Friday

10 month, Exempt

Reports to: Director of Early Childhood & Lower School 

Start Date: August 14, 2026

The Opportunity: Inspiring the Joy of Learning

Do you believe that Kindergarten should be a masterclass in curiosity, where play is the engine of intellectual discovery? Summit School is seeking an expert Early Childhood Lead Teacher who understands that a child’s first formal school years set the stage for a lifetime of engagement.

At Summit, our motto is "Inspiring Learning." We are a community that believes learning is a journey that should be joyful and that curiosity is essential to true discovery. As a Lead Teacher, you will be a pivotal architect of this experience, joining a team dedicated to ensuring every child feels they belong and matter.

Your Role and Impact

As one of three Kindergarten Lead Teachers, you will lead a vibrant classroom community on our expansive 28-acre campus. This role is defined by:

• A Collaborative Partnership: You will work in a high-functioning teaching team, collaborating daily with a dedicated assistant teacher to provide an exceptional, individualized experience for every student.
• Responsive Pedagogy: You will utilize the Responsive Classroom framework to build a culture of respect, empathy, and social-emotional growth.
• Research Informed Instruction: You will develop and implement engaging, child-centered learning that balance foundational literacy and numeracy with hands-on exploration.
• Inclusive Excellence: You will create an environment where children with diverse learning profiles flourish and where the "whole child" is celebrated.

Why Summit School?

We recognize that the most significant variable in a student’s success is the quality of their teacher. To support your growth, we offer:

• Exceptional Professional Development: A longstanding tradition of providing significant, school-funded opportunities for national conferences, summer study, and advanced certifications.
• A Culture of Belonging: You will join a faculty committed to the school’s mission and to fostering an inclusive community of engaged citizens.
• An Inspiring Environment: Access to innovative indoor and outdoor learning spaces that act as the "third teacher" in your daily practice.

• Educational Foundation: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field (Master’s degree valued).
• Classroom Experience: A minimum of two years of experience in early childhood settings, with a deep understanding of the developmental needs of children ages five to seven.
• Pedagogical Skill: Demonstrated ability to motivate young children through a combination of play-based and inquiry-driven instruction.
• Effective Communication: Strong skills in collaborating with colleagues and partnering with families to support student literacy and development.
• Reflective Practice: A proven commitment to continuous personal professional development and a desire to contribute to a collaborative division-wide team.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer or standing to teach.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to traverse the classroom and adjust one's tone and height, by bending or leaning, in order to teach each child.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a cover letter through the Summit School Paycom online application system. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as they are submitted.

Summit School is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to building a diverse faculty that reflects the world our students will lead.