Lead Preschool Teacher

Hiring a Lead Preschool Teacher! About University Temple Children’s School (UTCS) UTCS is a Reggio-inspired, play-based preschool in Seattle’s U District. We are a small but growing nonprofit school known for our low ratios, deep respect for children’s autonomy, and a joyful, inclusive community of educators and families. We’ve opened two new classrooms in the last year with plans for one more (five classrooms total) and are excited to welcome more thoughtful, confident educators to our team. Who We’re Looking For You might be a great fit if you: • Thrive with autonomy and take initiative in your teaching • Are confident supporting risky play and social-emotional learning • See planning and documentation as vital to your teaching, not an extra burden • Are reflective and open to feedback • Ask for help when you need it, and offer it in return • Love the challenge of creating a fantastic curriculum and are not satisfied with pre-made/boxed lesson plans • Believe in the power of constructivist, relationship-based teaching What we love about this school: • Co-Lead Teaching Model: Collaborate with another lead teacher. We share classroom responsibilities, ideas, and decisions so everyone’s strengths can shine. • Autonomy and Real Support: Our teachers have ownership and creative control over their classrooms and are backed by: • Weekly paid planning time (We aim for 3-4 hours of planning per week for each teaching team) • Monthly classroom supply budgets • Full-time mentor teacher for real-time coaching • Coverage for teaching team meetings • Full time support (float) teachers so coverage for lunches is ensured and the children have consistent, familiar faces around • Quarterly in-service days with PD workshops • A yearly budget for self-directed professional development • Full benefits that are beyond market rate to balance pay scaleBeyond-market-rate benefits, surpassing typical compensation, are provided to offset the pay scale. • Strong Philosophy, Real Materials: We’re Reggio-inspired, with play as the foundation for all learning, and children and their teachers as partners in experiencing the world. You’ll have a beautiful classroom environment to bring emergent curriculum to life, supported by ongoing training and our growing material library, which we're expanding through grants. • Low Ratios That Make a Big Impact: Meaningful relationships with children are possible here because you’re not stretched too thin to notice the magic moments. • Outdoor Component: Risky play and rain-or-shine exploration are integral parts of our program and amazing opportunities for learning and community connections. • Real Support from Admin: Admin has teaching experience, listens to staff feedback, and partners with teachers to support their classes. Balancing collaboration with teachers, including stepping into classrooms as needed while still allowing classrooms to run independently • Community-Centered: Our school isn’t just a place, it's a network of educators, children, and families who know and support each other. • Commitment to Anti-Bias and Inclusive Practices:We actively challenge bias and promote inclusivity, ensuring all children, families, and staff feel seen and supported through ongoing anti-bias training, a dedicated budget, and strong partnerships with anti-bias leaders in the early childhood field and occupational therapy services to enhance our classroom practices and support the diverse needs of our community. Our Teaching Philosophy Our program is rooted in a play-based approach that respects children as capable and curious young people who deserve loving environments that will help them thrive. As Reggio-influenced educators we know that learning is most powerful when it's relevant, relationship-based, and joyful. Teachers facilitate open-ended exploration and social-emotional growth by: • Designing emergent curriculum based on children’s interests • Emphasis on place-based curriculum • Supporting self-regulation and emotional expression • Embracing risky play and outdoor learning in all of the weather Seattle has to offer • Engaging in anti-bias education and inclusion work as a team and individually This role is bothchallenging and rewarding. We’ll support you with the tools and time to thrive while expecting professionalism, strong communication, and a passion for early learning. Requirements • ECE Certificate • Preferred Associates or Bachelors in ECE or related field • Minimum 2 years of experience in early childhood education • We value diverse educational backgrounds. If you believe you're a good fit but don't meet a specific requirement, please apply and share your experience. • Portable Background Check • MMR and COVID-19 vaccinations • CPR, First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens, TB Test • Food Handler’s Permit Schedule and Compensation • Full-time: Monday-Friday with 8-hour shifts between 8:00am-5:45pm • Paid lunch hour included in shift length • Maintain work/life balance with no nights, no weekends Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including: • Employer paid Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance • 401(k) + Matching • 4 weeks total of Paid Sick Leave + Personal Time Off • ~15 Paid Holidays per year • ORCA Transit Pass (unlimited rides) or discounted parking pass • Professional Development Stipend • Discounted tuition for your own children Job Type: Full-time Pay: $22.67 - $25.78 per hour Benefits: • 401(k) • 401(k) matching • Dental insurance • Employee discount • Health insurance • Paid time off • Professional development assistance • Retirement plan • Vision insurance Experience: • Preschool: 2 years (Preferred) Ability to Commute: • Seattle, WA 98105 (Required) Ability to Relocate: • Seattle, WA 98105: Relocate before starting work (Required) Work Location: In person