Director of Education

Location:
The Aspen Grove School | Philadelphia, PA

Start Date: July 7, 2025

Description, Responsibilities, & Duties

We are looking for a seasoned Director of Education to lead the delivery of our program across 16 classrooms, in alignment with our vision and with state standards. This position is the crucial conduit between the school’s vision and how it comes to life through our classroom experience. The Director of Education is a member of the school’s leadership team and will be supported by an Assistant Director of Education in leading 40 teachers, whom we consider to be our most valuable assets.

Other members of the school’s leadership team include the Operations Director, the Admissions Director and the school’s owner.

Your Accountabilities:

Lead, manage and create accountability for the delivery of an urban nature-based and Reggio inspired program across 16 classrooms.
Cultivate a team culture of trust, belonging and professionalism, rooted in AGS’ core values.
Conduct consistent coaching, role modeling and professional development to deepen teachers’ understanding of developmentally appropriate practices and Reggio principles.
Ensure that classroom environments are intentionally prepared and that teacher-child interactions are authentic and respectful.
Ensure that OCDEL-approved curricula is implemented in alignment with AGS’s urban nature-based and Reggio-inspired philosophy.
Lead the hiring and orientation process to on-board and retain high quality teachers.
Lead parent conferences and facilitate student supports.
Build and deepen AGS’ relationships with universities and community partners.
Lead accreditation work.
Ensure compliance with OCDEL and Keystone STARS standards.
Collaborate with the Director of Operations, Director of Admissions and Assistant Director of Education to help serve teachers, children and families with excellence, as one aligned leadership team.

Who You Are:

A warm, positive, approachable leader, strongly aligned with AGS’ core values.
You are experienced in leading teams within ECE and resilient in navigating challenges.
You have a strong understanding of urban nature based learning and Reggio practices.
You have a track record in supporting teachers and building their capacity as educators.
You are organized and have intentional time management practices that help you navigate competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
You can deliver impactful professional development and trainings.
You are a clear communicator who brings people together, keeps them informed and builds morale while also able to have tough conversations.
You lead by example, demonstrate curiosity for different perspectives and have ownership over your growth and development.
You have a natural ability to be a team player and collaborator.
You are able to hold yourself and others accountable to high quality standards.

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements

Experience Requirements:

5 years leadership experience in early childhood
3-5 years experience in leading teaching teams
Solid understanding of Reggio principles
Urban nature-based experience
Experience in building family relationships

Education Requirements

BA/BS degree in Early Childhood Education
Masters degree in Education preferred
PD Specialist preferred (or must be willing to acquire)

Equal Employment Opportunity:

We are fully committed to hiring, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by state or local law. We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity.

Salary & Benefits

Base plus bonus:

$80,000 – $90,000

PTO

401(k) with 4% employer match
Health,dental and vision insurance
Childcare discount
Voluntary benefits
Professional development and memberships
Bonus

Application Procedures

Please email your resume to: sharon@aspengrovephilly.com along with your answers to the following questions:

1. Describe how you see a young child?
2. Describe your specific experience with building a high performing culture amongst teachers?

Program Description

Who We Are

The Aspen Grove School is a large, growing Early Childhood Education Center (infants to 5 years) in the Graduate Hospital area in Philadelphia. We provide an urban nature-based and Reggio-inspired program and are currently working towards Keystone STARS 4. We occupy a beautiful space that spans 20,000 square feet, is intentionally designed and filled with natural light. We are driven by our core values, dedicated to honoring the magic and wonder of childhood, and committed to helping children develop as capable and curious learners who can make a dent in the world.

We are humbled to have received the Philadelphia Family Magazine’s “Excellence in Education” award in both 2024 and 2025.

Contact Info

Sharon Jayakumar
President
sharon@aspengrovephilly.com
https://www.aspengrovephilly.com

Job Opportunity