Lead Classroom & Mentor Teacher

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.

BENEFITS :
This position is eligible for prorated leave and holiday pay.

QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

• 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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• 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

APPLICATION PROCESS :
This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, curriculum vitae, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.
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.

Posting Date
08/14/2026

Closing Date
08/21/2026

Open Until Filled
No

First Consideration Date

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

Duration of the Term
9 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent
45%

Work Hours

Monday – Thursday 7:45 am – 12 pm, Fridays 8 – 9:30 am
9-month

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type
Regular

Faculty Status
No

Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

This position requires
No Requirement

If other, please indicate

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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@sdstate.edu . Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.

Contact Information

For questions on the position, contact Anne Karabon at Anne.Karabon@sdstate.edu .

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position.
Analyzing, Comprehend, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment

Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment.

If other protection is used please identify

Physical Requirements

Please designate the physical requirements of this position

Describe any of the conditions selected

Sensory Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position.

Working Conditions & Exposures

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day.

Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above

Working Environment

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed.
Classroom Environment, Office Environment

If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

1. Reference List