Caribou Thunder | Pre-K Lead Teacher Job Description Page 1
PRE-K LEAD TEACHER
STEAM-C · Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, Culture
Opportunities for Substantial Growth and Development |1.0 FTE, Full Benefits | Hayward, WI
Position Summary
We are seeking a visionary, mission-driven pre-K Lead Teacher to join our team as we start a new progressive STEAM-C school in Hayward, Wisconsin, which is being intentionally designed to grow into a pre-K through 12 college-preparatory program that exceeds national academic standards and traditional classroom experiences. The Lead Teacher is a foundational educator and culture builder who cultivates a classroom rich in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Culture, curating developmentally appropriate, hands-on learning experiences in a thoughtfully prepared environment.
The position begins as a Lead Teacher built to take on Director-level responsibilities over time, advancing into administrative and school leadership as the institution expands. We are looking for someone eager to learn and invest in building something lasting, and Caribou Thunder is prepared to invest in the right candidate through mentorship, leadership training, credential support, and a clear pathway toward senior school leadership.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Instruction and Classroom Leadership
- Lead a pre-K classroom where children construct understanding through purposeful, experiential learning in a carefully prepared environment grounded in developmental psychology and best practices.
- Guide individual and small-group lessons using Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and Emergent curriculum style approaches and materials that build independence, concentration, and intrinsic motivation.
- Observe, assess, and document each child's academic, social, emotional, and cultural development.
- Maintain routines and expectations that support safety, respect, and self-regulation.
STEAM-C Curriculum and Experiential Learning
- Design and implement inquiry-based STEAM-C experiences within extended, uninterrupted work periods that build deep concentration, independence, and real-world exploration.
- Introduce foundational science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and cultural concepts through hands-on exploration and experimentation.
- Use art, design, and creative expression as tools for learning, and age-appropriate technology as a creative, problem-solving resource rather than passive consumption.
- Encourage curiosity, hypothesis testing, collaboration, and early systems thinking.
Whole-Child and Cultural Development
- Foster emotional intelligence, empathy, resilience, and conflict-resolution skills, integrating mindfulness, reflection, and self-awareness into daily routines.
- Support cultural responsiveness across all subject areas, so children see themselves and their communities reflected in the curriculum, in a manner that honors all cultures and family structures.
- Adapt instructions to meet individual learning needs and developmental differences.
- Encourage a sense of wonder, purpose, gratitude, service, and connection to community and nature.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
- Build communicative partnerships with families through regular updates, conferences, and informal touchpoints, partnering with them as collaborators in each child's growth.
- Serve as a visible ambassador for the school's mission, values, and educational approach.
- Plan and lead community engagement and enrollment initiatives, including open houses, tours, and prospective family visits, and design family events and volunteer opportunities that strengthen school-home partnerships.
- Support enrollment growth and retention through authentic storytelling and classroom highlights.
- Contribute to long-term curriculum planning aligned with pre-K through 12 pathways, and advise on educational vision, operational planning, classroom design, and staffing from concept through launch.
- Participate in professional development, mentorship, and leadership training.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of the school's mission and launch.
- Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Qualifications
Required
- Qualifying college credits in Early Childhood Education or a closely related field, or active enrollment in a degree program in the field.
- Willingness to obtain additional instructional certifications as needed.
- Minimum two years of teaching or lead teaching experience in an early childhood setting (ages 3 to 5).
- Demonstrated knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP), play-based learning, child development milestones, and early learning standards.
- Strong commitment to experiential, hands-on learning.
- Experience integrating mindfulness or social and emotional learning (SEL) into education.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
- Proficiency with basic classroom technology and openness to learning new tools.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills; collaborative, reflective, and solution-oriented.
- Entrepreneurial, growth-oriented mindset, comfortable in a dynamic, evolving environment.
- High ethical standards and commitment to professional excellence.
- Flexible availability.
Preferred
- Completed CDA (Child Development Associate) credential.
- Background or strong interest in STEAM-C education.
- Prior experience with curriculum design, program development, or school launch.
- Experience with marketing, outreach, or community engagement.
- Experience, education, or willingness to learn administration and enrollment processes.
- Leadership experience or clear interest in advancement.
- Medication Administration training.
- Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) training or equivalent.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
- Standard early childhood classroom with regular indoor and outdoor activity.
- Frequent sitting, kneeling, bending, and moving at children's level; ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds to assist or respond to children.
- Sustained supervision of active young children, including outdoor play in varying weather conditions.
- Occasional evening or weekend hours for planning, communication, family events, open houses, and professional development.
Employment Requirements
- Must pass all applicable background studies, state and federal background checks, drug testing, and health screening requirements for working with young children.
- Pediatric/Child First Aid, CPR, and AED certification.
- Mandated Reporter training.
Compensation and Benefits
Caribou Thunder is committed to a competitive compensation package for this role. Salary will be commensurate with experience, credentials, and leadership scope.
- Competitive base salary, commensurate with experience and credentials.
- Full benefits package, including but not limited to health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, PTO, 401(k) with company match, and education and certification reimbursement.
- Defined advancement pathway into administrative and school leadership roles.
Pay: $45,803.62 - $55,161.35 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
Work Location: In person
