What You'll Do

Core Responsibilities

Staff Leadership & Culture

• Provide coaching, mentorship, and support for all PreK teaching staff
• Partner with Executive Director (ED) on matters relating to PreK staff and support annual review process
• Serve as a primary point of communication for staff concerns, morale, and feedback
• Foster a collaborative, relationship-based staff culture rooted in community and trust
• Collaborate closely with Infant/Toddler Coordinator to ensure continuity between infant/toddler and PreK programming
• Participate in strategic planning conversations and support mission- and values-driven decision making
• Communicate and collaborate with the Board of Directors and relevant committees as needed

Programming & Classroom Leadership

• Spend an average of at least 60% of work time in classrooms providing hands-on support, modeling, and coverage
• Support teachers with pedagogy, curriculum development, parent communication, and classroom systems
• Collaborate with the ED on staffing plans, schedules, and classroom coverage
• Identify classroom and playground needs related to safety, programming, and functionality
• Ensure program quality and consistency aligned with the school’s values and pedagogical philosophy
• Coordinate summer camp programming and support summer staff hiring

Special Education & Student Support

• Coordinate with the ED to support students with special education needs
• Help ensure inclusion practices are respectful, feasible, and sustainable for staff
• Support staff access to relevant training and resources for working with diverse learners

Staffing, Recruitment & Hiring

• Lead PreK recruitment efforts in collaboration with the ED
• Develop job postings, outreach strategies, and candidate pipelines
• Conduct initial interviews and coordinate second-round interviews with ED
• Provide hiring recommendations focused on instructional quality, classroom fit, and alignment with the Turtle Island mission and vision

Onboarding & Professional Development

• Lead onboarding and orientation for new staff
• Review policies, procedures, and handbook expectations with incoming employees
• Track certifications, professional development requirements, and related documentation
• Coordinate professional development opportunities with school leadership
• Support the ED with performance management, redirective feedback, and improvement plans when needed

Staff Meetings & Communication

• Lead staff meetings focused on:
• Curriculum and pedagogy
• Classroom practices
• Professional growth
• Staff morale and culture
• Create and distribute a monthly staff newsletter
• Contribute programmatic insight to strategic planning and mission-driven discussions

Systems & Documentation

• Collaborate with the ED to maintain and update the Staff Handbook
• Ensure staff practices align with licensing requirements and school policies
• Maintain current Act 166 prequalification status and yearly renewals
• Ensure curriculum alignment with Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS)
• Serve as Teaching Strategies GOLD (TSG) site administrator
• Support teachers in completing TSG reports and checkpoint requirements
• Coordinate caregiver conference scheduling with the ED and Infant/Toddler Coordinator 

Board & Committee Participation

• Attend Teacher Advisory Committee meetings
• Participate in at least one board committee (encouraged)

Requirements

Ideal Qualifications

• Vermont Educator ECE license or Elementary license with an ECE endorsement required
• Experience in early childhood education and classroom leadership
• Strong interpersonal, coaching, and communication skills
• Commitment to collaborative and relationship-centered leadership
• Knowledge of inclusive practices and child development
• Experience with curriculum planning, staff support, and program coordination
• Ability to balance administrative systems work with hands-on classroom engagement
• Familiarity with licensing standards, Act 166, and Teaching Strategies GOLD preferred

Nice to Have

What We Value

We are looking for someone who:

• Leads with empathy, flexibility, and curiosity
• Builds trust and strong working relationships
• Supports educators through mentorship rather than hierarchy
• Values inclusion, collaboration, and reflective practice
• Believes strong staff culture is essential to high-quality early childhood education

Benefits