Employment Opportunities

Working at Grace Lutheran Preschool

Grace Lutheran Preschool is a wonderful, welcoming, and joyful place to work. We take our responsibility for children very seriously, employing top-quality teachers and staff who have experience working with children; view their work as their calling; and demonstrate leadership, teamwork, integrity and compassion for others. In addition to the certifications/clearances that are mandated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Mandated Reporter Training and annual Epi-pen training are also required. For more information about our Nondiscrimination Policy click the button below. If you meet the stated requirements and would like to inquire about openings, please email Cathy Smarkusky, Director, csmarkusky@glcpa.org.

Grace Lutheran Preschool is seeking a part-time Preschool Teacher for the 2025-26 school year. Qualifications include a BS in Early Childhood Education or a BS in Elementary Education and a Private Academic Certificate, and experience working with preschool-aged children. Candidates must be available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The position begins in late August and ends in May. Competitive pay rates. Please send a cover letter and resume to Cathy Smarkusky at csmarkusky@glcpa.org.

Grace Lutheran Preschool has an opening for a part-time Teacher’s Aide for the 2025-26 school year. Qualifications include a high school diploma and experience working with preschool-aged children. Candidates must be available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:45 to 12:15. The position begins in late August and ends in May. Competitive pay rates are available. Please send a cover letter and resume to Cathy Smarkusky at csmarkusky@glcpa.org.

Grace Lutheran Preschool is currently seeking a part-time Art Teacher for the 2025-26 school year qualifications include a general background in art and experience working with preschool-aged children. Candidates must be available one morning a week between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00. The position begins in late August and ends in May. Please send a cover letter and resume to Cathy Smarkusky at csmarkusky@glcpa.org. Competitive pay rates are available.

Nondiscrimination Policy

Requirements

FOR CLASS ROOM TEACHERS

All GLP teachers must have at least a four-year degree in either Elementary Education or Early Childhood Education. Teachers who have a degree in elementary education must obtain a Private Academic Certificate from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Afternoon Enrichment teachers must fullfill requirements for Child Care Centers from the Department of Human Services.

Requirements

FOR TEACHER'S AIDES

All aides, specialists and support staff must have a high school degree and meet the criteria for their specific assignments as set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and/or the Departments of Human Services and Grace Lutheran personnel policies. Some higher education and documented experience working or volunteering with young children is preferred.

Substitute

TEACHERS & AIDES

Working as a substitute is a wonderful way for experienced teachers and parents to re-enter the workforce, providing the flexibility families often need if they are raising young children or looking for part-time employment. Clearances are also required for those who wish to work as a substitute.

Applicants

Applicants are responsible for paying the fees to obtain clearances/certifications and employees are responsible to pay for their renewal.

Required Clearances & Training

Pennsylvania laws require our school to have four clearances on file BEFORE you volunteer:

Pennsylvania Child Abuse certification
Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record check
FBI fingerprinting
or a disclosure form in lieu of fingerprinting if you have lived in Pennsylvania for the past ten consecutive years (obtained from our school office). Clearances must be no older than 24 months when presented to our school and are valid for 60 months from the issue date. Fingerprinting results from the PA Department of Education are preferred. Individuals are responsible for paying fees to obtain their clearances.
National Sex Offender Registry
Free, online Mandated Reporter Training is strongly recommended

Grace Lutheran Church & Preschool
205 South Garner Street, State College, PA 16801
(814) 238-2478

Church Office Hours
8am-3 pm Mon-Thurs
8-Noon Friday (September 1- May 31)
8-Noon Mon-Friday (June1-August 31)

Contact Church Contact Preschool

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