Lead Teacher, Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Lead Teacher, Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Position Purpose:
The Program Lead Teacher plans and manages a state-funded preschool classroom for four-year-old children, ensuring alignment with Michigan Department of Education (MDE), National Association Accreditation Standards and licensing standards including planning and developing an engaging, age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate early childhood curricula, developing weekly lesson plans, organizing programs based upon knowledge of child development and individual needs of children, supervising classroom staff, coaching and mentoring College of Education early childhood education students during their clinical experience at the Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute Early Childhood Center, as well as work study students and student assistants, recording and maintaining student records, assessing, tracking and documenting children’s progress and achievement using authentic child assessment methods, conducting home visits and parent-teacher conferences. The position reports to the Manager, Early Childhood Center.
Essential Functions
- Implement developmentally appropriate early childhood curricula with an established number of preschool children at the Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute Early Childhood Center; develop weekly lesson plans, organize programs based upon knowledge of child development and individual needs of children; design and deliver age-appropriate lessons using The Project Approach.
- Conduct team planning sessions with classroom staff at established intervals to plan, implement and evaluate curriculum and plan strategies for children.
- Work collaboratively with the teaching team, children, families, researchers, and staff to carry out the Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute Early Childhood Center's mission and philosophy as outlined by the Center Director and Executive Director.
- Record and maintain student records; assess, track and document children’s progress and achievement using authentic child assessment methods; monitor child growth and collect developmental data using the child assessment tool Teaching Strategies GOLD.
- Participate in staff development activities and weekly staff meetings.
- Communicate with families in various formats including individual daily contacts, childcare management software, parent/staff meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and newsletters.
- Obtain resources for children with developmental needs or delays.
- Participate in periodic performance reviews and annual evaluation with the center director.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Elementary Education with a major in Early Childhood Education required.
Valid Michigan Elementary Teaching Certificate with a ZA or ZS Endorsement or a Birth-Kindergarten Teaching Certificate required.
Experience: Intermediate (3 to 4 years of job-related experience).
- Experience working with preschool-aged children.
- Experience with curriculum development and classroom management in an early childhood education program.
- Experience using authentic assessments to document children's growth and development.
- Experience using the Teaching Strategies GOLD child assessment tool.
- Experience using conflict resolution to promote social problem-solving with young children.
- Experience with implementing The Project Approach curriculum.
- Experience with childcare management software (Brightwheel, etc.) preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of The Project Approach curriculum.
- Extensive knowledge of early childhood development principles and developmentally appropriate educational practices.
- Enthusiastic personality that will engage preschool children.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with children, adults, and staff.
- Ability to collaborate with support staff, adults, and students in a positive and constructive way.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Ability to plan, manage and evaluate curriculum.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software as required for recordkeeping, documentation, and communication.
School/College/Division:
The Division of Research & Innovation
Primary Department:
H0910 - Merrill Palmer Institute
Employment Type:
- Regular Employee
- Job type: Full Time
- Job category: Staff/Administrative
Funding/salary information:
- Compensation type: Annual Salary
- Annual Salary: To be determined
Working Conditions:
Preschool Classroom.
Prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout the classroom.
Sit and stand on the floor throughout the day and bend, kneel or squat to be at eye level with children.
Periodically lift up to 40 pounds, including a preschool child.
Job Openings:
- Number of openings: 1
- Reposted position: No
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.
Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, familial status, marital status, height, weight, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The university welcomes applications from persons with disabilities and veterans. Wayne State is an equal opportunity employer.
Equal Opportunity Employer including persons with disabilities and veterans
Wayne State University
Human Resources * 5700 Cass Avenue * Suite 3638 AAB
Detroit, MI * 48202
