Master Teacher - Early Learning

The Valley of the Sun YMCA is honored to be among the top 50 YMCA associations in the United States, recognized for transforming our culture, vision, and operations.

With 12 branches across the Valley and Northern Arizona, along with a thriving overnight camp in Prescott, we are a rapidly growing, cause-driven organization.

Our mission is to enhance the nation's health and well-being while creating opportunities to give back and support our communities.

If you are dedicated to being part of a greater movement, a career with the YMCA is for you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF A MASTER TEACHER: BE WELL Serves as a model classroom practitioner, demonstrating best practices in child supervision, safety, health, and developmentally appropriate instruction.

Maintains a high-quality learning environment that exceeds licensing and program quality standards.

Supports classroom staff in implementing child protection, risk management, and safety procedures.

Partners with Site Directors to monitor classroom quality, curriculum fidelity, assessment practices, and learning environments.

Assists in preparing for Quality First, accreditation, licensing, and other quality improvement reviews.

Promotes children's physical, social-emotional, and cognitive well-being through responsive teaching practices.

DO GOOD Builds strong, positive relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners.

Serves as a mentor and coach to Assistant Teachers, Teachers, and Lead Teachers through observation, modeling, and feedback.

Supports family engagement initiatives and promotes meaningful partnerships between families and the Early Learning Center.

Champions diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in classroom practices and interactions.

Models YMCA values and helps cultivate a culture of respect, collaboration, and continuous learning.

LEAD CHANGE Leads implementation of Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG), and other evidence-based instructional frameworks used by the YMCA.

The Lead Teacher role already includes responsibility for curriculum planning, assessment, portfolios, and classroom leadership, which this position expands to a site-wide coaching and quality role.

Analyzes assessment and program quality data to identify opportunities for improvement.

Provides professional development, training, coaching, and onboarding support for classroom staff.

Supports implementation of organizational initiatives, curriculum enhancements, and quality improvement plans.

Partners with Site Directors and organizational leadership to strengthen instructional practices and child outcomes.

Encourages innovation and continuous improvement across all early learning classrooms.

Responsible for additional duties, as assigned.



*This is not an exhaustive list of job duties.

Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned.

REQUIREMENTS TO BE A MASTER TEACHER: Minimum 21 years of age.

Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field required...