Pre-Kindergarten Teacher; St. Thomas Aquinas

Overview

Position: Pre-Kindergarten Lead Teacher

Location: St. Thomas Aquinas School (9101 Superior Avenue Cleveland, OH 44106)

Type: Full-Time

Partnership Schools is accepting applications for full-time Pre-K teachers mas Aquinas School for the 2026-27 school year. We are looking for educators who share an unwavering commitment to raising student achievement and an appreciation and respect for Catholic culture, identity, and values. Partnership teachers are eager for continuous feedback as they develop their instructional practice and grow professionally. At the Partnership we support teachers through weekly school-based professional development, network-wide PD meetings, coaching and feedback sessions from school-site leadership.

• Developing a positive and structured classroom environment that engages students and meets their intellectual, physical, social, and emotional needs
• Assuming direct responsibility for the care and safety of students at all times
• Collaborating with colleagues to plan units and lessons and develop expertise in implementing instruction; fulfilling the school’s mission to educate the whole child, mind, body, and spirit
• Taking accountability for student learning and ensuring that ongoing assessments and evaluations of all students’ progress are conducted and recorded as required
• Communicating with families of students in a consistent, positive and respectful manner
• Participating in ongoing professional development sessions to grow as an instructional leader
• Ensuring the classroom complies with Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) or Department of Education preschool licensing rules
• Maintaining accurate attendance records, incident reports, and developmental portfolios

• A deep respect for and commitment to preserving and building upon the legacy of urban Catholic education
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a team of teachers both school-wide and across the network
• A willingness to be reflective and receive feedback in order to grow as an educator
• Technological proficiency and adaptability
• Excellent communication skills
• Flexibility to multi-task, coupled with the ability to set priorities and follow through with results

• Respect for and appreciation of the Catholic faith and Catholic education
• An uncompromising belief that all students can learn
• Bachelor’s degree in child development, early childhood education, or related field
• Must be able to actively interact with young children by having good dexterity with ability to lift up to 40 pounds, push, pull, carry, climb, balance and kneel and the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and squat

• Pass a background check clearance as required by ODJFS and ODE Licensing
• Hold or be able to obtain an Ohio Pre-Kindergarten Associate License and Ohio Department of Education License
• Hold or be able to obtain current CPR, First Aid, and Child Abuse Recognition and Prevention certifications
• Complete Diocese of Cleveland VIRTUS training before the first day of school, and obtain religious certification through the Diocese within first year of hire

Teachers with 0-3 years of experience will be paid no less than $42,000. After three years, teachers have the opportunity to earn at least $50,000.

We have a pay scale that allows for maximum flexibility when a candidate transfers from another school or district (up to $86,300 for the  school year for teachers with 20+ years of experience). Salaries are determined based on years of teaching and school leadership experience, and evaluation of instructional mastery and mission alignment through an in-person demo lesson and interview. Opportunities for promotion occur every 3-5 years based on clear and published criteria, with the potential for up to 17% increases in those promotion years.

To apply, please navigate to the “Join Our Team” tab through the partnership schools.org. The "Apply for this Position" button is located at the end of each job description. Please be sure to upload your resume and cover letter. When submitting your cover letter, include answers to the following prompts:

• Explain your specific interest in Partnership Schools.
• At Partnership Schools, we have four core values we look to instill within all of our school communities – Integrity, Humility, Hard Work, and Service. Choose one of these values and discuss its importance to you.