Lead Teacher

Summary

Tenney Preschool and Childcare is a community-rooted, play-based program serving children ages 2–9. Our work is grounded in a whole-child approach that centers relationships, social and emotional growth, and a deep respect for childhood. We believe that when children feel safe, seen, and valued, they grow into empathetic, capable people who care for themselves and others.

Our classrooms are designed to support curiosity, collaboration, and joyful learning. Rather than rushing outcomes, we focus on building strong foundations through play, exploration, and meaningful connection. Social and emotional development is woven into everything we do, supporting children across the full spectrum of cognitive, physical, and emotional growth.

Tenney is a truly collaborative preschool community. Families are actively involved in the life of the school, and our cooperative structure means caregivers partner closely with teachers and leadership. This creates a uniquely connected environment where relationships matter and educators are supported by an engaged, invested community.

Tenney Preschool is licensed by the State of Wisconsin, accredited by the City of Madison, and holds a five-star YoungStar rating. We are committed to equity and inclusion and do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, religion, sexuality, gender, color, or ethnic origin in our educational, enrollment, or hiring practices.

Duties

Lead Teachers at Tenney work in a co-leading model, partnering closely with another lead teacher and a small classroom team to create a thoughtful, responsive, and engaging learning environment. This role is grounded in collaboration, shared responsibility, and strong relationships with children, families, colleagues, administration, and our Board of Directors.

Lead Teachers are responsible for guiding the classroom through a high-quality, developmentally informed lens while balancing curriculum leadership, daily classroom operations, and community partnership.

Key responsibilities include:

• Co-lead a mixed-age classroom in collaboration with another lead teacher, sharing responsibility for planning, implementation, and daily classroom flow
• Build warm, respectful, and trusting relationships with children, families, colleagues, and leadership
• Design and implement curriculum rooted in developmentally appropriate practice and early learning standards, responsive to the needs and interests of a mixed-age group
• Plan and facilitate individual and small-group experiences that support children’s social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development
• Create a classroom environment that is safe, engaging, well-organized, and reflective of children’s learning and identities
• Model best practices for the teaching team and support assistants and volunteers through guidance, collaboration, and mentorship
• Communicate regularly and thoughtfully with families through daily conversations, documentation, and family conferences
• Maintain daily classroom operations, including routines, transitions, materials, and schedules
• Ensure compliance with all center policies, licensing regulations, and health and safety standards
• Maintain accurate classroom records, documentation, and required forms
• Engage in ongoing professional reflection and development to support continuous growth and quality improvement
  
  

Requirements

• Must meet DCF minimum requirements for Lead Teaching
• Has previous experience working with children under the age of 5, in a professional or educational setting
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of child development across social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical domains
• Communicates clearly and professionally with children, families, and colleagues, both verbally and in writing
• Works collaboratively and respectfully as part of a team, contributing to a positive and supportive work environment
• Brings energy, flexibility, and care to daily classroom life
• Maintains current Infant and Child CPR and First Aid certification, or is willing to obtain certification upon hire
• Is able to meet state licensing requirements, including completion of background checks and required health screenings
• Is physically able to participate fully in classroom activities, including walking, standing, lifting, bending, kneeling, and engaging in active play with young children
• Demonstrates strong organizational skills and the ability to manage classroom responsibilities in a shared leadership model
  
  

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a mixed-age or multi-age classroom
• Familiarity with play-based, emergent, or inquiry-driven curriculum
• Experience co-leading a classroom or working in a shared leadership model
• Comfort collaborating closely with families in a community-centered or cooperative school setting
• Interest in reflective practice, coaching, or mentorship, either as a mentor or as someone eager to grow with support
• Openness to ongoing professional learning and curiosity about best practices in early childhood education
  
  

Benefits

Tenney Preschool offers both tangible benefits and a deeply supportive, community-centered work environment.

Compensation And Wellness

• Competitive pay
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays and school closings
• Monthly retirement stipend
• Monthly wellness stipend
  
  

Work Environment and Community

• Small group sizes that allow for meaningful relationships and intentional teaching
• A collaborative staff culture where teachers are supported, respected, and valued
• A close-knit family community that prioritizes connection, communication, and care
• Opportunities for all staff to contribute input to program planning and strategic decision-making
• Teacher representation on the Board of Directors, ensuring educator voices are included at the leadership level
• A co-leading classroom model that emphasizes shared responsibility and mutual support
• A play-based, relationship-driven approach that values professional judgment and reflective practice
• Tenney is a place for educators who want to feel connected to their work, supported by their community, and empowered to help shape the direction of their program.