Skip to main content
Tallo logoTallo logo

Find Jobs

Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location

Skip to job details
Apply for this opportunity

To apply for this job, you'll continue to an external website or email application.

Tamarack Discovery School

Preschool Lead Teacher

Career Insights for Preschool / Childcare Teacher

See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.

Scorecard

Based on Iowa data

Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?

Were these scores useful?

What they do

A Preschool or Childcare Teacher works with young children, usually ages 3 - 5, to help them learn the social, motor and language skills needed to be ready for kindergarten and elementary school. Organizes activities and uses play or games to help children learn; develops schedules and routines for children that include exercise and rest. Works in a school or in a childcare center or program.

$35,390 / year median in Iowa

+11% projected growth

Explore Career

Job Description

Tamarack Discovery School Iowa City, Iowa Tamarack Discovery School is seeking a warm, curious, and collaborative Preschool Teacher who believes that young children learn best through meaningful experiences, strong relationships, and time spent both indoors and outdoors. Our preschool program combines engaging classroom learning with daily outdoor exploration. Children investigate nature, ask questions, solve problems, create, move, and build community through hands-on experiences that connect learning to the world around them. If you love watching children discover something new, enjoy teaching beyond the four classroom walls, and value creativity, flexibility, and joyful learning, we'd love to meet you. About Tamarack Tamarack Discovery School is an independent elementary school serving children in PreSchool through sixth grade. We believe learning should be active, challenging, joyful, and connected to nature and the community. Our students spend time each day both in thoughtfully designed classrooms and in parks, natural areas, and community spaces throughout the Iowa City area. Position Overview The Preschool Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment where children develop socially, emotionally, and physically, that supports foundational learning. This position includes a balance of: Classroom-based learning experiences Daily outdoor exploration and nature-based learning Play-based investigations Social-emotional learning Family communication and partnership Responsibilities The Preschool Teacher will: Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences. Foster children's curiosity through inquiry, exploration, and play. Lead daily outdoor learning experiences in a variety of weather conditions. Create a classroom culture where children feel safe, known, and valued. Support children's social-emotional growth, independence, and problem-solving skills. Observe student learning and document progress. Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of individual learners. Maintain a safe and organized classroom and outdoor learning environment. Collaborate closely with colleagues to plan interdisciplinary learning experiences. Communicate regularly with families about student growth and classroom activities. Participate in school events, professional learning, and collaborative planning.
Qualifications Preferred candidates will have:
Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field Experience working with preschool-aged children Strong classroom management and relationship-building skills Comfort teaching outdoors in a variety of seasons and weather conditions Excellent communication and collaboration skills A growth mindset and willingness to learn We Are Looking for Someone Who... Finds joy in children's questions and discoveries. Believes play is an essential part of learning. Is comfortable getting muddy, exploring trails, building forts, observing insects, reading stories under trees, and learning alongside children. Values relationships with students, families, and colleagues. Is organized, dependable, flexible, and reflective. Brings energy, creativity, and a sense of adventure to each day. What We Offer Small class sizes Supportive, collaborative teaching team Significant professional autonomy Daily opportunities to teach outdoors and in the community Meaningful relationships with students and families A mission-driven school where innovation and creativity are encouraged Competitive salary and benefits based on experience and qualifications To Apply Please submit: Cover letter Resume Three professional references We encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Tamarack Discovery School is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive learning community where every child is known, challenged, supported, and inspired to grow.
Benefits:
Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance
Work Location:
In person