ECLC Lead Teacher

The Templar School of Education at Johnson University is seeking a full-time lead preschool teacher for the Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC). The position will be based at Johnson University’s Knoxville, Tennessee campus. Interested applicants should submit resumes/CVs and questions to Karen Eastep, Templar School of Education, Johnson University, 7900 Johnson Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37998 or email .

Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Hiring Salary: Commensurate with education and experience
Appointment: July 26, 2021

Job Summary

The personal qualifications of the ECLC Lead Teacher must include: the physical stamina to keep up with active, young children; emotional stability; the capacity to enjoy children and view their feelings and needs objectively and sympathetically so the children can look to them for protection, help, and understanding; the ability to deal with undesirable behavior in a firm, constructive, nonpunitive way; the capacity to and an interest in learning more about children and how to work with them; an understanding of his/her responsibility to safeguard children and the ability to use good judgment in emergencies; the capacity for pleasant and cooperative relationships with other adults. The ECLC Lead Teacher fills the role of mentor and coach to the Johnson practicum students as well as coordinating the day-by-day activities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • To be responsible for his/her class at all times.
  • To create daily lesson plans.
  • To maintain accident records, current emergency cards, and attendance records.
  • To implement the approved curriculum.
  • To maintain the classroom discipline.
  • To attend business and planning meetings once a week.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

  • To attend workshops or take special courses in early childhood development. A minimum of 6 credits will be required for employment and a minimum of 12 hours of training each year.
  • To schedule fire and disaster drills at least once per month.
  • To check all playground equipment each month for deficiencies.
  • To meet with parents regarding specific needs of individual children.
  • To follow all state licensing rules and regulations.
  • To supervise ECLC workers, including performing semi-annual evaluations.
  • To plan two music programs a year.
  • To effectively communicate with parents.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

  • Minimum of associate degree or higher in early childhood education
  • Computer skill in all Office programs
  • Leadership ability
  • Good communication skills with adults and children
  • Have a current CPR and first aid certification or be willing to become certified

Working Conditions

  • Office work
  • Getting up and down from the floor multiple times a day
  • Lifting of children
  • Sitting at child-sized tables for activities
  • Cleaning child-made messes and accidents

Equal Employment Opportunity Provider

Johnson University is a Christian university affiliated with Christian churches and churches of Christ. Its mission is to educate students for “Christian ministries and other strategic vocations framed by the Great Commission in order to extend the kingdom of God among all nations.” Accordingly, Johnson University seeks to hire and educate individuals who share its vision and core values to carry out that mission. Johnson University does not unlawfully discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment practices.

Johnson University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or disability–if such disability may be accommodated without undue hardship—in provision of educational opportunities, programs and activities, or employment opportunities and benefits, pursuant to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent amendments to that act, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and subsequent re-authorization of that act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and subsequent amendments to that act.

The University, however, reserves the right under those provisions to make certain employment decisions based on religion, marital status, or sex consistent with the University’s religious beliefs when establishing qualifications for certain positions. Further, as a Christian ministry, the University retains the right to select those who serve in ministerial positions, as that term has been defined by the courts in the context of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, based on criteria established by the University without regard to Title VII, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law governing the employment relationship.