APAP Career Center

Episcopal School of Nashville (ESN) seeks a warm, creative, and experienced Early Childhood Educator to serve as the Lead Teacher in a Pre-Kindergarten classroom. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of early childhood development, a student-centered and play-based approach to learning, and a commitment to nurturing young children’s social-emotional and academic growth.

This position requires a collaborative spirit, a nurturing presence, and a passion for guiding children through hands-on exploration, discovery, and joyful learning. The Lead Pre-K Teacher plays a critical role in upholding ESN’s mission and embodying the Portrait of a Graduate values: Respectful, Responsible, Creative, Inclusive, Critical Thinkers, and Lifelong Learners.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Curriculum & Instruction

• Plan and implement a developmentally appropriate, emergent curriculum grounded in best practices in early childhood education.
• Foster a play-based, inquiry-driven environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and exploration.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners and support each child’s unique learning journey.
• Embed foundational academic skills into daily routines and thematic units (early literacy, numeracy, science, and social studies).
• Integrate music, movement, art, nature, and storytelling into classroom experiences.
• Utilize a variety of teaching tools, including technology when appropriate, to enrich learning.

Classroom Environment & Student Development

• Create a nurturing, safe, and inclusive classroom where all children feel seen, valued, and supported.
• Cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional safety through relationship-building, predictable routines, and responsive care.
• Promote positive social-emotional development through modeling, discussion, and guided peer interactions.
• Observe and assess students’ developmental milestones and intervene/support when needed.

Family Communication & Collaboration

• Build strong, trusting relationships with families through regular communication and partnership.
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences and provide timely updates on student growth and classroom happenings.
• Collaborate with co-teachers, support staff, and administrators to ensure a cohesive, child-centered approach.

Professional Engagement

• Participate in ongoing professional development and reflective teaching practices.
• Contribute to faculty meetings, early childhood team planning, and school community events.
• Stay informed on current research and trends in early childhood education.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, 10-month position reporting to Suzie Hackmiller, Director of Student and Faculty Success. If you have questions about the position, you can reach her at suzie.hackmiller@esnashville.org. 

Episcopal School of Nashville is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 3 years lead teaching experience in a Pre-K or early childhood classroom.
• Strong knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Experience with or interest in emergent curriculum, Reggio Emilia, or Montessori-inspired approaches.
• Excellent classroom management skills and the ability to guide young learners with warmth and consistency.
• Passion for early childhood education and a commitment to inclusive teaching and learning.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative mindset.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit on the floor, bend, kneel, lift up to 25 pounds, and engage actively with young children throughout the day.
• Regular use of classroom technology and educational materials.

About Episcopal School of Nashville

Serving students age 3 through 6th grade, Episcopal School of Nashville is a diverse, urban, independent school that nurtures a joy of learning and a spirit of discovery in each student. Through small class sizes and a supportive, inclusive community, we cultivate a place where students feel connected, valued, and empowered to grow intellectually, spiritually, and socially. Conveniently located in East Nashville, we are committed to making high-quality education accessible to families who seek a community-focused school rooted in purpose. Episcopal School of Nashville is where students thrive, families connect, and a lifelong journey of engaged learning begins.

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