PRE-K3 LEAD TEACHER
School year: 2026-2027
Full-day Pre-K3 class section
Salary range: $48,000-$58,000 annually, commensurate with experience

Royal Palm Academy, a joyful and thriving independent Catholic PK-8 school in North Naples, Florida, is seeking a full-time Pre-K3 Lead Teacher to open a new full-day Pre-K3 class section for the 2026-2027 school year. This is a new position and a permanent addition to our faculty.

Royal Palm Academy partners with families to provide an education of rich academics with Catholic formation. We teach the mind, educate the heart, and form the character of tomorrow's leaders. Our early childhood program is rooted in joy, structure, warmth, and high expectations for both children and adults.

This position is designed for a teacher who loves young children, understands early childhood development, and sees teaching as both a profession and a vocation. The Pre-K3 Lead Teacher plays a foundational role in shaping a child's first experience of school, learning, faith, and community.

This role is well-suited for an educator who is nurturing, organized, reflective, and eager to work within a collaborative, mission-driven school culture.

Position Overview
The Pre-K3 Lead Teacher is responsible for the academic, social, emotional, and spiritual development of three-year-old students in a full-day classroom setting. The teacher plans and executes developmentally appropriate lessons aligned with Royal Palm Academy's early childhood philosophy and curriculum.

The Pre-K3 Lead Teacher works closely with the Director of Early Childhood, division leadership, and fellow early childhood faculty. This is a full-time, on-campus teaching position and follows the school calendar.

Key Responsibilities

Classroom Teaching and Student Development
• Create a warm, structured, and joyful classroom environment that supports young children's growth and independence.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lessons that support early literacy, numeracy, fine and gross motor development, social skills, and curiosity.
• Foster positive classroom routines and age-appropriate behavioral expectations.
• Observe, assess, and document student growth and development using formative tools and teacher observation.
• Support the social and emotional needs of three-year-old students with patience, consistency, and care.

Catholic Identity and Mission
• Teach and act in accordance with the doctrinal and moral teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Support the Catholic identity of the school through prayer, example, and participation in the Catholic life of the community.
• Model virtues such as kindness, patience, gratitude, and respect in daily interactions with students and families.
• Embrace and support the mission and philosophy of Royal Palm Academy.

Family Partnership and Communication
• Communicate professionally, warmly, and proactively with parents and caregivers.
• Partner with families to support each child's growth and development.
• Provide timely updates and feedback appropriate to the Pre-K level.
• Offer excellent and responsive customer service to families.

Professional Collaboration and Responsibilities
• Collaborate with teaching assistants, early childhood colleagues, and division leadership.
• Participate fully in faculty meetings, professional development, and school events.
• Maintain accurate student records and documentation as required.
• Support a positive, collaborative faculty culture grounded in professionalism and trust.

Professional Expectations

Strong candidates will demonstrate:
• A genuine love for young children and early childhood education.
• Alignment with the Catholic mission and values of Royal Palm Academy.
• Strong classroom management appropriate for three-year-old students.
• Professional reliability, organization, and follow-through.
• Warmth, patience, and emotional maturity.
• A growth mindset and openness to coaching and collaboration.
• Pride in their work and care for the details that shape a child's experience.

Qualifications
• Undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field strongly preferred.
• Candidates without a formal education degree must have meaningful classroom teaching experience at the Pre-K level in a private elementary school setting.
• Experience with three-year-old students in an academic Pre-K environment is strongly preferred.
• Practicing Catholic in good standing is preferred but not required.

Daycare-only experience, babysitting, or in-home childcare experience will not be considered in place of the qualifications above.

Position Details
• Full-time, permanent faculty position.
• Full-day Pre-K3 classroom.
• School-year position following the academic calendar.
• Salary range: $48,000-$58,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Competitive benefits package.
• On-campus position in Naples, Florida.
• Reports to the Director of Early Childhood.

To Apply
• Please submit a Resume or CV in Adobe PDF format to Michael Bussman, Head of School, at [email protected].
• Applicants should include a brief cover letter or introduction explaining interest in Royal Palm Academy and in teaching Pre-K3.

Royal Palm Academy is building a joyful, high-performing, and mission-driven faculty. We are seeking educators who love children, value collaboration, and want to help shape a world-class Catholic school community from the earliest years.