Lead Teacher Preschool Classroom

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Bonus based on performance
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Tuition assistance
• Vision insurance

Full-Time | Monday–Friday | No Nights, No Weekends

$21 – $26/hour (based on education and experience)

We’re not looking for just anyone. We’re looking for an experienced, passionate lead teacher who takes pride in shaping how three-year-olds discover the world—and who wants to do it inside a school that was built from the ground up to be one of the best.

The Goddard School in Alexandria Old Town opened less than two years ago as a brand-new, purpose-built facility—one of the largest Goddard Schools in the region. Everything is modern, intentionally designed, and built for how early childhood education should actually work. Our teachers work alongside highly qualified co-teachers, have real planning time, manageable class sizes, and a leadership team that treats them like professionals—because they are.

If your current school undervalues you, overloads your classroom, or treats you like a babysitter instead of an educator—this ad is for you.

• Brand-new, purpose-built facility: Unlike schools operating out of converted buildings or aging spaces, our school was designed and built from scratch for early childhood education. It’s one of the largest Goddard Schools in the area, with a full-size gymnasium and modern classrooms equipped with everything you need to teach at your best.
• Highly qualified team: Our teaching staff holds CDA credentials or higher. You won’t be paired with under trained aides—you’ll work alongside educators who share your professional standards.
• True co-teaching model: Every 3-year-old classroom is staffed with two lead-qualified teachers. You will always have a skilled partner in the room—not a rotating substitute.
• Real planning time: You get dedicated, off-floor lesson planning time. We don’t expect you to plan curriculum while managing the classroom.
• Manageable classrooms: Our 3-year-old rooms have a 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio with a maximum of 20 children and two teachers. You will not be alone and overwhelmed.
• Programs beyond daycare: We offer a Private Kindergarten program, an Accelerated Pre-K program, and enrichment programming including Chess and Yoga. This is an academically serious school.
• Accredited quality: We are almost accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA-CSS)—a standard that goes beyond state licensing requirements.
• Old Town Alexandria location: Work in one of Northern Virginia’s most desirable neighborhoods—walkable, historic, and full of life. Your commute ends somewhere you actually want to be.

We believe in transparency. Here’s what we offer—no hedging, no “may include.”

• Pay: $21–$26/hour, based on your education, credentials, and experience. We reward qualifications.
• Health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance available.
• Paid time off: Up to 20 days PTO plus paid holidays.
• Childcare discount: 50% tuition discount for your own children enrolled at our school.
• Professional development: Access to Goddard Systems University (IACET-accredited CEUs), plus CDA credential support and tuition reimbursement for continuing education.
• Career growth: We promote from within. As a new and growing school with expanding programming and leadership roles, there are real advancement opportunities here—not just a poster on the wall about career paths.
• Recognition: Structured teacher recognition programs throughout the year.

• Design and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans that spark curiosity and build school-readiness skills in language, social-emotional development, and early math and science.
• Lead classroom operations—managing the daily schedule, setting expectations, and creating a structured yet joyful learning environment.
• Mentor and collaborate with your co-teacher and assistant staff, modeling best practices in early childhood education.
• Build genuine relationships with parents through daily communication—sharing milestones, discussing development, and partnering…