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.