Lead Teacher

Wildlands School is seeking a full-time lead teacher/head of school for our project-based, student-centered school for the 2026 - 27 school year. We are looking for a highly engaged individual with an ownership mentality, solid project-based learning and school leadership experience who can work with students at multiple skill levels while acting as a key leader in the school community. Candidates must be willing to be an active learner, ready to tackle new ideas and tasks, and have the ability to guide and facilitate rather than simply lecturing and using prepared curriculum. Experience teaching or researching in the natural world is a plus.

This position involves both teaching in and leading a project-based school with an outdoor/expeditionary learning emphasis. Though not required, ideal candidates will have a blend of abilities and experience in wilderness trip planning and leadership, first aid, water safety, and be able to accompany students on overnight trips during the week. Applicants should be certified as a Wisconsin licensed educator with preference given to experience in school leadership positions and/or innovative/PBL experience. Experience with technology, computers, and networks is a must as this is a one-to-one laptop school environment. The position also requires individuals to be willing to attain a CDL school bus driver's license within the first year of employment.

Professional Experiences and Dispositions:

• Charismatic, process-oriented, and relational approach to teaching, learning, and leading -Demonstrated effectiveness at building and maintaining positive, professional relationships with students, families, and staff.
• Willingness to learn alongside staff and students in addition to leading innovative, hands on projects
• Flexible and adaptable individual, capable of responding quickly and effectively to a dynamic school environment.
• Exemplary interpersonal and intrapersonal skills.
• Collaborative solution-finder who seeks and cultivates pathways to student and school success.
• Diverse personal and professional life experience which informs project and content facilitation.
• Experience leading and teaching in an experiential learning model (preferred) or personal experience with backcountry wilderness travel

Job Requirements:

• Understand and implement multi-level project-based learning (PBL) model for students
• Act as the point person for consistent communication between the school, its families, district leadership, and the governance board
• Collaborate effectively with staff and drive positive outcomes to administrative and conduct resolution tasks
• Facilitate comprehensive 360 Evaluation program for the school and its staff
• Be a fully integrated, dynamic, and collaborative member of the teacher management team.
• Develop and maintain positive, open communication channels with Wildlands staff, district co workers, and families.
• Use academic strengths and personal passions to advise student projects in addition to extending personal learning beyond specific content areas
• Plan, collaborate in, and lead community based learning opportunities, field experiences, trips, and socioemotional mentoring.
• Willingness and ability to obtain a school bus driving license within one year of hiring date.
• Be willing and able to do whatever is needed to keep the school running. Plan and attend evening orientations, student showcase nights, and school functions.
• The role breaks down to approximately 60% teaching and 40% administrative/school leadership work daily, though schedules, programming, and school needs will dictate role on a day-to-day basis
• Serve as the Wildlands School staff representative on the school's governance board attend the monthly board meetings
• Oversee annual open enrollment/lottery process and work with district leadership to coordinate enrollment each year
• Provide top tier leadership during conduct and conflict resolution incidents throughout the year.
• Be an exemplary representative of the school and its mission to our students, families, board members, and district partners