Early Childhood Teacher

Early Childhood Teacher

August 2024

The Nest at Wheeler is a premier Nature-Based preschool, located at the Wheeler Farm in Seekonk, Massachusetts. The program welcomes students from 2.9 to 5 years old. At The Nest, our mission is to provide an early childhood education that meets the developmental needs of each child through joyful, hands-on, experiential learning in the natural world. Our nature-based curriculum integrates academics and social-emotional skills and inspires a love of learning and connection to the natural world. 

We encourage children to take an active role in their school experience and we strive to nurture each child’s intrinsic sense of creativity, curiosity, adventure, and wonder. Our teaching is grounded in learning that emerges from children’s interests and is based on their skills and needs. Through time spent outdoors immersed in nature, as well as through group and instructional time indoors, we provide effective and meaningful learning for children. 

The full-time early childhood teacher is a highly qualified educator. The teacher will support, teach, and guide a small group of young children through all activities of the day alongside a skilled co-teacher. The teaching team is committed to  collaboratively leading lessons and guiding children in the indoor and outdoor classrooms, carrying out both emergent and planned curricula. Nature-based learning experiences are springboards for the integrated curriculum and, therefore, students spend most of the day outside, in all but hazardous weather conditions. 

The early childhood teacher reports directly to the Director of the Nest.

Responsibilities:

• Lead daily lessons, morning meeting times and outdoor activities
• Support students as they construct learning, both socially and academically
• Construct curriculum based on student interests with consideration to age and developmental stages
• Implement nature-based curriculum in partnership with a co-teacher
• Partner with the co-teacher to integrate nature experiences with academic learning outcomes
• Regularly report student progress to the Director and seek input from special providers when necessary
• Lead parent/teacher conferences and other meetings with families related to social/emotional and academic progress
• Develop and maintain systems for fostering home and school relationships
• Commit to ongoing professional development related to nature-based education
• Support students in their age appropriate understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion 
• Attend a weekly team and after school meeting
• Create a joyful learning environment for students

Qualifications:

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in education or related field. 
• Several years of teaching experience. 
• Nature-based Early Childhood certification preferred or willingness to earn certification. 
• The candidate must demonstrate understanding of the developmental needs of young children.
• Experience in place-based education, nature and/or environmental education, and/or the arts. 
• First aid and CPR certification or willingness to earn certification required. 

This position requires the ability to work with a small team (the administrators and other teachers). The ideal candidate enjoys interacting with young children and is a hard-working, enthusiastic and confident learner willing to add to the vibrant and dynamic environment of The Nest. 

The early childhood teacher is a self-motivated and directed individual who thrives through productive collaboration. The ideal teacher possesses excellent organizational, communication, and teaching skills, both with the children , families, and with other teachers. Effective and compassionate listening and speaking skills are apparent with both children and adults. They possess the flexibility to operate independently and as part of a team; have an engaging personality; and a genuine interest in working with families. 

Statement on Diversity and Cultural Competency 

At The Nest at Wheeler we actively seek students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds in the belief that a broad range of experiences and viewpoints enhance learning, enrich life on campus, and better prepare us all for full participation in a pluralistic, democratic society. We seek to further the overall diversity and cultural competency within our community through hiring.

How to Apply 

Please send a resume and cover letter to Michelle Dolan, Director of The Nest at michelledolan@wheelerschool.org and cc careers@wheelerschool.org. List the position title in the subject heading. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The Wheeler School is committed to our policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or disability, and any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.  

About The Wheeler School:

Founded in 1889 by visionary artist and educator Mary C. Wheeler, The Wheeler School is an N-12 independent day school of approximately 800 students from throughout Greater Providence and Greater Boston. Wheeler’s mission, “to learn our powers and be answerable for their use,” is incorporated into our classrooms, athletic fields, art studios, and STEAM labs, as students are encouraged to think deeply and explore the world on and beyond our two campuses in the College Hill neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island and our 120-acre farm in Seekonk, Massachusetts. Across Wheeler’s campuses and grades, dedicated faculty and staff identify students’ learning path and passions, challenging and supporting them in pursuit of academic excellence, artistic expression, and personal growth. Our graduates are prepared for college and life as creative, ethical, and engaged global citizens. Wheeler is also home to The Hamilton School, where skilled faculty meet students’ learning differences with the individualized instruction that leads to success.