Junior Kindergarten Teacher

Lake Ridge Academy is seeking a passionate, creative, and experienced teacher to join our junior kindergarten team. The ideal candidate is someone who loves being outdoors in all weather, has a strong understanding of early childhood development, and can create rich learning experiences inspired by nature.

This role involves guiding children through the year, preparing them socially, emotionally, and academically for kindergarten—while honoring the joy of childhood and the magic of the natural world.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement nature-inspired, play-based curriculum tailored to the interests and developmental needs of early fives.
  • Lead daily outdoor explorations, nature walks, and inquiry projects that encourage curiosity and environmental stewardship.
  • Foster a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment that supports each child’s growth.
  • Incorporate emergent curriculum practices, allowing children's questions and discoveries to guide learning experiences.
  • Maintain a safe and engaging outdoor and indoor learning environment.
  • Build strong, respectful relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
  • Communicate regularly with families through newsletters, conferences, and daily updates.
  • Document children’s learning journeys through observations, portfolios, and reflective practices.
  • Collaborate with teaching team members to plan curriculum, reflect on best practices, and support a cohesive classroom experience.

Qualifications

  • Required:
    • Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
    • At least 2 years of teaching experience with preschool-aged children.
    • Commitment to outdoor learning and comfort teaching in all weather conditions.
    • Knowledge of inquiry-based, emergent curriculum approaches.
    • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
    • Current CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
  • Preferred:
    • Knowledge of early literacy and numeracy development for early fives.
    • Background knowledge and experience in environmental education, forest schools, or outdoor adventure programs.
    • Familiarity with mindfulness practices and social-emotional learning strategies.


Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to careers@lakeridgeacademy.org
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Lake Ridge Academy is the only independent college preparatory school on Cleveland's west side. Our co-educational curriculum offers a unique blend of academics, extracurricular activities, and a focus on character development, all on our beautiful 93-acre campus. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, our devoted faculty provides personalized attention to help every student thrive.