Lead Nature Preschool Teacher (Summer 2023)

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 teacher who enjoys teaching outdoors rain or shine.

Locations:

Our programs are listed below.  After receiving your application we will let you know which positions are currently open at your preferred location:

Massachusetts Horticultural Society (Wellesley)

• Half-day preschool
• Full-day preschool
• Half-day toddler
• Full-day toddler

Arnold Arboretum (Boston)

• Half-day preschool
• Full-day preschool

Pine Banks Park (Malden)

• Half-day preschool

Position Description:

• Summer program runs June 27 - September 1
• Half-day positions are 15 - 20 hours/week.  Full-day positions are 30 – 40 hours/week
• Compensation: $20 - $27/hour

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.
• Make sure that your class drop-off spot is completely set up at least ten minutes before class starts
• Develop and implement 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 as needed
• Attend an orientation and complete licensure requirements in a timely manner
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• At least two years of experience in nature-based early childhood education
• 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
• Strong classroom management skills and ability to maintain a safe learning environment
• 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.

How to apply:

Email your resume and cover letter to Sarah.Besse@bopn.org.