About Harbor Light
Harbor Light Early Education is a boutique early childhood program in Marquette, Michigan, serving children ages 6 weeks through 6 years. We're not a typical school — we're a carefully crafted learning environment where curiosity leads, children set the pace, and every day is an invitation to wonder.
Our approach blends the best of Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and traditional school readiness — thoughtfully adapted to each child's individual journey. We keep our ratios intentionally low because we believe every child deserves real attention, real relationships, and a teacher who truly knows them. Nature is woven into everything we do: children spend at least a third of their day outdoors, and the world around us is treated as an active, living classroom.
We are deeply committed to inclusivity and celebrating the diverse world we share. This isn't a talking point for us — it's embedded in how we teach, what we teach, and the community we build together.
The Role
We're looking for a passionate, experienced Junior Kindergarten & Kindergarten Lead Teacher to guide our oldest learners as they prepare for the world ahead — while honoring everything that makes early childhood so extraordinary.
In this role, you'll lead a mixed-age JK/K classroom within our broader school community. You'll plan and facilitate inquiry-driven, play-based learning experiences that are both joyful and purposeful — building kindergarten readiness through exploration, collaboration, and hands-on discovery.
You'll work closely with Harbor Light's leadership and families, partnering to understand each child's individual goals and creating a classroom culture where children feel safe, seen, and genuinely excited to learn.
What You'll Do
- Plan and lead daily learning experiences that balance child-led inquiry with intentional school readiness skill-building
- Facilitate daily class meetings that build community, confidence, and communication
- Design and guide outdoor learning experiences as a core part of the curriculum
- Build warm, trusting relationships with children, families, and colleagues
- Observe and document children's growth, and communicate meaningfully with families
- Collaborate with the Harbor Light team to maintain a consistent, nurturing environment
- Model compassion, curiosity, and a love of learning every single day
What We're Looking For
- A genuine passion for early childhood education and a belief in the power of play-based learning
- Familiarity with Reggio Emilia and/or Montessori philosophy
- Experience teaching JK, Kindergarten, or PreK-age children in a lead role
- Strong classroom management skills paired with a warm, relational approach
- Comfort with outdoor and nature-based learning
- A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in practice — not just in principle
- Excellent communication skills with both children and families
- A degree or credential in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field (equivalent experience considered)
What Makes Harbor Light Different
- Small, intimate program where you are known — and so are your students
- Low ratios so you can teach the way you believe in
- A leadership team that listens and partners with you
- A school that genuinely values teachers and the work they do
- A community in beautiful Marquette, Michigan — four seasons, outdoor culture, and a close-knit town
How to Apply
If this sounds like the environment you've been looking for, we'd love to hear from you. Please send your resume and a brief note about your teaching philosophy to:
[email protected]
Harbor Light Early Education is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
