Lead Preschool & Pre-K Teacher

Position Description

Early Childhood Faculty at Mountain Academy are joyful co-creators of learning, belonging, and wonder within the Teton Science Schools community. Rooted in Place-Based education and inspired by nature-based learning and the Reggio Emilia philosophy, teachers design experiences that honor children as capable, curious learners and the natural world as a powerful teacher.

Through responsive relationships and thoughtful environments, faculty nurture each child's social, emotional, and cognitive development while cultivating a strong sense of connection to self, to others, and to place. Educators partner closely with families and colleagues to build a vibrant, supportive community where children feel seen, valued, and inspired to explore.

Within Teton Science Schools' and Mountain Academy's collaborative culture, Early Childhood Faculty are empowered to lead with creativity, reflection, and purpose, working both collaboratively and independently. Early Childhood Faculty work side by side to create safe, welcoming spaces and rich daily experiences that spark curiosity, invite exploration, and lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

Mountain Academy is hiring for two Lead Early Childhood Teacher roles: one Lead Preschool Teacher and one Lead Pre-K Teacher. This posting is intended to identify candidates for both positions. Final placement will be determined based on experience, interest, and program needs. Both roles share core responsibilities and expectations while serving different age groups.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

• Design, implement, and document curriculum that reflects children's interests, developmental needs, and the school's Place-Based, Reggio Emilia, and nature-based inspired philosophy.
• Create inviting, stimulating indoor and outdoor learning environments that encourage inquiry, play, and exploration.
• Responsibilities are aligned to the developmental needs of the assigned age group:
• Preschool: Emphasizes foundational social-emotional development and play-based learning.
• Pre-K: Incorporates more complex project work and kindergarten readiness skills.
• Observe, assess, and document children's learning, development, and growth throughout the year to inform planning and instruction.
• Lead classroom planning and ensure consistency in routines, expectations, and caregiving practices.
• Provide all necessary care for young children, including changing clothes, supporting bathroom/diaper needs, feeding, and children's overall well-being.
• Maintain a dynamic, organized, and nurturing classroom environment that supports safety, belonging, and independence.
• Ensure classroom practices meet state licensing, health and safety regulations and maintain required State of Wyoming Statewide Trainings and Resource System (STARS) hours.
  

Family Partnership & Advisory

• Serve as advisor and primary point of contact for families, building respectful and trusting partnerships.
• Communicate regularly with families about children's successes, challenges, milestones, and development.
• Collaborate with families and relevant specialists to support individual children's needs and development.
• Plan for and participate in two learning team conferences per year (Fall and Spring).
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all family communications.
  
  

Team & Community

• Provide pedagogical leadership within the classroom by mentoring and supporting co-teachers and assistants.
• Collaborate with colleagues on integrated projects, shared goals, and reflective practice.
• Lead and support daily classroom routines, including meetings, meals, rest time, story time, and classroom upkeep.
• For Pre-K roles, this may include coordination with elementary faculty to support transitions to kindergarten.
• Design and maintain environments and materials that reflect children's identities, thinking, and learning.
• Provide internal classroom coverage when substitutes are unavailable.
• Participate in professional development opportunities and contribute to ongoing program development.
• Support school-wide events and initiatives and align with team culture, values, and goals.
  
  

Risk & Safety Management

• Respond to emergencies in accordance with Teton Science Schools policies, procedures, and support structures.
• Follow all school policies, state licensing regulations, and health and safety procedures.
• Actively supervise children and maintain a safe, supportive learning environment at all times.
• Assess and manage risk during indoor and outdoor experiences, balancing safety with opportunities for exploration and growth.
• Safely operate 15-passenger minibusses for program-related travel and correctly use 5-point harness car seats.
• Participate in safety trainings, emergency preparedness, and required drills.
  
  

Qualifications

• Passion for early childhood education and a desire to create meaningful, place-based learning experiences.
• Dedication to being a lifelong learner, continuously reflecting on practice, seeking professional growth, and evolving alongside children and colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, including giving and receiving constructive feedback.
• Ability to work independently with attention to detail, creativity, and initiative.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive, respectful relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Deep understanding of Early Childhood developmental stages, with experience supporting social-emotional growth, inclusion, and individualized learning needs.
• Experience with observation, documentation, and reflective assessment to guide curriculum planning and track children's growth.
• Comfort and enthusiasm for outdoor, nature-based learning in all types of weather.
• Commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive environment and cultivating a sense of belonging for all members of the community.
• Current First Aid and Adult, Child & Infant CPR/AED certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record and willingness to safely operate program vehicles as needed.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check and driving record review prior to start date along with all Wyoming state licensing requirements.
• Bachelor's degree preferred or a minimum of two years of experience in early childhood education or a related field.