Lead Teacher: Louisville, KY

Louisville, KY, USA|Travel, Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $49,000.00 - $78,000.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) plan with employer match

Paid parental leave

Paid Time Off

Job Description

Bezos Academy is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to high-quality, tuition-free Montessori-inspired preschools in under-resourced communities. Founded with the mission to provide young children in low-income neighborhoods with exceptional early childhood education, Bezos Academy aims to create transformative learning experiences that foster cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. By leveraging the Montessori pedagogy’s child-centered approach, the Academy empowers children aged three to five to embark on a strong educational trajectory and achieve their full potential. The Academy notably prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all families feel welcomed and supported throughout their children’s learning journey. With locations in Louisville, Kentucky, such as the Okolona and Riverport neighborhoods, Bezos Academy is poised to grow its presence and impact in these communities with the launch of new schools in fall 2026.

The role of Lead Teacher at Bezos Academy is designed for passionate early childhood educators who are eager to grow professionally and embrace the Montessori method of teaching. This exceptional opportunity targets individuals who are not yet Montessori-credentialed but are excited to become certified through an in-house Montessori Credential Program (MCP) sponsored by Bezos Academy. Starting in May 2026, candidates will undergo a comprehensive summer training program that includes a blend of teacher onboarding, virtual and live Montessori academic study, immersive in-person training residencies, and classroom practicum experiences. This rigorous development pathway is crafted to ensure new Lead Teachers emerge fully prepared to launch their classrooms, which will serve up to 20 children aged three through five. Participants will benefit from ongoing targeted coaching by seasoned Montessori instructional experts and will receive a MACTE-accredited Montessori early childhood credential at no personal cost, marking a significant investment in their career growth. Training will primarily take place onsite at the new Louisville school campuses, with a required in-person training residency in Seattle during the summer with all travel expenses covered by Bezos Academy.

Once credentialed, Lead Teachers will take on a critical leadership role by planning, preparing, and delivering hands-on Montessori learning experiences that meet the diverse developmental needs of their students. They will build meaningful connections with children and families, fostering an inclusive environment that supports every child’s cognitive, social, emotional, language, and physical growth. This role also involves close collaboration with assistant teachers, mentoring with experienced Montessori teachers, and reporting to the Head of School. Successful candidates must demonstrate strong organizational and technological skills, a growth mindset with eagerness to learn and improve as educators, and resilience in overcoming challenges. A deep commitment to the mission of expanding equitable educational opportunities, along with prior proven experience working within low-income communities, is essential to thrive in this role. The position offers a full-time, salaried employment status with an attractive salary range between $49,000 and $78,000 annually, complemented by a substantial $8,000 sign-on bonus and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, paid holidays, and parental leave. Ultimately, this role represents a remarkable opportunity to contribute to a transformative educational initiative while achieving professional development and earning a valuable teaching credential.

Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree
Two or more years of experience as a lead teacher of children aged 3-5 years with strong outcomes
Two or more years of prior work experience with children and families in low-income communities in the US or significant personal experience in low-income communities in the US
Ability to meet all credentialing criteria as laid out in Section 11 for lead early childhood teachers in Kentucky
Ability to meet all additional state-required training and eligibility requirements including clearing state-required fingerprint clearance and background checks
Strong organizational and technological skills and the ability to work independently through self-paced online training modules
Experience monitoring and maintaining accurate records on the progress of individual students
Ability to independently supervise, communicate effectively with, and care for young children safely, including ability to lift a minimum of 40 lbs
Demonstrated personal commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and experience working across lines of difference
Willingness to travel as necessary for in-person training events

Job Qualifications

Bachelor's degree
Two or more years of experience as a Lead Teacher of children aged 3-5 years with strong outcomes
Two or more years of prior work experience with children and families in low-income communities in the US or significant personal experience in low-income communities in the US
Ability to meet all credentialing criteria as laid out in Section 11 for lead early childhood teachers in Kentucky
Ability to meet all additional state-required training and eligibility requirements including clearing state-required fingerprint clearance and background checks
Strong organizational and technological skills and the ability to work independently through self-paced online training modules
Experience monitoring and maintaining accurate records on the progress of individual students
Ability to independently supervise, communicate effectively with, and care for young children safely, including ability to lift a minimum of 40 lbs
Demonstrated personal commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and experience working across lines of difference
Willingness to travel as necessary for in-person training events

Job Duties

Complete the training program and earn a Montessori credential by the end of 2026
Actively learn in synchronous and asynchronous, in-person and virtual settings, and from multiple coaching and mentoring partners
Exhibit ownership across the training program to ensure personal growth and development
Plan, prepare, and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active Montessori learning experiences
Use the Bezos Academy curriculum and current research-based instructional practices to develop integrated units of instruction that meet both the group and individual needs of students
Prepare and maintain a clean, orderly, and attractive Montessori environment with the instructional resources needed to meet the development needs of every child in the classroom
Create an environment that demonstrates rapport with and respect and kindness for, all students as well as between students
Use Bezos Academy assessment tools/strategies such as observations, children's work samples, continuums of development, portfolios, etc. to help make instructional decisions for individual students
Monitor and maintain accurate records on the progress of individual students
use school-approved screening and evaluation tools
Use relevant, approved technology to support instruction
Communicate necessary information regularly to students, colleagues, and families regarding student progress and student needs
Establish a positive relationship with families and students, providing regular communication with families about their children
Maintain teaching skills and participate in professional development activities
Engage in on-going self-assessment and refinement of practice as well as in collaborative professional growth
Participate in collegial activities and meetings designed to make the entire school a productive professional learning community
Support the learning and development of assistant teachers
Assume postures at low levels (e.g. kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor) as needed to communicate effectively with children
Follow regulations and guidelines for the day-to-day operations of the classroom, including following Bezos Academy policies and procedures
Maintain professional credentials, including understanding regulations to stay up to date