The Marathon County Historical Society is seeking seasonal teachers for the Little Red Schoolhouse program, a living history experience that brings local history to life for area students. Each year, students visit the Little Red Schoolhouse to step into the role of a student in a 1904 one-room schoolhouse. Through reading, arithmetic, penmanship, geography, spelling, recess games, chores, and hands-on historical activities, students gain a tangible and memorable understanding of what education looked and felt like at the turn of the 20th century. This position is a wonderful opportunity for retired teachers, substitute teachers, education students, paraprofessionals, or community members with classroom experience who enjoy working with children and making history feel real, active, and accessible.

Position Title:

Seasonal Little Red Schoolhouse Teacher Organization:

Marathon County Historical Society Location:

Little Red Schoolhouse, Marathon Park Pay:

$15 per hour

Schedule:

8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., on assigned program dates

Employment Type:

Seasonal, part-time, contracted position

Program Seasons:

Fall season: September through October, with the possibility of the first week of November Spring season: April through May, with the possibility of the first week of June This is not a daily position. Teachers are assigned to specific program dates during the season based on their reported availability and the needs of the schoolhouse schedule. Position Overview The Little Red Schoolhouse Teacher leads visiting students through an immersive living history school day. Teachers help students experience the structure, lessons, routines, and atmosphere of a one-room schoolhouse while maintaining a welcoming, safe, respectful, and engaging learning environment. This is not a traditional daily classroom teaching position. It is an interpretive education role that blends classroom management, storytelling, historical instruction, and hands-on student engagement. Teachers are scheduled for individual program dates during the fall and spring seasons based on availability. The goal of this program is to help students connect with the past by participating in it. Primary Responsibilities

• Lead students through a scheduled Little Red Schoolhouse program day.
• Facilitate historic-style lessons and activities, including reading, arithmetic, penmanship, geography, spelling, recess activities, and end-of-day chores.
• Create an engaging and respectful atmosphere where students feel welcomed, included, and excited to participate.
• Help students understand how school, childhood, and daily life were different in the early 1900s.
• Prepare the schoolhouse before student arrival and complete closing tasks after dismissal.
• Follow the provided teacher manual, lesson structure, program expectations, and safety guidelines.
• Work cooperatively with visiting classroom teachers, school staff, students, volunteers, and Marathon County Historical Society staff.
• Represent the Marathon County Historical Society in a professional, warm, and community-minded manner. Ideal Candidates Will Have
• Experience working with elementary-aged children.
• A background in education, substitute teaching, interpretation, museums, history, childcare, youth programming, or a related area.
• Classroom management skills.
• Comfort speaking in front of groups and leading structured activities.
• An interest in local history, hands-on education, and experiential learning.
• The ability to follow an established program format while bringing warmth, energy, and personality to the experience.
• A commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all students.

Why This Role Matters For many students, the Little Red Schoolhouse is one of the most memorable field trips of their elementary school years. This program gives children the chance to move beyond reading about history and instead experience it directly. They write with dip pens, solve arithmetic on slates, participate in a spelling bee, play traditional games, and see how students learned in a very different time. The Little Red Schoolhouse Teacher plays a key role in making that experience meaningful. By leading students through a full living history school day, this position helps connect young learners to local history in a way that is active, personal, and lasting. How to Apply Interested candidates are invited to submit their resumes and references to the Marathon County Historical Society, or to apply online where posted. ben.r@marathoncountyhistory.org Marathon County Historical Society Director of Outreach and Engagement 715.842.5750

Pay:

$15.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person