Kindergarten Lead Teacher

The Evergreen School, an independent school serving highly capable students in preschool through 8th grade, is currently accepting applications for an Early Childhood Lead Teacher- Kindergarten.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Evergreen School is seeking an experienced, passionate Kindergarten Lead Teacher to join our Early Childhood team. This role will focus on teaching and supporting students in their Kindergarten year using a Reggio Emilia-inspired, culturally responsive, and developmentally appropriate approach. 

The Kindergarten Lead Teacher designs and facilitates inquiry-based, project-driven learning experiences that balance play, exploration, and the foundations of academic skill development. This teacher plays a critical role in supporting students’ social-emotional growth, early literacy and numeracy development, and the transition into elementary learning, while fostering independence, curiosity, and a strong sense of belonging.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with colleagues and families to create a joyful, inclusive classroom culture rooted in respect, reflection, and partnership.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and implement a Kindergarten curriculum informed by Reggio Emilia principles, emphasizing inquiry, exploration, and integrated learning across domains.
• Develop and maintain curriculum documentation that makes student learning visible and informs instructional planning, reflection, and family communication.
• Support students’ development of early literacy, numeracy, and foundational academic skills through developmentally appropriate, play-based, and project-driven instruction.
• Foster students’ social-emotional learning, independence, self-regulation, and collaborative skills.
• Observe, assess, and document student learning and development, using documentation to inform instruction and communicate progress with families.
• Create a classroom environment that reflects community values, inclusivity, and respect for children’s identities, voices, and experiences.
• Provide day-to-day leadership and mentorship to teaching assistants, including modeling instructional practices, supporting classroom routines, and fostering a collaborative team culture.
• Collaborate with Early Childhood colleagues, specialists, and student support teams to meet the diverse learning needs of students.
• Partner with families through regular communication, conferences, and school events.
• Maintain accurate records related to student learning, development, and state licensing requirements.
• Participate in division meetings, professional development, parent meetings, and school-wide events such as orientation, curriculum night, and celebrations.
• Stay current with best practices in Kindergarten education, early literacy development, Reggio Emilia-inspired pedagogy, and instructional technology.
• Uphold all state licensing requirements, health and safety protocols, and confidentiality standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

At Evergreen, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. We recognize that some individuals may hesitate to apply if they feel they do not meet every qualification listed in a job posting. As such, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, even if they do not meet every single requirement. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are dedicated to providing our staff with the support and resources needed to create an inclusive learning environment for all students.

• Education and Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with teaching credentials. Master’s degree and WA teaching certificate preferred.
  • Minimum of 3–5 years of experience teaching preschool, pre-K, or kindergarten, preferably in a Reggio Emilia or inquiry-based learning environment.
  • Demonstrated experience in creating developmentally appropriate, child-centered learning experiences.
• Skills and Abilities
  • Strong understanding of Kindergarten development, including early literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning
  • Knowledge of Reggio Emilia philosophy, emergent curriculum, and project-based learning
  • Familiarity with or experience implementing The Workshop Model to foster student independence, differentiation, and active learning through conferencing and small-group instruction.
  • Ability to differentiate instruction to support a range of learners and learning styles
  • Strong classroom management skills grounded in positive, relationship-based practices
  • Skilled in observing, documenting, and assessing young children’s learning
  • Competence in using educational technology to support instruction and documentation
  • Excellent communication skills with children, families, and colleagues
• Personal Attributes
  • Passionate about early childhood education and Kindergarten-age learners
  • Reflective, flexible, and collaborative educator
  • Patient, empathetic, and responsive to children’s needs
  • Committed to continuous learning, equity, and inclusive teaching practices

Working Conditions:

• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds in connection with job duties such as assisting with classroom setup or moving materials.
• Ability to stand, sit, and move comfortably throughout classrooms and school hallways for extended periods.
• Ability to climb stairs, navigate uneven surfaces, and escort students as needed between locations within and outside school buildings.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including inclement weather.
• Evening and weekend work may be required at times

Position Details:

This is an exempt, 1.0 FTE full-time, benefits-eligible position. This position follows a 10-month work schedule while paid over 12 months. The salary range for an Evergreen School teacher is $71,500 to $123,920 per year, depending on degree(s) and years of experience.

Benefits:

• School-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
• School-paid Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long-Term Disability insurance, plus an Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with a School match of up to 7% and immediate vesting
• Flexible Savings Account and/or Health Savings Account
• Commuter Assistance Program
• Tuition Remission
• Infant/toddler care (availability limitations apply)
• Paid holidays and other paid leave

TO APPLY:

Please click on this link to be directed to our application page. This application will remain open until the position is filled.  Be prepared to provide or upload the following information: 

• A cover letter, outlining interest in and qualifications for this position.
• A current resume.
• Three references (Evergreen will inform candidates before contacting references)

Any applicant scheduled for an interview will be asked to submit a 500-word (max.) answer to the following question:
At Evergreen, our mission calls us to “inspire highly capable, creative learners to lead with curiosity, compassion, and courage in a diverse and dynamic world.” Reflecting on your current or previous experiences, describe a time in which you moved diversity and inclusion efforts forward in that role. How did you approach this effort and what did you learn about yourself during this process?

LEGAL AND ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENTS:

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

The Evergreen School is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. We will provide reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. Physical requirements and job duties listed in this posting are essential to the role. If you believe you need an accommodation to perform these functions, we encourage you to apply and discuss potential accommodations with our team.

If you require accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact Carleigh Brown, HR manager at cabrown@evergreenschool.org.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

The Evergreen School strives to provide equal opportunity to all employees. The school's policy is not to discriminate in employment based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status or any other status protected under applicable local, state or federal law. The School is committed to administering employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, compensation benefits, transfers, layoffs, return from layoffs, terminations, training, sabbaticals, tuition assistance, and other programs, without regard to an employee's protected status.