Job Title:                              Lead Prekindergarten Teacher (2026 – 2027 school year)

Office or Division:             Early Childhood and Lower School

Reports To:                         Head of Early Childhood and Lower School         

Effective Dates:                  2026-2027 school year (10-month, FTE 1.0)                       

The Wellington School, a vibrant PreK-12 independent school with 750 students in Columbus, Ohio, is dedicated to delivering an exceptional education through both traditional and innovative, hands-on teaching methods. Situated in a city known for its dynamic blend of culture and growth, Columbus offers an inviting and exciting place to live and work, boasting a thriving arts scene, multiple universities and higher education options, an expansive Metro Park system, diverse dining, and a welcoming spirit. 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. We strive to provide students, families, and faculty with an educational experience that challenges and inspires, helping all to achieve their fullest potential. Wellington is committed to providing its faculty and staff with professional development opportunities, a competitive compensation/benefits package, and a supportive work environment. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our unique approach to teaching and learning. 

Mission
We help students find their purpose and realize their potential for tomorrow's world. 

Values
Be Curious
Be Yourself
Be Ambitious
Be Empathetic
Be Responsible

Position Description

We seek an ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of early childhood development and a belief that play, relationships, and intentional teaching work together to support strong 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 

Key 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

Position Requirements

• 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

 Benefits

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

We welcome candidates to apply by February 28, 2026.

About Wellington

We believe every person plays a role in making Wellington a diverse, equitable, and inclusive place to learn, teach, and work. We seek to attract culturally and academically diverse faculty and staff who thrive on being engaged participants in our vibrant, innovative educational community. We embrace diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of our admission policies, financial aid, or employment.

Connections working at Wellington