Mentor Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

Senior leadership position responsible for guiding educational quality and pedagogical practice across all programs serving children birth through age five. Lead professional development, mentor teaching staff, and ensure implementation of developmentally appropriate practices aligned with Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS). Support continuous quality improvement through coaching, curriculum development, and program assessment.

• Guide implementation of developmentally appropriate practices across all age groups
• Mentor teachers in recognizing and maximizing teachable moments throughout daily routines
• Support development and implementation of emergent curriculum
• Review and provide feedback on lesson plans and documentation
• Coach teachers in effective observation and assessment techniques
• Ensure alignment with CT ELDS across all programs
• Guide implementation of DOTS assessment system
• Foster inquiry-based learning and child-led exploration
• Support integration of anti-bias and culturally responsive practices
• Promote inclusive practices that support all learners

• Conduct regular classroom observations and provide constructive feedback
• Implement coaching cycles with teaching teams
• Facilitate reflective practice discussions
• Identify professional development needs and opportunities
• Design and deliver in-house training sessions
• Support teachers in setting and achieving professional goals
• Model effective teaching practices
• Guide teachers in classroom environment design
• Mentor new teaching staff
• Support teachers in challenging situations
• Facilitate peer learning opportunities

• Oversee curriculum development and implementation
• Review weekly lesson plans for all classrooms
• Ensure appropriate developmental progression across age groups
• Guide documentation practices and portfolio development
• Support teachers in conducting developmental assessments
• Monitor child outcomes and progress
• Guide curriculum adaptation for individual needs
• Ensure appropriate challenge and support for all children
• Support development of individualized education plans
• Guide authentic assessment practices

• Lead program quality assessment and improvement initiatives
• Monitor classroom quality using appropriate assessment tools
• Develop action plans for continuous improvement
• Support accreditation processes and maintenance
• Guide implementation of best practices
• Monitor and support classroom environments
• Lead curriculum review and updates
• Support development of quality improvement goals
• Guide reflection on program effectiveness
• Facilitate program evaluation processes

• Support teachers in family communication and engagement
• Guide development of family education opportunities
• Facilitate parent-teacher conferences as needed
• Support families in understanding child development
• Build community partnerships to enhance program quality
• Participate in community early childhood initiatives
• Support transition planning for children and families
• Guide family engagement in curriculum development

• Participate in leadership team meetings
• Contribute to program policies and procedures
• Support hiring and onboarding of new staff
• Maintain coaching and professional development records
• Document classroom observations and feedback
• Prepare reports on program quality and outcomes
• Support grant writing and reporting as needed
• Contribute to budget planning for educational materials
• Maintain professional resource library
• Coordinate with other program leaders

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field required
• Minimum 5 years teaching experience in early childhood settings
• Previous coaching or mentoring experience required
• Advanced knowledge of CT ELDS and DOTS
• Experience with various curriculum approaches
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles
• Excellence in written and verbal communication
• Experience with quality rating systems and accreditation
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of current early childhood research and trends

• Ability to build trusting relationships with staff
• Strong observation and assessment skills
• Excellence in providing constructive feedback
• Ability to differentiate coaching approaches
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Effective problem-solving abilities
• Cultural competence and sensitivity
• Ability to lead change initiatives
• Excellence in facilitation and presentation
• Strong analytical and research skills

• Full-time position following program calendar
• Flexibility to accommodate staff schedules
• Evening hours for family events and training
• Occasional weekend professional development