The Hollingworth Preschool at Teachers College, Columbia University is a lab school committed to nurturing the development of bright and curious children through STEM-focused units of study and play-based experiential learning. We are seeking a full time Head Preschool Teacher to join our preschool faculty in the 3's & 4's class. The incumbent will play an integral role in knowing their students well and using this knowledge to design and facilitate thematic, child-centered curriculum that combines academic and social-emotional learning.

The Head Preschool Teacher works collaboratively with the preschool director and preschool staff to provide high-quality preschool education for young children and their families. Throughout the work of the head teacher, the head teacher models best practices for assistant teachers.

Teaching and Curriculum Design
School Environment
Create, foster, and maintain an inclusive, caring, respectful, positive classroom community on campus and virtually as needed for children
Classroom Environment and Materials
Ensure the aesthetic of the classroom is maintained and that materials are preserved and presented with care
Maintain the classroom environment, materials, and supplies; prepare teaching materials
Maintain the organization of all preschool materials ensuring all materials are in good condition and returned to their proper storage locations
Document and display children's work respectfully and beautifully
Curriculum
Using the Hollingworth Model, design, develop, and integrate four (or more should the teacher choose) interdisciplinary, inquiry based units of study to be taught throughout the year.
Using the Hollingworth Model, design and implement developmentally intentional mindfulness invitations and strategies for children
Prepare classroom and implement the Hollingworth curriculum for special events under the direction and in collaboration with the Director
Keep digital lesson plans in the shared Preschool Drive
Differentiate and individualize the curriculum and learning experiences to ensure the development of each child's potential
Model exemplary practices for Teachers College graduate students
Perform administrative tasks such a attendance logs and well child log

Child Development
Observe, document, and analyze each child's development to inform teacher moves and curriculum design
Maintain anecdotal records for each child documenting their areas of growth

Parent Communication
Post regular communication and documentation via our parent communication app, brightwheel
Hold one designated virtual Office Hours for parents for one hour each week
Host parent meetings upon the request of the parents or the teacher
Host parent/teacher conferences with parents twice per year following the Hollingworth protocol incorporating the anecdotal records, photos and work samples to demonstrate growth and development for each child
Provide parents with a look in the classroom through a weekly newsletter
Email or call parents as needed with updates
Respond to parent emails within 24 hours (except on weekends) during prep time
When scheduling permits, attend talks hosted for parents or watch the recording

Professional Learning
Complete all NYC DOH, Minors on Campus and any other required training prior to the start of the school year
Attend and participate in weekly full faculty professional learning sessions
Participate in planning session with the preschool director twice a week
Lead planning session for teaching team once per week
Participate with intention in a cycle of inquiry for all aspects of the work of the preschool including anti-racist pedagogy, social justice, a culture of caring, diversity, equity, and inclusion, culturally responsive and inclusive practices, and social and emotional learning, aesthetic education, and social imagination
Other duties as assigned

Early Childhood Educators at Hollingworth Preschool are committed to the following practices:
embody the highest level of professional decorum and confidentiality
view children from the perspective of their vast potentials and capacities; children and their constellation of loved ones are not viewed from a deficit perspective
antiracist and anti-bias pedagogy
culturally responsive and inclusive practices
social and emotional learning
collaborative and respectful work
lifelong learning and reflective practice

Applications Close on June 30, 2025

To apply, please apply at this link, https://employment.tc.columbia.edu/cw/en-us/job/513432/hollingworth-preschool-head-teacher-3s4s-class, or send a cover letter, resume, and teaching portfolio materials to the Preschool Director, Sarah Duer, at sed2155@tc.columbia.edu.

Required Qualifications:

MA in early childhood education or a closely related field approved by the DOH
New York State Teaching certification, or a fully submitted and pending certification from the New York State department of education, or State Teaching certification from a state other that New York submitted for reciprocity review and pending approval for New York State certification
At least two years of head teaching experience teaching in an early childhood classroom
Graduate studies coursework and/or professional development workshops
Experience in curriculum development across domains
Knowledge of and implementation of social and emotional learning as the foundation of a classroom community
Knowledge of and implementation of a play based curriculum
Expertise with technology (or a willingness to learn) to document students' development
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
Ability to comply with the Teachers College Minors on Campus Policies as well as New York City Bureau of Child Care requirements including all mandatory trainings
Ability to implement and abide by all wellness protocols as required by the New York City Department of Health Bureau of Child Care and Teachers College, Columbia University
Completion of all health, background check, and training requirements of the New York City Department of Health, Bureau of Childcare prior to the first day, including but not limited to fingerprinting, NYS clearance, health form and immunizations, mandated online trainings, and CPR/First Aid training
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team setting
Ability to adhere to the highest standards of confidentiality
Ability to attend to all responsibilities with respect, initiative, attention to detail, organization, and independent follow through
Must commit to the full academic year
Available to begin position on August 15, 2025

Preferred Qualifications:

New York State Teaching Certification in Early Childhood Special Education
Enrollment in an advanced degree program at Teachers College
Available to make a two year commitment at a minimum

About The Hollingworth Center at Teachers College Columbia University

Connections working at The Hollingworth Center at Teachers College Columbia University