2026-27 Elementary Lead Teacher

One City Schools, Inc.; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

11-month assignment planning time

14 PTO days + holidays + breaks

Full health benefits

Life insurance & long-term disability

Employee assistance program

On-campus infant care program

Discounted tuition (2K-3K programs)

Own-It home ownership support

Professional development in project‑dr

Job summary

One City Schools in Madison, Wisconsin is seeking an Elementary Lead Teacher to guide K-5 students within the EL Education framework. You will design engaging units, assess progress, and build a nurturing classroom that supports diverse learners and character development.

Join a mission-driven team that blends creativity with rigor, offering planning time, comprehensive benefits, and strong opportunities for professional growth and family partnerships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education or related field.
• Valid Wisconsin Educators License or evidence of licensure pathway
• Minimum 3 years teaching experience (urban and diverse populations preferred)
• Experience with EL Education or project-based learning preferred
• Strong commitment to working with diverse racial/cultural populations
• Leadership Qualities:
• Deep passion for working with young children and their families
• Growth mindset with openness to evaluation, coaching, and feedback
• Innovative thinking and creative problem-solving abilities
• Collaborative spirit with commitment to teamwork and shared mission
• Energy, flexibility, and willingness to embrace strategic change for scholar success

Responsibilities

• Create warm, nurturing environments where young scholars develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and strong character while mastering essential knowledge.
• Design engaging units of study within EL Education framework to promote deep understanding and middle school readiness.
• Use evidence and data to inform instruction and resource utilization.
• Involve parents and community volunteers in the educational process.
• Participate in ongoing curriculum reviews and provide program effectiveness feedback.
• Engage in continuous professional development and collaborative grade-level planning.
• Work cooperatively across all areas of instruction, assessment, and classroom management.
• Foster collaborative classroom cultures and build relationships with families.

Skills

Bachelor's degree

Wisconsin Educator License

Teaching experience

EL Education experience

Project-based learning

Diversity & inclusion commitment

Growth mindset

Collaboration

Creativity

Change leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education

Job description

ELEMENTARY LEAD TEACHER

One City Schools | Madison, Wisconsin
Full-Time Position | 40+ Hours per Week
Posted: Dec 2025

NURTURE YOUNG MINDS AND IGNITE LIFELONG LEARNING
Ready to shape the foundation of education for our youngest scholars? One City Schools seeks fun, energetic, and inspiring Elementary Lead Teachers to guide K-5 students through transformational learning experiences. Join our award-winning team where creativity meets rigor, and every child's potential is unlocked through innovative, project-based education that redefines what elementary learning can achieve.

Learn more about One City Schools at www.onecityschools.org. Also, watch videos about our schools on our YouTube Page at www.youtube.com/@OneCitySchools and learn more about our advocacy efforts at www.onecityadvocates.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW

As an Elementary Lead Teacher, you'll create warm, nurturing environments where young scholars develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and strong character while mastering essential knowledge. Working within our acclaimed EL Education framework, you'll design engaging units of study that promote deep understanding and prepare students for middle school success and beyond.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Create Inspiring Learning Experiences:

• Develop and execute innovative units of study aligned with State Standards and EL Education curriculum
• Design lesson plans promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and character development across math, science, and social studies
• Utilize authentic formative and summative assessments to gauge learning and provide timely feedback
• Implement multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) to meet diverse learning needs
• Keep current with curriculum, child development, and educational best practices
  Foster Collaborative Communities:
• Establish classroom cultures that are safe, collaborative, celebratory, and intellectually challenging
• Build positive, engaging relationships with families to strengthen educational programs
• Utilize community building practices including meaningful rituals and traditions
• Monitor effective classroom structures promoting active, student-driven learning
• Maintain academically-focused environments with organized instructional materials
  Drive Educational Excellence:
• Use evidence and data to inform instruction and creative resource utilization
• Involve parents and community volunteers in the educational process
• Participate in ongoing curriculum reviews and provide program effectiveness feedback
• Engage in continuous professional development and collaborative grade-level planning
• Work cooperatively across all areas of instruction, assessment, and classroom management

WHAT YOU BRING

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education or related field
• Valid Wisconsin Educators License or evidence of licensure pathway
• Minimum 3 years teaching experience (urban and diverse populations preferred)
• Experience with EL Education or project-based learning preferred
• Strong commitment to working with diverse racial/cultural populations
  Leadership Qualities:
• Deep passion for working with young children and their families
• Growth mindset with openness to evaluation, coaching, and feedback
• Innovative thinking and creative problem-solving abilities
• Collaborative spirit with commitment to teamwork and shared mission
• Energy, flexibility, and willingness to embrace strategic change for scholar success

EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS & COMPENSATION

Comprehensive Package:

• Competitive salary based on education, experience, and demonstrated impact
• 11-month assignment with dedicated planning time
• 14 PTO days plus holidays, spring break, and winter break
• Full health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Employee assistance program
• Automatic admission for your age-eligible child to One City Schools
  Unique Staff Benefits:
• On-campus infant care program with discounted rates
• Access to 2K-3K programs with discounted tuition
• Home ownership support through Own-It Program ($19,000 down payment grants available)
• Comprehensive professional development in student-driven, project-based learning

ABOUT ONE CITY SCHOOLS

Our Mission: To seed a new model of public education ensuring children are on track to succeed from birth through high school graduation.

Our Impact:

• Both schools "Exceeded Expectations" on 2024 state report cards
• Elementary: outpaced 87% of Wisconsin public elementary schools
• Middle School: outpaced 94% of Wisconsin public middle schools
• 94% of preschoolers test kindergarten-ready

Why One City? We're more than a school system-we're educational innovators influencing policy, curriculum, and teaching practices across Wisconsin and beyond. From pioneering pandemic safety protocols to leading $2.6 billion in education funding advocacy, One City is shaping the future of public education.

Ready to make an impact? Join our mission to transform education and change lives.

One City Schools is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment where all team members and applicants are treated with respect and dignity.

Application Deadline: Position remains open until filled - we're committed to finding the perfect fit for our scholars.