Lead Teacher

Job Description:

Pacific Oaks College and Children’s School

Children’s School

Lead Teacher

Full-time

Salary: $24.00 Per Hour

Pacific Oaks College and Children’s School is recruiting a Lead Teacher for their campus in Pasadena, California.

About Pacific Oaks College and Children's School

Pacific Oaks College and Children's School, located in Pasadena, California, is a nonprofit institution rooted in Quaker values and a strong social justice heritage. The College offers bachelor’s, master’s, a doctorate, and certificate programs in education, human development, counseling, and related fields, while the Children’s School is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in anti-bias education, emergent curriculum, and peaceful conflict resolution. Together, they foster inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments that honor the unique potential of every individual. Employees join a mission-driven community committed to respect, diversity, social justice, and lifelong learning.

About the Position

The Lead Teacher plays a critical role in delivering a high-quality, developmentally appropriate early childhood education program grounded in Pacific Oaks Children’s School’s progressive, emergent, and anti-bias philosophy. This position is responsible for classroom leadership, curriculum design and implementation, family engagement, and the supervision and mentoring of teaching staff and practicum students.

The Lead Teacher collaborates closely with fellow Lead Teachers, Master Teachers, and school leadership to support the whole child, foster inclusive learning environments, and advance school-wide initiatives. This role ensures effective classroom operations, strong home–school partnerships, and consistent alignment with the educational values and policies of Pacific Oaks Children’s School.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and adapt developmentally appropriate, emergent curriculum that supports the cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development of young children.
• Create and maintain safe, engaging indoor and outdoor learning environments that promote exploration, creativity, and well-being.
• Observe, assess, and document children’s development; prepare annual developmental summaries and maintain ongoing communication with families.
• Build and sustain collaborative partnerships with parents through regular communication, conferences, orientations, and school events.
• Supervise, mentor, and support Associate Teachers, Assistant Teachers, and practicum students; provide guidance on curriculum, classroom management, and professional growth.
• Coordinate daily classroom operations, including staffing needs, classroom organization, and compliance with health and safety requirements.
• Participate in school-wide initiatives, professional development activities, and other duties as assigned to support program success.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Eligibility to earn a graduate degree within two years of hire.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with young children in an early childhood education setting.
• Demonstrated commitment to progressive, play-based, and inclusive educational practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of experience working with young children in an early childhood education setting.
• Experience supervising or mentoring teaching staff or practicum students.
• Familiarity with emergent curriculum, anti-bias education, and family-centered practices.

Location

Pasadena, CA

Anticipated Salary

$24.00 Per Hour

Compensation & Benefits

https://www.pacificoaks.edu/about/careers-pacific-oaks/

Pacific Oaks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pacific Oaks participates in E-Verify and verifies identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired.
 

Compliance with Federal Antidiscrimination Guidance

Pacific Oaks College is committed to providing equal employment and educational opportunity to all people and strictly adheres to federal anti-discrimination laws. In accordance with DOJ guidance, the College affirms that no programs, hiring practices, promotions, admissions, or other decisions shall provide preferential treatment based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected characteristics without appropriate lawful rationale. The College will also ensure compliance of its third-party contractors or program partners in this regard.

Disclaimer

The duties listed above describe the general nature and level of work expected of faculty in this position and are not an exhaustive list of responsibilities. The College reserves the right to amend or modify the job description as institutional needs evolve. Pacific Oaks College provides equal employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or any other protected status under applicable law.