Job Title: Lead Early Childhood Faculty Position

Reports To: Director of Early Childhood

Program: Mountain Academy

Classification: Full Time Exempt

Certification: Adult & Pediatric First Aid & CPR

Work Schedule: 40 hrs/week 220 hrs/year

Location: Jackson, WY

Position Start Date: May 1, 2026

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, faculty 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.

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. 
• 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.
• 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 minibuses 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. 

Benefits:

Competitive compensation and benefit package

This job description is not meant to state or imply that these are the only duties performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their manager in compliance with federal and state laws.

To Apply: Please submit the online application, which includes uploading a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references. Position questions can be directed to paige.fisher@tetonscience.org.

Application Deadline: Applications reviewed and position filled on a rolling basis, preference given to those received before March 13, 2026.

Teton Science Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, creed or sexual orientation in any of its policies or programs.