Tiny Green Trees Nature Based Childcare Center & Forest School in Milwaukee, WI is looking to hire one Full Time Lead Qualified Teacher to join our 32 person strong team. We are centrally located in Milwaukee on 921 N 49th St. next to Doyne Park. Our ideal candidate is a passionate, self-starter, motivated, enthusiastic, coachable, nature loving human. As a teacher, you will play a crucial role in shaping young minds, fostering creativity, and providing a positive learning environment for children ages 2-3 years old.  

At Tiny Green Trees our cornerstone values are as follows

Eco Friendly: A respectful and intentional seasonally planned nature-based program that demonstrates a healthy, nurturing, and homelike environment that promotes sustainability and environmental literacy.

Community Culture: Supportive, trustworthy, consistent, and compassionate community that inspires a growth mindset through clear communication and the ability to overcome obstacles together.

Leadership: A safe indoor and outdoor environment that teaches practical life skills, problem solving, and kindness in an equitable, inclusive, and non discriminatory manner.

Essential Job Functions 

• Model and uphold Tiny Green Trees’ Core Values—eco-consciousness, community, and leadership—in all planning, instruction, and daily interactions.
• Ensure full compliance with DCF 251 regulations, NAC accreditation standards, and Eco-Friendly Endorsement expectations.
• Supervise and engage children in both indoor “controlled” and outdoor “wild” environments, using the ARISE framework to assess and mitigate risks.
• Write, implement, and adapt weekly lesson plans that are nature-based, developmentally appropriate, and aligned with Tiny Green Trees’ Core Values and seasonal learning themes.
• Use professional tools and strategies to track each child’s development, including:
• Setting individualized goals
• Collecting observation data
• Maintaining up-to-date child portfolios
• Preparing for and conducting biannual parent-teacher conferences
• Collaborate with Specialists, Support Teams, and Pyramid Model practitioners to develop individual support plans for children who need additional behavioral, emotional, or developmental guidance.
• Train, mentor, and coach assistant and support teachers on lesson planning, observation strategies, goal tracking, individualized supports, and classroom rhythms.
• Maintain accurate daily attendance and face-name recognition, including while off-site in "Beyond Space" and on field trips.
• Monitor and maintain a safe, clean, organized classroom and outdoor environment, proactively addressing risks and needs.
• Use professional communication skills to support healthy relationships with children, families, and team members—verbally and in writing.
• Lead and host parent-teacher conversations that include developmental updates, portfolio reviews, goal progress, curriculum highlights, and individualized support planning.
• Track and manage classroom supplies and materials, submitting requests that reflect eco-conscious and program-aligned priorities.
• Maintains professional presence by staying focused and using cell phones only as needed for work-related tasks during scheduled hours.
• Attend and participate in monthly staff meetings, in-service days, and a minimum of two of four annual family gatherings.
• Maintain excellent attendance, punctuality, and reliability, following all staff expectations and policies.
• Complete a minimum of 30–35 hours of continuing education annually to support role mastery and professional growth.
• Use BrightWheel and Homebase for daily documentation, child tracking, family communication, and workflow management.
• Perform other cross-functional duties and program support tasks as needed to meet the center’s evolving needs and mission.

All staff must be able to consistently meet the following expectations to ensure the safety, supervision, and well-being of children in an active, nature-based early childhood environment:

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain physically active and on your feet for up to 10.5 hours per day, including frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, lifting, walking, and repetitive motion.
• Comfort and stamina to work outdoors for 4–7 hours daily in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, and wind.
• Ability to traverse a variety of natural terrains such as uneven paths, wooded trails, mud, snowbanks, playgrounds, and indoor staircases.
• Ability to lift, carry, or reposition children or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to push or pull a wagon or sled carrying up to 50 pounds for distances up to 1 mile.
• Ability to physically position self to care for and supervise children (e.g., crouching, kneeling, sitting on the ground, reaching, standing for long periods).
• Visual and auditory acuity to monitor and ensure child safety in indoor and outdoor settings, including from a distance.
• Ability to taste and test food for safe temperature and seasoning to ensure food safety.

Mental & Emotional Requirements

• Ability to remain calm, emotionally regulated, and present in high-energy, fast-paced, or unpredictable situations.
• Demonstrated sound judgment and decision-making in real-time situations involving child safety, supervision, or emergent needs.
• Ability to multi-task, organize, and prioritize responsibilities independently and effectively.
• Strong attention to detail and observational skills, including the ability to monitor child development and emotional well-being.
• Ability to document observations and track developmental progress, using tools such as portfolios or digital apps (e.g., Brightwheel).
• Ability to guide, mentor, and support assistant teachers, offering clear, compassionate, and constructive communication.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with children, families, coworkers, and leadership in both verbal and written form.
• Willingness to use technology (e.g., tablets, mobile devices, walkie-talkies, computers) for documentation, communication, and coordination.
• Flexibility and willingness to step into leadership or support roles as needed to maintain high-quality ratios and classroom environments.
• A positive, collaborative attitude, with a deep passion for early childhood education, nature-based learning, and nurturing relationships with young children.

Qualifications:

• Candidates must be Lead Teacher Qualified  in the Wisconsin Registry to apply
• Candidates must be able to pass a background check / finger prints
• Candidate must be 21 or older to be a lead teacher
• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field (preferred).
• State certification or licensure for preschool teaching.
• 5 years of experience working with young children in a preschool or daycare setting.
• Strong communication skills and patience.
• Passion for fostering a love of learning in young children.

Benefits:

• Full time staff members will receive 8 hours pay for holidays Tiny Green Trees is closed, not occurring on weekends. All other time off needs approval from the Director with three weeks notice and proper coverage in place for shifts.  Staff meetings are mandatory.  
• Full time staff members are entitled to 10 days of 8 hours of PTO time for each full calendar year that will be used for sick, personal or vacation days. An additional 5 days of PTO time is available after 3 years of service. 
• All eligible employees have the opportunity to set aside a portion of their wages into a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan. Whether you contribute or not, Tiny Green Trees will contribute an amount equal to 2% of your total annual wages each year. 
• Family or personal Dental Insurance plan after 90 days with the option to add on additional coverage at your own expense. 
• Tiny Green Trees offers scholarships when funds allow. We also accept Wisconsin Shares children and families.
• Opportunities for regular training, conferences, and continued education will be supported by Tiny Green Trees that align with our mission and vision and growth of our individual teachers.  
• $100 gear stipend after 90 days of employment
• Yearly performance review
• Fresh air, sunshine, and the joy of knowing you're making a meaningful difference in the lives of many each day.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and references.

We look forward to welcoming a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher to our team!

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