Lead Nature Preschool Teacher

Overview:

We build joyful communities connected to each other and to their outdoor environments through discovery and play. We believe that children are intrinsically motivated to learn, and that they do so by exploring the world around them. This is the right opportunity for an experienced nature-based early childhood educator who enjoys exploring nature and teaching outdoors in a wide variety of weather conditions.

Position Description:

· We are currently hiring for one part-time teaching position at our Milton program, located on the grounds of Forbes House Museum, and one part-time teaching position at our Boston program, located at the Arnold Arboretum.

· Teaching hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Teachers also spend 5 hours/week on family communication, curriculum development, supplies management, logistics, meetings, and other related tasks to ensure high-quality programming

· Calendar: September through June, with breaks and holidays similar to public schools. We also offer a separate summer program in July and August.

· We offer paid time off for school breaks and holidays, and opportunities for professional development

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Nurture the spirit and curiosity of each child while building strong relationships with families and children. Use a nature-based and child-centered approach.

• Be responsible for the health and safety of each child. Manage risk and address conflict in an outdoor setting.

• Ensure that your class meet-up spot is completely ready before families arrive for drop-off

• Develop engaging nature-based early childhood curriculum that connects children with one another and to nature. Explore varied terrain, make music and art, and learn about local flora and fauna

• Gracefully and professionally communicate with parents, caregivers, and the general public

• Document children’s growth and learning on a daily basis through ProCare

• Supervise interns

• Attend occasional evening/weekend trainings and staff meetings

• Complete licensure requirements in a timely manner

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

· Experience in nature-based early childhood education

· Strong classroom management skills and ability to maintain a safe learning environment

· Passion for environmental education and anti-bias education

· Ability to stimulate the inherent curiosity children have about their surroundings, and expand on it with emergent and place-based curriculum

· Embrace a wide variety of weather conditions as unique and interesting, part of the ebb and flow of the natural rhythm and seasonal changes

· Engaging and easily able to communicate with children, families, and colleagues

· Eager to work at a nonprofit start-up. Tolerant of uncertainty and change and understand that organizations continue to improve when the people who work there are adaptable, take chances, and learn from their mistakes.

Additional Information:

• Hiring is rolling. Please apply at your earliest convenience.

• Successful reference and background checks are required.

• Candidates who add to our diverse community are encouraged to apply.

• Boston Outdoor Preschool Network is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.