Careers at State of Play

Co-Lead and Assistant Preschool Teachers

State of Play is seeking a passionate, reflective, and collaborative educator to join our growing school community as a Co-Lead or Assistant Educator. We are looking for someone who believes deeply in the capabilities of children and is committed to creating learning environments rooted in curiosity, creativity, and meaningful relationships.

What began as a creativity-centered preschool has grown into an educational community grounded in project-based learning, the principles of the Reggio Emilia approach, and the belief that children learn best through inquiry, play, exploration, and authentic experiences. As we thoughtfully expand our school over the coming years, we are seeking educators who are excited by the opportunity to help shape an innovative and evolving learning environment.

The Lead Educator will design and facilitate engaging, developmentally appropriate experiences that honor children's ideas and interests while supporting strong foundations in literacy, mathematics, scientific thinking, and social-emotional development. This educator will work closely with co-teachers, collaborate with families, document children's learning, and contribute to a school culture centered on reflection, creativity, and continuous growth.

This position offers the opportunity to help build something meaningful alongside a team that values both academic excellence and joyful learning.

Responsibilities

• Design and facilitate rich, inquiry-based learning experiences that support children's intellectual, social-emotional, physical, and creative development.

• Develop emergent curriculum and long-term projects inspired by children's questions, interests, and observations.

• Create a warm, inclusive classroom environment that fosters belonging, independence, collaboration, and a love of learning.

• Support children's development of foundational literacy and mathematical thinking through authentic and engaging experiences.

• Observe, document, and interpret children's learning to make thinking visible and inform future planning.

• Use documentation to communicate children's growth and learning with families and colleagues.

• Collaborate closely with co-teachers and specialists to design meaningful experiences and maintain a cohesive classroom community.

• Build strong relationships with families through ongoing communication, conferences, and partnership.

• Guide children's social-emotional development through a relationship-based approach to conflict resolution and problem-solving.

• Maintain accurate student records and documentation in accordance with licensing and school requirements.

• Contribute thoughtfully to the growth and evolution of our school through reflection, collaboration, and a willingness to innovate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).

• Proven experience working with young children in preschool, kindergarten, or early elementary settings.

• Strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practice.

• Experience creating engaging classroom environments and facilitating meaningful learning experiences.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with children, families, and colleagues.

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a teaching team and contribute positively to school culture.

• A reflective mindset, flexibility, and a genuine love of learning.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with or strong interest in Reggio Emilia–inspired practices, including pedagogical documentation, emergent curriculum, and viewing the environment as the "third teacher."

• Experience with project-based learning and facilitating long-term investigations driven by children's interests and authentic questions.

• Familiarity with inquiry-based, constructivist, or progressive educational philosophies.

• Experience in independent school settings.

• Knowledge of social-emotional learning and relationship-based classroom practices.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to help shape an innovative and growing school community.

• A collaborative and supportive team that values creativity, reflection, and professional growth.

• Ongoing professional development opportunities.

• Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.

• Health and retirement benefits (if applicable).

• Generous paid time off aligned with the school calendar.

• Relocation assistance and support with moving expenses for candidates joining us from outside the Bozeman area.

At State of Play, we believe children deserve learning environments where they are known deeply, challenged thoughtfully, and inspired to remain curious about the world around them. We are seeking educators who share that vision and are excited to help build a school where creativity and academic rigor go hand in hand.

In addition to filling out the application below, please send a cover letter and resume to katie@stateofplay.co