Lead Classroom & Mentor Teacher

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 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.

• 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.

This position is eligible for prorated leave and holiday pay.

• 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

• 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

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.

Duration of Term: 9 months. Appointment Percent: 45%. Appointment Type:
Regular. Faculty Status:
Non‑faculty.

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.

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
. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact:
Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: .

Advertised Salary:
The minimum starting salary for this position is $20/hour commensurate with experience.

South Dakota Board of Regents
306

E. Capital Ave, Suite 200
Pierre, SD 57501