Nature School First Grade Assistant Teacher

Nature First Grade Assistant Teacher 

The Full-time Nature First Grade Assistant Teacher, under the leadership of the Director of the Nature School and the lead teacher, will be responsible for implementing the school’s existing Core Learning Goals for first grade using the natural world in a primarily outdoor setting. Our unique outdoor campus becomes the primary context that informs course curriculum and content. The first-grade assistant teacher will support the lead teacher in the schedule and curriculum design while ensuring reasonable consistency with the existing EDS expectations and Nature School culture. 

Under the direction of and in collaboration with  the lead teacher

• Assist in facilitating immersive outdoor first-grade classes. This includes maintaining a loving environment with safety routines that protect yet empower children.  
• Nurture children's individual needs while managing whole group experiences and unstructured play and exploration.
• Provide direct, differentiated instruction for all students in a full-day program, focusing on collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. 
• Set appropriate limits and guidelines for children both individually and in group settings
• Implement clear and consistent classroom management strategies focused on student social-emotional needs
• Attend all required professional development and school meetings.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of a B.A. or B.S. in a related field.
• Experience in early childhood education and outdoor/nature education programs preferred

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES

• Current First Aid, AED, and Child CPR (Wilderness First Aid provided by EDS near beginning of year)
• Love of children, love of learning, love of nature
• Willingness to complete Forest School Certification
• Patient, compassionate disposition
• Adaptable to working in all weather conditions (cold, wet, hot, humid)
• Comfortable moving around in rough terrain, including creek exploration, tree climbing, etc…
• The ability to pick up 50 lb students in emergencies.
• Ability to collaborate with the Nature School team and other faculty

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit the school’s website (www.edsaugusta.com) or the Nature School’s site (www.edsnatureschool.com), or email the Director of Nature School, David Gardner, at dgardner@edsaugusta.com.

HOW TO APPLY
Please email a cover letter and resume to the Head of Lower School, Amy Tomblinson, at atomblinson@edsaugusta.com.