GSRP Lead Teacher (PreK)

WHO WE ARE

The Cornerstone Schools have been serving students and families in Detroit for more than thirty years with a steadfast commitment to opportunity, excellence, and community. We are building schools where young people are not only prepared academically, but are also equipped to live with integrity, resilience, and joy. To do this, we seek team members who bring both skill and spirit to their work: creative problem- solvers, collaborative partners, and centered souls who act with intention, steadiness, and heart.

Our mission is to seek for ourselves and our students to live a Complete Life, a virtuous life, a life of excellence, in the unfolding of the American Promise. As Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. taught us, such a life is of length (“to live for a purpose born”), breadth (“to be a person for others”), and height (“to know God”).

We have six schools around the city of Detroit: Jefferson-Douglass Academy, Washington-Parks Academy, Madison-Carver Academy, Adams-Young Elementary, Adams-Young Middle School, and Lincoln-King High School. We invite those who feel called to this work to join us in shaping lives and communities for the better.

THE CORNERSTONE FAMILY

Our faculty, staff, parents and students are all part of the Cornerstone family. We work hard together to help each other succeed. If you want to work alongside a group of people who are passionate about what they do, the city in which they do it, and the families they serve, then Cornerstone is the right place for you.

TITLE:  GSRP Lead Teacher (PreK) FLSA   STATUS : Exempt

REPORTS   TO: School Principal

CALENDAR: 10 Month

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL DO

The GSRP Lead Teacher delivers a high-quality, developmentally appropriate preschool program aligned to the Michigan Early Childhood Standards of Quality and the requirements of the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP). Through purposeful planning, play-based instruction, ongoing assessment, and strong family partnerships, the Lead Teacher builds the foundation for each child’s academic, social, and emotional growth. Our Lead Teachers are role models of the Complete Life in how they teach young learners and how they collaborate with colleagues and families.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Instruction and Classroom Leadership: Design and deliver developmentally appropriate learning experiences that build a strong foundation for school readiness.

• Plan and implement daily lessons aligned to GSRP standards and approved curriculum, such as HighScope, Creative Curriculum, or Connect4Learning

• Create a classroom environment that supports active learning, play-based instruction, and social-emotional development

• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of young learners

• Establish classroom routines that promote independence, curiosity, and positive behavior

• Foster warm, responsive interactions that build trust and security with every child

Assessment and Data: Measure student growth with fidelity and use data to drive responsive instruction.

• Conduct required assessments using COR Advantage, Teaching Strategies GOLD, or other program-approved tools

• Use assessment data to inform daily instruction and communicate progress with families

• Maintain accurate student records in compliance with GSRP and licensing requirements

• Identify and address developmental needs early through ongoing observation and documentation 

Family Engagement: Build strong, trusting partnerships with families to support each child’s development.

• Communicate regularly with families about student progress, classroom activities, and expectations

• Conduct required home visits as outlined by GSRP

• Lead parent conferences and participate in family events throughout the year

• Support families in understanding child development and school readiness 

Compliance and Program Quality: Uphold the standards that make Cornerstone’s preschool program safe, high-quality, and trusted by families.

• Ensure compliance with GSRP program requirements, LARA licensing rules, and health and safety standards

• Participate in GSRP monitoring, audits, and quality improvement processes, including PQA and CLASS observations

• Maintain a safe, clean, and well-organized classroom environment at all times

• Apply feedback from coaches and specialists to strengthen practice 

Collaboration and Professionalism: Lead a strong classroom team and contribute to a mission-aligned school community.

• Supervise, coach, and develop the Associate Teacher to build a strong instructional partnership

• Collaborate with the Early Childhood Specialist or Coach, support staff, and school leadership

• Participate in professional development and apply learning to daily practice

• Model professionalism, integrity, and high standards in all interactions with children, families, and colleagues

• Align all work with the mission, vision, and values of Cornerstone Education Group, gracefully handling other duties as assigned

HERE’S WHAT EVERYONE AT CORNERSTONE DOES

• the ability to prioritize student-learning needs over the customs, routines, and established relationships that can stand in the way of necessary change;
• the strong desire to achieve outstanding results in a short amount of time;
• the ability to motivate others and influence their behaviors;
• the power to stay visibly focused and self-assured;
• the talent to foster collective responsibility and ownership for greater student achievement;
• the aptitude to sustain an effective system of shared leadership and responsibility throughout Cornerstone;

  HERE’S WHY WE’LL LOVE YOU

 Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education required, OR Bachelor’s degree with a ZA endorsement (Early Childhood General and Special Education), OR Bachelor’s degree with coursework meeting GSRP requirements. A valid Michigan teaching certificate with an Early Childhood endorsement is preferred, as is prior experience in preschool or PreK programs and familiarity with HighScope or a similar curriculum.

HERE’S WHY YOU’LL LOVE US

For fulltime colleagues, we are proud to offer a competitive compensation and benefits package commensurate with experience and subject to plan eligibility.

• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
• Retirement Savings Plan with Employer Match
• Paid Time-Off
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Care Spending Account
• Dependent Care Spending Account
• Group Life Insurance
• Optional Income Protection Plans
• We operate a positive and supportive working environment
• We foster and encourage innovation in student education and career development
• We facilitate professional development and other faculty and staff experiences
• We provide opportunities to engage in the Partner Program, Career Pathways and other sponsored Cornerstone community programs

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee in this position and the qualifications needed. The job description should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed by a person so classified and should not be taken as a comprehensive list of all qualifications that may be required. Cornerstone Education Group is an equal-opportunity employer.