Early Childhood Educator at a Reggio Inspired Outdoor Focused School

A New Leaf seeks an experienced Early Childhood Educator to inspire, nurture, and guide our preschoolers aged 3 to 5 within our enchanting Reggio Emilia inspired campuses. Our environments feature a vibrant tapestry of learning spaces including vegetable and flower gardens, a forest, a pond, resident chickens and goats, an art studio, a light lab, barns, and an Exploratorium. 

As a valued member of our teaching team, you'll engage in collaborative endeavors in the true spirit of Reggio pedagogy with a co-teacher. You'll have the opportunity to both contribute to and lead projects aimed at enriching children's education while fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.

Qualifications required:

• Child Development Associate's degree or
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or
• Extensive experience in preschools or childcare centers.
• Practiced usage of the Tennessee Early Childhood Developmental Standards.
• Dedication to ongoing professional growth.
• Proficiency in the Reggio approach to education.
• Readiness to collaborate with children as co-researchers and co-teachers in developing an emergent curriculum enriched with diverse projects and the exploration of "100 languages."
• Ability to document learning experiences through both words and photographs.
• Aptitude for integrating language arts and numeracy into teaching practices.
• Physical resilience for outdoor activities, including hiking, and tolerance for encounters with bugs and ticks, coupled with a genuine love for wildlife.
• Effective communication skills and a strong team-oriented mindset.
• Patience and effective tools for supporting children's social-emotional development.
• Skills in establishing meaningful rituals, fostering care for one another and the environment.
• Excellent organizational abilities.

Details:

• Yearly renewable position from July 29th 2024 to July 25th 2025. Summers are spent with camp duties, professional development, teacher training, and in-service days.
• Benefits:
• Paid planning time weekly
• Paid time off: 28 days
• Paid In-Service days: 22 days
• Paid personal time: 48 hours
• Paid sick time: 40 hours
• Monthly bonus of $200 to be applied to your choice of tuition, health care, or IRA.
• Cancer insurance or Short Term Disability insurance.
• Worker’s Compensation Insurance.
• Accident at work medical coverage.
• Half price summer camps for your children.
• Schedule: 8am to 4pm
• Living in Nashville or the surrounding area to reliably commute to school on time, or planning to relocate before starting work is required.

Our interview process is comprehensive and designed to ensure the best fit for our teaching team. Here's what you need to know:

Step 1: Submit your resume along with a cover letter. Your cover letter should address the following points:

• Share your teaching philosophy.
• Highlight a few projects that you have conducted with students.
• Discuss your understanding of the Reggio educational approach.
• Highlight your hobbies and passions.
• Showcase your abilities and skills.
• Describe your relationship with the outdoors.
• Explain what your ideal teaching position entails.
• Outline your short and long-term career goals.

Step 2: Selected candidates will be invited for an in-person interview to meet with the directors and take a tour of the campus.

Step 3: A selection will be made for candidates to come for a discovery Day Interview. During this day, you'll have the opportunity to teach alongside our educators, experiencing the role of a co-teacher. This step allows us to assess your teaching style and compatibility with our educational environment.

Additionally, please note that certification in adult/child/infant first aid and CPR is required (or willingness to obtain training). Furthermore, upon receiving an offer, candidates must undergo an FBI background and criminal check, as well as provide a health report.

We appreciate your interest in joining our team and look forward to reviewing your application.