PreK English Lead Teacher
PreK English Lead Teacher
Location: Washington, D.C.
Model: 50/50 English-Hebrew Immersion
Our Mission
Sela was founded to dismantle educational inequity, racial segregation, and cultural isolation. We provide a space where students are celebrated as they begin their journey as global citizens. As a bilingual Hebrew-English school, we proudly serve over 280 students from Pre-K3 through 5th grade in the heart of DC.
The Role
As a PreK English Lead Teacher, you will serve as a homeroom co-teacher within our 50/50 immersion model. You will work jointly with a Hebrew language co-teacher to lead all aspects of the instructional day. You will take the lead on English language arts, foundational math, and social-emotional instruction, while partnering with your co-teacher to create a seamless, nurturing dual-language environment. You will be responsible for delivering high-quality, play-based instruction that meets the developmental needs of our youngest learners.
Key Responsibilities
Instructional Excellence: Design engaging, play-based lesson plans that foster curiosity, language acquisition, and foundational skills.
Data-Driven Growth: Use authentic, observational assessments (such as GOLD) to track developmental milestones, tailor small-group learning, and support student growth.
Classroom Culture: Maintain a warm, joyful, and predictable learning environment using positive guidance and developmentally appropriate routines.
Collaboration: Partner closely with your Hebrew co-teacher, early childhood team, and instructional coaches to ensure a cohesive, unified experience for students.
Commitment to Equity: Uphold the firm belief that all children are capable learners, fostering an inclusive environment that values and celebrates diverse backgrounds.
Instruction and Curriculum
Plan and deliver child-centered, standards-aligned instruction focusing on oral language development, phonological awareness, early literacy, and foundational numeracy.
Develop hands-on, interactive learning centers that encourage exploration, fine/gross motor development, and critical thinking.
Incorporate music, movement, and storytelling to support vocabulary acquisition and dual-language learning.
Differentiate activities to support various developmental stages, learning styles, and English language learners.
Participate in collaborative planning sessions with the early childhood team to share best practices and resources.
Classroom Environment and Student Engagement
Create a safe, inclusive, and visually rich classroom environment that reflects the cultures and languages of the students.
Implement positive behavior supports and routines that teach self-regulation, empathy, and independence.
Facilitate smooth, high-energy transitions between activities to maintain student engagement and minimize downtime.
Ensure equitable access to classroom materials, sensory tools, and academic supports.
Student Support and Collaboration
Collaborate with special education teachers, English learner specialists, and counselors to provide early interventions.
Participate in student support processes, including the Student Support Team (SST) and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for early childhood.
Implement accommodations and modifications as required by Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, or individual learning plans.
Family Engagement and Communication
Maintain warm, regular, and professional communication with families regarding daily activities, behavioral milestones, and academic progress.
Partner with families to support potty-training, independence skills, and social-emotional development at home.
Participate in parent-teacher conferences and school-wide family engagement events.
Professional Responsibilities
Participate in early childhood professional development, staff meetings, and required school training.
Engage openly in instructional coaching cycles, observations, and feedback processes.
Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and emotional constancy in all interactions with students, staff, and families.
Compliance and School Policies
Comply with all applicable school policies, OSSE regulations for child care centers, and professional expectations.
Maintain strict student confidentiality in accordance with FERPA.
Serve as a mandated reporter and comply with all child abuse reporting requirements under applicable law.
Adhere to strict safety, supervision, and active monitoring protocols for young children at all times.
Minimum Requirements
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
Expertise: Deep knowledge of early childhood development, play-based pedagogy, and foundational literacy/math. A teaching license or Child Development Associate (CDA) is preferred.
Experience: At least two years of teaching experience in a PreK or early childhood classroom setting, preferably in an urban or diverse school environment.
Skills: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; high emotional intelligence; ability to create a joyful, structured environment for young children.
Eligibility: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Compensation & Benefits
Sela PCS offers a competitive salary scale based on experience and education.
Salary Range: $60,775 - $98,328
Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.