Baby Badgers Lead Teacher

The UW Odyssey Project takes a whole‑family approach to breaking the cycle of generational poverty through access to education. As the Odyssey Junior Baby Badger Lead Teacher, you will lead a teaching team on Wednesday evenings from 4:30pm to 8:00pm in South Madison, beginning in August and running through April. Each week will involve 3–4 hours of classroom leadership, plus an additional 1–2 hours during the week for lesson planning and communication with the team.

Odyssey Junior Goals

• Build self‑esteem
• Encourage positive peer interactions
• Develop communication skills
• Foster creative self‑expression
• Enhance literacy
• Support motor development
• Promote intellectual growth

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead teacher for an eight‑infant classroom (ages 6weeks to 24months).
• Develop and communicate weekly lesson plans aligned with Odyssey Junior core goals.
• Collaborate with volunteers and staff to maintain a clear, inclusive classroom community.
• Implement safety guidelines and behavioral expectations set by the Office of Youth Protection.
• Communicate regularly with parents and program directors about student progress.
• Provide materials for the program newsletter and ensure timely supply requests.
• Attend staff meetings and assist with classroom set‑up and clean‑up.
• Evaluate individualized and developmental educational plans with stakeholders.
• Mentor new teachers and students.
• Document and communicate updates on child activities in accordance with regulations.

Qualifications

• Experience teaching in an infant classroom or community‑based program.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Experience creating developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Experience working with children from diverse ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Experience leading or teaching on a diverse team.
• Demonstrated knowledge of culturally relevant teaching, trauma‑informed care, and literacy best practices.
• Relevant Bachelor’s degree or Early Childhood Education credential required; WI Teaching License preferred.

Compensation

$28.00 hourly.

EEO Statement

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran.