Lead Prekindergarten Teacher

Job Summary

Job Title: Lead Prekindergarten Teacher

Job Category: Early Childhood/Lower School

Employee Type: FT Exempt

Required Degree: 4 Year Degree

Contact Information: 

Shelley Brown (brown@wellington.org)

Position Description:

We seek an ideal candidate who will bring a deep understanding of early childhood development and believe that play, relationships, and intentional teaching work together to support foundations in social-emotional learning, language, literacy, and early numeracy. 

  • Build a nurturing classroom community rooted in trust, belonging, and clear routines
  • Design play-based, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that invite exploration and wonder
  • Support students' social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth
  • Foster early literacy, language, and mathematical thinking through meaningful, hands-on experiences
  • Partner closely with colleagues to support consistency and continuity across the early childhood program
  • Reflect on practice and engage in ongoing professional growth

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Teach a Prekindergarten class of four-year-old students using developmentally appropriate, play-based instructional practices
  • Design and implement learning experiences that support early literacy, language development, numeracy, and social-emotional growth
  • Establish predictable routines and a classroom environment that supports independence, safety, and joy
  • Observe, document, and assess student growth using a variety of authentic measures
  • Collaborate closely with teaching partners, specialists, and early childhood colleagues
  • Communicate regularly and thoughtfully with families to share student progress and classroom experiences
  • Participate fully in the life of the school, including community events, experiential learning opportunities, and duties
  • Engage in professional learning aligned with the mission and early childhood philosophy of the school
  • Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field required; advanced degree preferred
  • Experience teaching preschool or prekindergarten-aged children
  • Strong understanding of child development and early learning best practices
  • Ability to create a classroom environment that balances structure with play and exploration
  • Classroom management grounded in warmth, clear expectations, and positive relationships
  • Strong collaboration, communication, and organizational skills

Demonstrated ability to:

  • Build strong, trusting relationships with young children
  • Design engaging, hands-on learning experiences
  • Observe and document student learning and growth
  • Interest in contributing to school life beyond the classroom
  • Frequent movement between classrooms, playgrounds, offices, and common spaces throughout the campus, including up and down stairs
  • Occasionally required to lift or move objects up to 30 pounds. (e.g., teaching materials, classroom furniture, event supplies)
  • Regular bending, kneeling, squatting, and sitting on the floor to engage with young children at their level.
  • Visual and auditory ability to monitor student safety and respond to needs
  • Ability to move quickly in emergency situations and remain calm under pressure
  • Must be available for occasional after-school or evening professional development or events
  • Must be able to work effectively in a busy and sometimes noisy classroom environment, maintaining focus and clear communication with students and colleagues
  • Daily work driven by an inspiring mission: To help students find their purpose and realize their potential for tomorrow's world.
  • Warm and welcoming culture
  • Opportunities to participate in school life
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid parental leave
  • 403b retirement and contribution match after one year of employment
  • Paid time off, sick days, and bereavement time
  • Wellington tuition remission (50%)
  • Free fresh daily lunch during the school year with accommodations for dietary restrictions and preferences
  • Free parking

About Wellington

The Wellington School, a PreK-12 independent school in Columbus, Ohio, is dedicated to delivering a comprehensive education where foundational skills are developed, and learning is applied through innovative, experiential approaches. At Wellington, every member of our community plays a critical role in upholding our values as we help students find their purpose and realize their potential for tomorrow’s world. Wellington is committed to providing its faculty and staff with professional development opportunities, competitive compensation/benefits package, and a supportive work environment. Diversity and belonging are central to our work, and we invite you to explore our website to learn more about our unique approach to teaching and learning.

Wellington's Core Values

  • Be Curious
  • Be Yourself
  • Be Ambitious
  • Be Empathetic
  • Be Responsible

How to Apply

We welcome all candidates to apply here by February 28, 2026.

All candidates should include:

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume

The Wellington School encourages and welcomes applications from students, faculty, and staff without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, age, or other protected class. It does not unlawfully discriminate in the administration of its educational policies, financial aid programs, or school-administered extracurricular programs. 

Interested in learning more?