Nature Preschool Teacher

Nature Preschool Teacher (massaudubon.org)

Location: Wenham, Massachusetts
Sanctuary: Endicott

About Mass Audubon

Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 140,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at www.massaudubon.org.

About This Position

The Preschool Teacher will work as a team with other experienced early childhood nature-based educators. As a team, they are responsible for designing educational experiences for nature preschool students in accordance with Mass Audubon’s Action Agenda strategic goals and Mass Audubon’s education frameworks, guidelines, and policies. Preschool Teacher candidates must possess a strong respect for young children and families, a love of teaching young children and a strong desire to connect children with nature and teaching outside. We are looking for educators who can plan and implement multi-sensory play and hand-on, inquiry based, nature-based experiences and who deeply value an anti-bias and constructivist approach. Teachers must maintain a warm, professional relationship with children, their parents and caregivers.

Duties & Responsibilities

General Responsibilities: 

• Provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for young children both indoors and outdoors. 
• Maintain clear communication with the Director and co-teachers and share teaching amongst the co-teaching faculty team. 
• Engage parents/caregivers in conversations about children’s strengths and challenges at drop off and pick up via email, parent teacher conferences, class blogs and newsletters.
• Responsible for the emotional and physical health and safety of students including risk management, completing accident reports/injury forms, medication logs, conducting fire drills, and carrying out other related procedures as needed per MA Department of EEC.
• Maintain and enhance the physical environment by contributing to classroom housekeeping tasks as needed.
• Understand early childhood development and manage reasonable expectations for young children. 
• Observe, document and assess the ongoing development of each child.
• Attend Nature Preschool Open Houses as well as other school-wide and community events at the preschool.
• Attend regional staff meetings and actively participate in statewide education staff meetings, audience professional learning communities, and professional development trainings as required.
• Assist in other sanctuary and regional education activities, as needed.
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Qualifications

• At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don't believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:

Must Haves: 

• MA EEC Teacher certification or willingness to attain.
• Experience teaching young children.
• Excellent writing and communication skills and ability to work cooperatively and independently.
• CPR and First aid training or willing to attain.
• Interest and/or experience in nature-based, emergent and anti-bias teaching in Early Childhood Education.
• Ipswich River Nature Preschool teachers should have a keen interest in the natural world and a willingness to work outdoors in all kinds of weather.

Nice to Haves: 

• Ability to work some vacation programs during school vacations and Summer.

Compensation & Benefits

This position’s base salary range is 18.30-20.50 an hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. 

Benefits and Perks

Benefits eligible staff at Mass Audubon may elect to enroll in medical, dental, and vision plans. Mass Audubon also offers disability and life insurance plans, a retirement plan through MetLife, and Flexible Spending Account options. Mass Audubon employment also includes access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the Reciprocity Agreement through the Consortium of Non-Profit Arts/Cultural/Environmental Organizations of New England. Mass Audubon employees also enjoy 12 paid holidays (holidays may shift annually due to where days fall within calendar).

Additional Information

Work Schedule: 

Approximately 20 hours per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The ability to work until 3:30 PM is required. Ability to work some of our school vacation programs is a plus.  

Hours will vary over the summer.

Other Requirements:

Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

COVID-19 Considerations

Mass Audubon requires that all staff, regardless of their work location, disclose their vaccination status. Proof of vaccination status will be required immediately upon hire. This should also include a booster shot if it has been 5 months since you were initially vaccinated.

Mass Audubon's Commitment To Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice

Mass Audubon's mission is to "protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife" by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Nature Preschool Teacher (massaudubon.org)

How to apply:

Please send resume and cover letter to:

Karen First, Director - Ipswich River Nature Preschool
kfirst@massaudubon.org
Job# 3799