Early Learning Center Teacher

Early Learning Center Teacher
"Big impact starts with little hearts and curious minds. Join our Early Learning Center team and help inspire, nurture, and prepare children for a bright future. Apply today!"

Department: Fred L. McGhee Early Learning Center
Position Status: Regular Full-Time (2 Positions)
Supervisor Role: Yes
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Join Our Mission:
The Poarch Creek Indians place a high value on individuals who share our commitment to community, tradition, and progress. As Alabama's only Federally Recognized Native American Tribe, we take pride in a history that spans generations and is deeply rooted in resilience and cultural heritage. Our mission is to uplift the lives of our Tribal Members, preserve our traditions, and drive innovation for a thriving future. If you are passionate about serving with purpose and authenticity while fostering trust, unity, and growth, we welcome you to join us on this meaningful journey.

About the Role:
The Early Learning Center Teacher provides leadership, instruction, and guidance while supporting the daily operations of the Poarch Creek Indians Early Learning Center. This position is responsible for creating a positive, nurturing learning environment and supporting program and departmental goals. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.
This role plays a strong commitment to understanding and embracing the Poarch Creek Indians Values of Perseverance, Opportunity, Accountability, Respect, Culture, and Honesty.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with parents and intervention staff to support IEPs/BIPs and student needs.
• Supervise assigned staff, including performance, attendance, timesheets, and leave.
• Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for children ages 2–4.
• Plan and deliver age-appropriate lessons using a variety of teaching strategies.
• Provide individual and group instruction that supports children's development and learning.
• Establish and maintain positive classroom behavior and routines.
• Lead activities that promote physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
• Monitor and document student progress, behavior, and overall well-being.
• Maintain strong communication with children, families, and school/Education Department staff.
• Use positive reinforcement to encourage student growth and confidence.
• Prepare children for a successful transition to elementary school.
• Participate in staff meetings and required training to maintain certification.
• Provide leadership and support to staff, students, and families.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Core Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Must have a Class A or B Early Childhood –or—Elementary Education teacher certification or obtain within one hundred eighty (180) days of employment.
• Successful experience leading a classroom and supervising staff is highly desirable.
• Must possess certification of “Mandatory Reporter Training” or obtain during the first week of employment.
• Must possess and maintain First Aid/CPR certification or obtain within ninety (90) days of employment.
• Ability to work odd and irregular hours, as needed.
• Ability to work odd and irregular hours, as needed.
• Must successfully pass the required criminal and character background check.
• Ability to travel and participate in required training, leadership development, and other events.
• Ability to perform all duties and responsibilities of this position adequately and successfully.

Essential Competencies:

• Maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism.
• Demonstrate maturity, integrity, and excellent customer service.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, staff, and the community.
• Strong verbal, written, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and accountable.
• Ability to build and lead high-performing teams.
• Demonstrate positive leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Proactively identify opportunities to improve processes, practices, and policies.

Total Rewards Package:
We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits program including:

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance and voluntary benefits
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) with employer match
• Performance bonuses and COLA increases

INDIAN PREFERENCE, SPOUSAL PREFERENCE, OR FIRST GENERATION:

In the event more than one applicant meets the requirements, as stated in a job description, preference shall be given in the following order: (1) Tribal Member (2) First Generation Descendant of a Tribal Member (3) Spouse of Tribal Member (4) Indian (5) Non-Indian

In the event that a position of employment is funded in whole or in part my any federal grant and/or contract or other public funding, preference shall be given in the following order: (1) Indian (2) Non-Indian

In order to receive preference, the appropriate documentation must be submitted.