Lead Teacher

Mountain Bluebells

Red Lodge, MT

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JOB DETAILS

SALARY

$55,000–$60,000 Per Year

SKILLS

Administrative Skills, Brewing, CPR Certification, Childcare, Cook Dishes, Early Childhood Education, Event Management, First Aid, Gardening, Leadership, Licensing, Licensing Compliance, Maintain Compliance, Mentoring, Music, Newsletter, Nonprofit, Nursery School and Preschool, Pedagogy, People Management, Philosophy, Regulations, Seasonal Design, Training/Teaching, Training/Teaching Curriculum

LOCATION

Red Lodge, MT

POSTED

30+ days ago

A Teaching Life, Fully LivedMountain Bluebells Preschool & Nursery Center is seeking a Lead Teacher to guide our mixed-age Bluebells (aged 3 months to 6 years) in a nature-rich inspired environment. Whether you’re just beginning your journey in early childhood education or you’re a seasoned educator looking for a place where your experience is truly celebrated—Mountain Bluebells may be exactly what fulfills your teaching goals.This is your opportunity to step into a well-run program with the autonomy to design curriculum and activities that speak to your heart. Mountain Bluebells is a small, nonprofit child care program nestled in the charming mountain town of Red Lodge, MT. We are not a conventional daycare, but rather see ourselves as an extension of the child’s home. At Mountain Bluebells, children experience the rhythms of real life: homemade food, abundant time playing outside in our spacious and wooded yard, and the kind of unhurried care that lets childhood unfold the way it was meant. Red Lodge provides a home with a loving community, our school has successfully implemented a thoughtful philosophy, rooted in Waldorf and LifeWays traditions, and our board is deeply committed to the people who make this work possible. Our School PhilosophyMountain Bluebells was founded in 2015 with a simple belief: that a child’s time away from the care of their parents or guardians, should feel like an extension of their home life. Our school lives in a real house—full of warmth, sunlight, and the smells of homemade food. We care for up to 15 children in a mixed-age setting, with a child-to-adult ratio that never exceeds 6:1.Our days follow a gentle rhythm: outdoor play in our woodsy yard, walks to Rock Creek, circle time, practical work, and the kind of deep connection that comes from truly knowing a child. Despite the variable Montana weather, we spend as much time outside as possible. We believe nature is one of the best teachers.Our school is open weekdays 8:30am-5pm, following a school year (late August through late May) and a summer program (early June through mid-August), with breaks for major holidays and season transitions.Our Town Red Lodge is not just a place to work—it’s a place to belong. Named Travel & Leisure’s Most Charming Small Town in America, Red Lodge offers a ski mountain, a thriving downtown, a local brewery, rich cultural history, and the kind of community where people actually know your name. It’s an ideal home base for anyone who loves the outdoors, values connection, and wants their daily life to feel like an adventure.Your Classroom, Your VisionThis leadership role combines hands-on teaching and caregiving and family engagement. This role will provide the day to day leadership needed to create consistent and strong care, while working in collaboration with the Director on staff management and other administrative duties. One of the things that makes this position special is the autonomy it offers. You’re stepping into a well-established program—and then making it your own. You’ll design the seasonal curriculum, shape the daily rhythms, choose the stories, the songs, and the activities. We draw inspiration from Waldorf and LifeWays philosophies, and we trust you to bring your own pedagogy and personality to that foundation.Whether you’re a new graduate excited to finally have a space to put your ideas into practice, or an experienced educator who knows exactly what kind of program they want to build—this is a place where your instincts are trusted.What You’ll Do-Design and deliver seasonal curriculum and activities that reflect your teaching philosophy-Lead daily circle time with stories, songs, movement, and connection-Guide and supervise a mixed-age group of up to 15 children-Mentor and collaborate with classroom aides and support staff-Engage families through newsletters, meetings, and regular communication-Participate in staff meetings and contribute to school planning and events-Maintain a nurturing, warm, and developmentally appropriate environment-Share in the practical rhythms of the home: cooking, cleaning, caring-Collaborate with the Director on administrative and operational needsWho We’re Looking ForPreferred Qualifications•-College degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field (a combination of education and experience will be considered)-At least 3 years of experience working with children ages 0-7-Experience designing and implementing early childhood curriculumYou’ll Fit Right In If You...-Have a love for spending time in nature, in all weather-Are familiar with Waldorf, LifeWays, or Forest School or other similar philosophies (or are eager to learn)-Bring warmth, patience, and genuine delight in the company of young children -Are committed to ongoing professional development and reflective practice-Have musical, artistic, gardening, or handwork skills (a wonderful bonus!)Compensation and BenefitsWe believe that the people who care for and educate young children deserve to be compensated accordingly. This is a highly competitive benefits package for Lead Teacher positions in the region, and we are committed to making sure it stays that way.Starting Salary$55,000-$60,000 annually, negotiable based on your education and experience, plus additional earning potential through bonuses and incentives outlined below. Bonuses & Financial Incentives-Relocation stipend or retention bonus depending on candidate circumstances. -Regular, merit-based raises—your growth here is recognized and rewarded-3 weeks of Paid Time Off, annually. Increasing to 4 weeks of PTO after 3 years of service.Our Board of Directors is actively working toward offering a healthcare stipend and/or retirement contributions. We are transparent about where we are in that process—and committed to continuing to build a package that reflects how much we value this role.Hours and a Commitment to Professional Development-36-40 hours/week: ~35 hours in classroom, 2-5 hours planning and administration-Built-in seasonal breaks aligned with the rhythm of the school year—Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year’s, Spring Break, and the 4th of July—plus week-long transitions between the school year and summer programs (these breaks are unpaid; the 3 weeks of PTO are separate and yours to schedule)-16+ hours of annual professional training (per licensing requirements)-CPR & First Aid certification (renewed every two years; support provided)Mountain Bluebells strongly believes that the best educators are whole people first. Here you will feel supported both in your role at work as well as outside of work. We are committed to fostering ongoing learning and professional development, and to helping you find the training and opportunities that enhance your competency and challenge you to become a more confident and inspired educator.The Lead Teacher is supported by a Director who handles program administration, regulatory oversight, licensing compliance, and board communication, allowing the Lead Teacher to focus primarily on pedagogy and classroom leadership.Ready to Apply? We are so excited to hear from you. Please send a cover letter and resume to mtbluebells@gmail.com. To learn more about our program and community, visit us at www.mtbluebells.org

About the Company

Mountain Bluebells

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