Lead Teacher

Position: Lead Teacher

Pay: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour

Location: Midland MI

Reports to: Program Director

General Overview

Playful Scholars is opening a brand-new, state-of-the-art early learning center, and we are carefully building our founding team of Lead Educators. This role is for experienced teachers who want more than a classroom—they want a voice, leadership, and the opportunity to help shape a school from the ground up.

The Lead Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment rooted in Montessori-inspired methodology. Lead Teachers guide children’s development, mentor classroom staff, build strong partnerships with families, and ensure classroom practices align with Playful Scholars’ philosophy, licensing requirements, and program standards.

What You’ll Do

• Create and lead a creative, safe, and engaging classroom environment
• Implement Montessori-inspired lessons that support children’s social, emotional, and academic development
• Develop weekly lesson plans and maintain required classroom documentation
• Rotate and update classroom materials to support engagement and growth
• Complete student evaluations and documentation
• Lead classroom routines, transitions, and daily operations
• Participate in drills, special events, and school-wide activities

Family Partnership

• Maintain consistent, professional communication with families
• Build strong, trusting relationships through daily interactions
• Share classroom updates, student progress, and concerns as needed
• Lead and support families during parent–teacher conferences

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Complete incident reports accurately and promptly
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom environment
• Ensure Montessori-inspired practices are consistently followed
• Support compliance with state licensing and program requirements

Why Playful Scholars

• Be part of a founding leadership team shaping a new center
• Opportunity to influence curriculum, classroom culture, and best practices
• Paid time off because rest makes better educators
• Supportive leadership and competitive compensation
• Professional development that is paid, relevant, and respected

Qualifications

• Montessori Certification, CDA, or Bachelor’s Degree (one required)
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a childcare or Montessori setting
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a team

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 45 lbs. and actively supervise children
• Ability to stand, walk, and engage for extended periods

Playful Scholars is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic under applicable law.

Pay: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person