Lead Teacher - Summer Session

Position Description

This is a 6-week, full-time position for the Tompkins Hall Summer Session running from June 30, 2025 to August 8, 2025. The position follows a 35-hour work week, Monday through Friday. The Lead Teacher will be responsible for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate, play-based experiences for children in a warm, collaborative setting.

• Lead a mixed-age classroom in collaboration with 2 Associate Teachers
• Supervise and support Associate Teachers, as well as student teachers or assistants, if applicable
• Implement and model developmentally appropriate, play-based teaching practices
• Ensure safe, responsive caregiving and classroom routines
• Build and sustain strong, respectful relationships with families
• Maintain regular, open communication with parents including informal conversations

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field
• Current NYS Teaching Certification in Birth-Grade 2 (required)
• Minimum of 2 years experience teaching in a classroom with children aged 1-5
• Completion of DOI fingerprinting and all relevant background clearances
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field

Salary will be prorated based on the full-time annual salary range of $65,000-$75,000 and paid over the course of the 6-week summer session.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.