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Position Title:

Lead Teacher - Children's Center (2 Openings, Extended)

Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Early Child Edu Teacher

Job Duties:

Attention:

The Children's Center at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks two Lead Teachers (Early Childhood Education Teacher, TL019).

Job Details:

This Lead Teacher is responsible for providing care for children in a child-initiated learning environment for children ages 12 weeks to five years. The teacher will implement the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards (WMELS) through a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach and Pyramid Model curriculum, working with diverse groups of children and families, and utilizing developmentally appropriate practices as defined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The applicant must be able to physically work with young children. This includes bending, kneeling, reaching, sitting/standing on the floor, and lifting children when necessary.

Lead Teachers provide overall supervision and management of a classroom, including direct oversight of university student employees and students participating in practicum or observation experiences. This includes onboarding and training student staff, modeling appropriate interactions and teaching strategies, assigning and delegating classroom responsibilities, and providing ongoing coaching and feedback. Lead Teachers are also responsible for ensuring student employees adhere to licensing regulations, center policies, and professional expectations, while fostering a supportive and educational work environment that promotes growth and skill development.

The Lead Teacher plans and facilitates developmentally appropriate, child led, activities as part of a comprehensive program supporting children's physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth, enabling each child to reach their highest potential. The Children’s Center follows a looping model, as best we can, where teachers serve as the primary caregiver for a cohort of children from infancy through 4 years old.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Programming Responsibilities:

Plan and facilitate a daily program of care and activities for the assigned classroom (ages infant – 4-year-old Kindergarten)
Contribute to the effective operation of the overall early education program
Responsible for the arrangement of space, setting, and materials in the classroom and outdoor play equipment
Ensure a safe, clean, orderly child-centered and nurturing learning environment
Implement a consistent daily schedule for children's calm, comfortable and successful participation in the program
Individualize programming according to children's interests and developmental goals
Document and assess the children’s individual progress and the progress of the group as a whole using learning stories, documentation panels, classroom portfolios, in conjunction with authentic assessment and artifacts (photographs, work samples and anecdotal observations)
Communicate regularly with families through day to day conversations, Kaymbu app and a Family Resource Board in the classroom
Support and Encourage family participation in the educational process
Promote a multicultural and anti-bias approach to learning and to the center environment. Show respect for each child’s culture, background, and personal uniqueness
Oversee operational procedures within the classroom and in common areas as assigned
Monitor center sanitation procedures and promptly report any maintenance concerns to the Director
Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills
Ability to interact respectfully with people (staff, students, and families) from diverse socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic background
Experience in a NAEYC accredited center (preferred)

Administrative Responsibilities:

Maintain regular communication with parents/guardians, teacher assistants, volunteers, student teachers and the Children’s Center Director
Practice emergency evacuation procedures monthly and maintain Fire and Safety checklist
Assist in center compliance with all regulatory requirements, including childcare licensing requirements, USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program regulations, NAEYC accreditation standards, University of Wisconsin System and UWW policies
Arrange for own substitute whenever possible and arrange for Teacher Assistant substitutes when needed. Adjusting staff when necessary.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Collaborate with the Center Director, University Faculty, and staff in the supervision and training of Teacher Candidates/student teachers in the Early Childhood Education program.
Keep Teaching Assistants informed with clear and regular communication about classroom routines and needs through posts on WebEx Teams.
Participate in regular staff meetings to ensure alignment on educational goals and operational matters.
Assist in leading training and orientation sessions for new staff and teaching assistants.
Train new Teaching Assistants on classroom expectations, licensing rules, and accreditation requirements to ensure compliance and effective teaching.
Work collaboratively with staff in the classroom to maintain a safe and supportive environment for the students, ensuring their well-being.
Address issues promptly by communicating directly with Teaching Assistants, offering guidance, and resolving concerns effectively.

General Responsibilities:

Ensure the safety and physical well-being of the children
Provide recommendations and referrals of children with special needs
Maintain a professional working atmosphere and confidentiality of information in relation to staff, children, and families
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of the Children’s Center
Participate in the Division of Student Affairs and University committees and programs when appropriate

CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT:

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources. UW-Whitewater is not an e-verify employer, therefore STEM extensions are not options for work authorization.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Plans and facilitates classroom programming and schedules daily classroom activities for an early childhood education facility according to established curriculums

Evaluates individualized and developmental educational plans for children in collaboration with other stakeholders, as needed

Mentors new teachers and students

Maintains and documents effective communication with internal and external stakeholders to relay pertinent information and provide updates of child activities per established guidelines and regulations

Maintains the safety and physical well-being of children in a designated classroom

Department:

Children's Center

Compensation:

Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting salary commensurate with the candidate's education, related experience, and qualifications.

UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learn more about the UW System's comprehensive benefit package, review the UW System Employee Benefits Brochure.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education, or a related field (preferred)
Associate degree in education with a willingness to pursue further education
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with children, families, and staff
Demonstrated ability to provide leadership within a team-teaching model
Current certification in Infant/Child/Adult CPR, First Aid, AED, Bloodborne Pathogens, Prevention of Abusive Head Trauma, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (preferred)
Must meet all requirements of Wisconsin Licensing Rules for Group Daycare Centers (DCF 251), including physical exam and criminal background check
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to interact respectfully with people with diverse socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills.

How to Apply:

Only complete application packages will be considered. This includes online submission of the following documents:

Cover letter/letter of interest
Resume
Names and contact information for three professional references (letters of recommendation may be solicited at a later time)

Contact Information:

If you have questions regarding this recruitment or if you are unable to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact us at (262) 472-1024 or hr@uww.edu.

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Kiley Henn

HennKK09@uww.edu

262.472.1768

To Ensure Consideration:

Applications received by May 17th, 2026, are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

CAMPUS INFORMATION:

UW-Whitewater is a thriving public university located in southeastern Wisconsin. It leads the way in providing world-class, affordable higher education programs to more students than neighboring regional comprehensives in the University of Wisconsin System. A collaborative team of 1,300 faculty and staff are devoted to the success of the university’s 11,500 students at its main and Rock County campuses. The team provides high-impact practices and academic programs — online and in person — from associate to doctoral levels. Recognized nationally for affordability, inclusion, and career development, UWW serves approximately one-third first-generation students and boasts strength in many areas, especially business and education. The campus and community embrace the Warhawk Family spirit, supporting the university’s arts and nationally recognized NCAA Division-III level championship athletics. As a proud institution of access, more than 10 percent of undergraduate students use the acclaimed Center for Students with Disabilities — a priority mission since the 1970s.

UW-Whitewater's campuses are located centrally near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, offering easy access to the cultural and commercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas. Near both Lake Geneva and the Wisconsin Dells, the area attracts numerous visitors from across the country. Whitewater is a vibrant college community near the Kettle Moraine State Forest offering area residents seasonal outdoor enjoyment. The nearby Rock County campus is located in Janesville, a town of 60,000 located on the Rock River and known as Wisconsin’s Park Place.

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is part of the 13-campus Universities of Wisconsin (https://www.wisconsin.edu).

Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(b) provides that applicants may indicate in writing that their identity should be kept confidential. In response to a public records request, the University will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(a).

Per Regent Policy Document 20-19, University of Wisconsin System Criminal Background Check Policy and Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275 Recruitment Policies, UW-Whitewater requires criminal background checks as a contingency to employment. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. All final candidates must be asked, prior to hire, whether they have been found to have engaged in, are currently under investigation for, or left employment during an active investigation in which they were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment. When obtaining employment reference checks, these same sexual violence or sexual harassment questions must also be asked.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater requires that all employees be active participants in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills.

For UW-Whitewater Campus safety information and crime statistics/annual Security Report, see  Annual Security and Fire Safety Report if you would like a paper copy of the report please contact the UW-Whitewater Police at 262-472-4660.

UW IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.