PreK Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

About Us

Brain Builders Academy is a progressive early childhood and elementary school serving children ages 3–9. Our program is grounded in neuroscience and aligned with the brain’s critical developmental windows. We combine the best of Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and immersive project-based learning to foster accelerated academic growth through joyful, hands-on experiences.

In our PreK program, students explore immersive habitats—such as forests, oceans, deserts, and arctic regions—that serve as the foundation for interdisciplinary learning. Science, literacy, logic, and dramatic play are woven into each theme. Our 3-year-olds begin one-on-one phonics instruction, and by age 4, students are often reading and solving math problems well ahead of traditional grade-level expectations. Classrooms are sensory-rich, messy, imaginative, and intellectually challenging.

Position Overview

We’re seeking a passionate and playful PreK 3–4 Teacher who thrives in a creative, high-energy environment rooted in exploration and individualized instruction. The ideal candidate is confident managing a small group classroom, skilled in early literacy and play-based learning, and eager to support children through rich thematic units and open-ended projects. This is not a traditional preschool classroom—our program is fast-paced, academically rigorous, and filled with wonder.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small group PreK class (ages 3–4) using our proprietary, brain-based curriculum

• Deliver one-on-one phonics instruction and support early reading development

• Introduce foundational math and logic through games, manipulatives, and real-world applications

• Facilitate interdisciplinary, STEAM-based projects tied to immersive habitat themes

• Maintain a playful, sensory-rich classroom that encourages inquiry and creativity

• Support children’s social-emotional growth through positive guidance and responsive routines

• Communicate clearly and professionally with families and the school leadership team

• Collaborate with co-teachers to maintain consistency, structure, and individualized pacing

Who You Are

• A joyful, creative educator who truly loves working with young children

• Experienced with child-led, constructivist approaches (Reggio, Montessori, etc.)

• Skilled in differentiated instruction, especially for literacy and early math

• Confident in managing a messy, high-energy classroom with fluid transitions

• Comfortable with sensory play, outdoor exploration, and child-directed projects

• Excited about implementing a research-based curriculum with fidelity

• Flexible, collaborative, and committed to professional growth

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

• At least 2 years of experience in a preschool or PreK classroom

• Familiarity with early academic acceleration

• Experience with project-based learning and thematic curriculum preferred

• Strong communication skills

• Background in Montessori or Reggio preferred

• Must currently live in the Chicagoland area

This Role Is Not a Good Fit If You:

• Prefer highly structured, traditional instruction/classroom environment

• Are uncomfortable with sensory play or hands-on, messy environments

• Struggle with flexibility, anxiety, or adapting to a dynamic classroom flow

• Are looking for a traditional PreK or daycare-style setting

• Are not comfortable sitting on the floor or running around with the kids.

• Are not comfortable teaching science, STEM, art, phonics, and math

• Prefer a passive classroom role

To Apply:
Please send your resume and a short cover letter sharing why you’d thrive in our immersive, brain-based learning environment to [email protected]

Join us in shaping confident, curious learners—one joyful, muddy, phonics-filled day at a time.

Company Description

Brain Builders Academy is a progressive early elementary school in Chicago serving children ages 3–9. Our program is rooted in neuroscience and designed to align academic instruction with the brain’s natural developmental windows. We combine the best of Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and project-based learning to create an immersive, hands-on environment where students thrive intellectually, socially, and emotionally.

At Brain Builders, class sizes are small (5:1 ratio), learning is individualized, and curriculum is strand-based and aligned to Common Core standards. Our students move at their own pace and engage deeply with subjects like phonics, math, engineering, and science—often working well beyond traditional grade level expectations. We’re known for joyful, messy, curiosity-driven classrooms where kids explore the world through play, logic, and meaningful projects.

If you’re passionate about education, love science and creativity, and want to be part of a team that’s redefining what school can be, we’d love to meet you.

Company Description

Brain Builders Academy is a progressive early elementary school in Chicago serving children ages 3–9. Our program is rooted in neuroscience and designed to align academic instruction with the brain’s natural developmental windows. We combine the best of Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and project-based learning to create an immersive, hands-on environment where students thrive intellectually, socially, and emotionally.\r\n\r\nAt Brain Builders, class sizes are small (5:1 ratio), learning is individualized, and curriculum is strand-based and aligned to Common Core standards. Our students move at their own pace and engage deeply with subjects like phonics, math, engineering, and science—often working well beyond traditional grade level expectations. We’re known for joyful, messy, curiosity-driven classrooms where kids explore the world through play, logic, and meaningful projects.\r\n\r\nIf you’re passionate about education, love science and creativity, and want to be part of a team that’s redefining what school can be, we’d love to meet you.