Lead Preschool Teacher

Build a World of Wonder Every Day!

Location: San Leandro, CA |

Type: Full-Time |

Pay: $27–$29/hr

Do you believe that a cardboard box can be a spaceship, a garden is the best classroom, and a child’s "why" is the most important question of the day? At Temple Beth Sholom, we are looking for a creative, nurturing, and high-energy Lead Teacher to help lead our inquiry-based preschool.

If you are a passionate educator who values Jewish culture, understands the magic of early childhood, and thrives in a supportive, collaborative environment, we want to meet you.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• A Culture of Kehillah (Community): Work in a diverse, inclusive environment where we celebrate the "whole child" and the "whole teacher."
• Comprehensive Wellness: We take care of our team with health insurance, including dental and vision coverage.
• Abundant Rest: Enjoy a work-life balance that includes accrued PTO plus paid time off for both Federal and Jewish holidays.
• Meaningful Pedagogy: Move beyond rote learning. We practice an inquiry-based model that balances child-initiated discovery with teacher-directed wonder.
• Professional Growth: We value your expertise. This role offers the opportunity for classroom leadership, staff mentorship, and dedicated support for continuing education.

The Role

As a Lead Teacher, you are the heartbeat of the classroom. You’ll work supportively with a co-teacher to create a space where children aged 2–5 feel safe to explore, take risks, and grow.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead with Heart: Manage a classroom of 12–20 students with positivity and respect; provide mentorship to assistant staff as requested by the Director.
• Curriculum Design: Develop hands-on lesson plans for both indoor and outdoor play, focusing on language, cognitive skills, and social-emotional development.
• Community Connection: Act as a warm, professional bridge for families, ensuring daily positive communication and insightful parent-teacher conferences.
• Cultural Celebration: Bring Jewish customs, traditions, and holidays to life through stories, songs, and activities (training provided; familiarity preferred!).
• Safe & Sound: Maintain an orderly, attractive environment and ensure total compliance with Community Care Licensing (CCL) and health regulations.

Who You Are

• Qualified: You hold a BA degree in ECE (or a relevant field) and have at least 12 ECE units or a CDA Permit. (Site Permit is a major plus!)
• Experienced: You have at least 2 years of teaching experience and a deep understanding of child growth and development.
• Communicative: You have excellent verbal and written skills and can navigate parent partnerships with empathy and clarity.
• Committed: You have a negative TB test, CPR/First Aid certification, and are ready to pass a Livescan background check.
• Active & Engaged: You are ready to move! You can lift up to 40 lbs and are comfortable stooping, kneeling, and playing at eye-level with your students.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $27.00 – $29.00 per hour.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Time Off: Monthly accruing PTO plus paid Federal and Jewish holidays.
• Future: Retirement plan options and professional development budget.

Ready to Join the Fun?

If you’re ready to inspire the next generation of thinkers and dreamers, we can’t wait to hear from you! Please send your resume and a brief letter of interest to:

Email: ***email_hidden***

Temple Beth Sholom is an equal opportunity employer. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.