Position Overview
The Child Development Laboratory School (CDLS) is seeking a full-time (40 hours/week) Lead Teacher for the Dakota Immersion and Language Nest classroom. Under the direction of the Preschool Program Director, the lead teacher participates in establishing and maintaining a safe, organized classroom at the CDLS. This includes participation in the planning to establish a learning environment that is inclusive and developmentally age-appropriate. The lead teacher will carry out daily activities and monitor child development by providing high-quality care, maintaining classroom materials, first aid and daily health checks. Housed in the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota, the CDLS provides high-quality early care and is a training site for university students majoring in early childhood education.
This position is responsible for a classroom in the Dakota Language Immersion Classroom - The Wahohpi. This position will participate in staff development opportunities, support a welcoming classroom environment for researchers to conduct observations and participant testing, and support and advance the school's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Occasionally, the lead teacher will host a university practicum student who will observe the classroom setting.
A key responsibility of this position is to actively support and advance the University's commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. This position will support the Institute of Child Development's commitment to anti-racism.
This position is based on campus at the Child Development Laboratory School. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures. The University offers employees total rewards with meaningful benefits, including medical and dental, life insurance retirement savings, flexible spending accounts, tuition benefits, and an award-winning Wellbeing Program. This position is a 9-mo academic year appointment, with additional hours in the summer available.
This position is represented by the AFSCME Union, Locals 3937 & 3801. The hours are M-F, between 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The work location is near the Minneapolis campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager. The minimum starting pay for this position is $22.06.
Job Responsibilities
Classroom Management (80%)
Communication (10%)
Professional Development (5%)
Pre-Service Teacher Training and Support Academic Research (5%)
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Physical Requirements
All candidates must pass a criminal background check and be free from any history of substantiated child abuse or neglect and have or be willing to obtain within 90 days 8 hours approved first aid training and Infant CPR, demonstrated ability to work effectively with children and families from all backgrounds and identities, and pass background fingerprint study and reference verification that meets requirements of State of MN State Human Services Licensing Act, Rule 11 as a lead teacher.
Department Overview:
The Institute of Child Development (ICD) at the University of Minnesota has long been a premier center for scholarship, teaching, and outreach devoted to the understanding and fostering of child development. Founded in 1925, the Institute is one of the oldest departments studying children's development in the United States. From its inception, a key tenet of the department has been to "give away" child psychology. This philosophy has created an environment rich with collaborations, new ideas, and exciting interdisciplinary work. The ICD is housed within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) and has an undergraduate program within the College of Liberal Arts (CLA).
College Overview:
The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college and University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.
Working at the University
At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
*To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).