Description
We are seeking a Mentor Teacher to lead a mixed-age preschool classroom (ages 2.5–4 years) in our Reggio-inspired early childhood program. This full-time, year-round position plays a key leadership role in creating a secure, nurturing, and developmentally rich learning environment. As the senior educator in a team of three, the Mentor Teacher guides curriculum implementation, supports colleagues’ professional growth, and models reflective teaching practices.
Our program is part of the Colorado Academy community, serving the children of faculty and staff in a thoughtfully designed environment rooted in inquiry, creativity, and strong relationships. We are committed to honoring childhood while preparing young learners with foundational academic, social, and emotional skills that align with our broader college-prep context.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Provide responsive, respectful, and developmentally appropriate care and education for young children
- Blend a foundational academic curriculum with emergent, project-based learning and a Reggio-inspired approach tailored to our college-preparatory setting
- Lead a three-person teaching team in maintaining a safe, clean, and engaging learning environment
- Foster a classroom culture of curiosity, equity, and belonging
- Build strong, supportive relationships with children, families, and co-teachers
- Serve as a coach and mentor to classroom colleagues, modeling best practices and guiding professional reflection
- Collaborate with families through regular communication, conferences, and opportunities for meaningful involvement
- Maintain licensing compliance and uphold all policies and procedures related to health, safety, and supervision
- Support continuity of care by providing occasional classroom coverage across infant–preschool age groups for breaks and closing responsibilities
- Actively participate in professional development opportunities and mentor collaboration meetings
- Work closely with the Director of Early Childhood Education to evaluate and refine program goals and practices
Requirements
- Minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field. Bachelor’s Degree Preferred. (Minimum two ECE courses required for unrelated degrees)
- Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) qualification through Colorado Shines
- Colorado Shines Level 4–6 strongly preferred
- Minimum 5 years of classroom experience with demonstrated mentoring and leadership skills
- Experience working in Reggio Emilia-inspired or constructivist programs is highly valued
- Strong knowledge of licensing requirements and best practices in health, safety, and supervision
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and community-building skills
- Commitment to reflective teaching and continuous professional growth
Work Environment and Culture:
- Reggio-inspired philosophy and practices
- Beautiful indoor and outdoor learning spaces
- Collaborative team-based teaching model
- Inclusive, relationship-centered approach
- Supportive connection to the broader Colorado Academy school community
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief letter of interest.
All faculty and staff at Colorado Academy are expected to carry out the CA Mission, "Creating Curious, Kind, Courageous, and Adventurous Learners and Leaders,” to support the vision of Colorado Academy, and to contribute to the life of the school outside of the classroom.
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required for the position. Colorado Academy reserves the right to modify or revise this job description at any time.
The pay for this position is $22.60–$25.80/hour . Although this is a good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible compensation at the time of posting, Colorado Academy reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range. Any wage differential that may exist for the position does not relate to sex, gender or gender identity, but relates solely to a seniority system, a merit system, or relevant education, training and/or experience. Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance benefit programs are available, as is a 403(b) retirement plan. Eligibility for all benefit programs is defined by the applicable plan document.
Applicants are invited to visit the Colorado Academy website (www.coloradoacademy.org) to learn more about the program and the school.
Colorado Academy does not discriminate or allow unlawful harassment in any of its programs, procedures, or practices on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, ancestry, race, religion or creed, gender expression, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, military service, marital status, genetic information, or other protected classifications defined by federal or Colorado laws. The policy applies in all aspects of employment with CA.
