Jobs and Careers
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 1 Apr 2026

About the role

The Lead Teacher independently leads the teaching team to plan, develop, and implement classroom instructional programs and activities, as well as help in the development of individualized educational plans (EP) for an inclusive classroom including children with and without disabilities or developmental delays.  Additionally, Lead Teachers provide mentoring, leadership, and oversight to teachers-in-training and associate teachers. Lead Teachers also collaborate with a multidisciplinary team including families, caregivers, and early interventionists to promote the development of each child.

 

About the Work Unit:

For five decades, the Susan Gray School has served young children with developmental disabilities and young children who are at risk for developmental delay. The school has the distinction of being the first nationally recognized inclusive preschool where children with and without disabilities learn alongside each other in an educational setting. More information about Susan Gray School can be found here: http://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/admin-offices/sgs/index.php.

Please note: The Susan Gray School Salaries exceed most preschool salaries in the Nashville market. Vanderbilt values its' employees and this is reflected in the salary ranges offered based on education, experience, and other job qualifications.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Maintains a clean, safe, orderly learning environment which contributes to children’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.
  2. Collaborates with classroom team members to plan and implement daily curriculum and individual education plans.
  3. Collaborates with children’s extended educational teams to plan and administer assessments, collect data, develop educational plan, and write progress reports.
  4. Develops and maintains positive relationships with families.
  5. Evaluates effectiveness of daily curriculum, classroom team efficiency, and individual educational plans on a regular basis.
  6. Mentors and supports staff and Peabody undergraduate and graduate students working within the classroom environment.
  7. Displays professionalism and a commitment to the four-fold mission of the Susan Gray School: service, training, research, and demonstration.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility.   This position reports administratively and functionally to the Director of Susan Gray School. However, there are opportunities to provide feedback to classroom team and students who are assigned to the classroom as well as completion of student assignments as required.

 

Qualifications

Minimum Education – Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in Special Education or other educational discipline, or equivalent experience.

Work experience in Early Childhood and Special Education is highly desired.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

 

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are.  We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. 

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is p

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Company

Vanderbilt University

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