Posting Details
Posting Details
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Institution
South Dakota State University
Working Title
Lead Classroom & Mentor Teacher
Posting Number
NFE03173P
Department
SDSU-School of Education
Physical Location of Position (City)
Brookings
Posting Text
Join our team! We are currently seeking a Lead Classroom and Mentor Teacher for the Toddler classroom to help support the Fishback Center for Early Childhood Education. If you enjoy a collaborative setting and enjoy leading and mentoring others, we would love to hear from you. This position is located in Brookings , South Dakota. This position is a 9-month, part-time, 45%-time position.
The Fishback Center for Early Childhood Education ( FCECE ) is a laboratory preschool on campus at SDSU within the School of Education. In conjunction with the early childhood education program, the FCECE classrooms are led by SDSU faculty, who not only teach children, but also support and mentor college students while they gain hands-on experience in teaching. At the FCECE, the philosophy is grounded in social constructivism, inquiry-based learning, and is Reggio-inspired. Children are capable, competent, and build their knowledge through exploration and social interaction. Relationships with caring and responsive teachers are not only children’s rights but are crucial to their growth, learning, and development.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES :
- Develop and maintain a model early childhood classroom that demonstrates excellence in developmentally appropriate practice and an inquiry-based, child-led philosophy.
- Ensure full compliance with NAEYC accreditation and applicable licensing standards while supporting measurable child development outcomes.
- Foster strong, collaborative family-school partnerships that promote children’s learning, development, and well-being.
- Provide effective supervision, mentoring, and evaluation of teacher candidates throughout their clinical placement, supporting growth in teaching competency, reflective practice, and professional dispositions aligned with program and accreditation standards.
BENEFITS :
This position is eligible for prorated leave and holiday pay.
QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :
A Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Elementary Education, or Child Development completed by date of application
At least one year of experience teaching in early childhood (birth-age 8) settings, including childcare, preschool, or elementary schools
Experience mentoring student teachers or providing feedback to field experience students
Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :
Experience or knowledgeable in the inquiry-based, Reggio-inspired philosophy
Experience with toddler-aged children (15 months- 36 months)
Demonstrated experience in child-centered curriculum planning
Experience contributing to reporting for accreditation ( NAECP and NAEYC ) national standards of excellence
APPLICATION PROCESS :
This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, curriculum vitae, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.
Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.
SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.
Posting Date
08/14/2026
Closing Date
08/21/2026
Open Until Filled
No
First Consideration Date
Advertised Salary
The minimum starting salary for this position is $20/hour commensurate with experience.
Duration of the Term
9 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent
45%
Work Hours
Monday – Thursday 7:45 am – 12 pm, Fridays 8 – 9:30 am
9-month
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
Appointment Type
Regular
Faculty Status
No
Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of search
This position requires
No Requirement
If other, please indicate
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu . Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.
Contact Information
For questions on the position, contact Anne Karabon at Anne.Karabon@sdstate.edu .
Working Conditions
Cognitive Requirements
Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position.
Analyzing, Comprehend, Verbal Communication, Written Communication
Protective Clothing/Equipment
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If other protection is used please identify
Physical Requirements
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Describe any of the conditions selected
Sensory Requirements
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Working Conditions & Exposures
Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day.
Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above
Working Environment
Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed.
Classroom Environment, Office Environment
If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Optional Documents
- Reference List
