Nature School K-3 Classroom Teacher

TWO WAYS TO APPLY

1. Apply online at https://forms.gle/hzkDzVUBFmjD8wEfA

OR

2. Email a cover letter and resume to info@cocoplumnatureschool.org

General description of programs

The curriculum approach at Cocoplum Nature School balances play-inspired, nature-based, and place-based pedagogies. Activity ranges from child-led play to structured games led by children and/or teachers to direct skill instruction in ELA and math. Learning and assessment follow an emergent curriculum approach similar to Reggio Emilia methods and adapted to our setting and mission. Cocoplum teachers are careful observers of the children’s activities, they document through notes and pictures the children’s emergent learning. Teachers support the children as they explore their learning edges, and they assess learning through analysis of patterns that emerge from observations. Cocoplum teachers must be agile thinkers, autonomous and confident, capable of co-teaching and professional collaboration, and skilled and knowledgeable in the teaching and learning of reading and mathematics.

Elementary age children and teachers at Cocoplum Nature School spend up to 4 hours a day outdoors where they play/learn, explore, collaborate, garden, read, write, etc. Enrichment teachers come to campus for yoga, art, music, and theater. We take field trips at least once a week to natural areas, museums, community gardens, etc.

Basic responsibilities

Full-time Classroom Teacher at Cocoplum Nature School:

• Plan, implement, and assess learning experiences
• Facilitate numeracy and literacy development through small group and one-on-one instruction
• Design and offer thoughtful and responsive provocations for children to explore, practice, and master new skills
• Actively engage in continuous professional learning
• Greet students and families and lead the morning routines and welcoming ritual
• Lead transitions, such as from free-play to group activities to independent tasks to teacher-led instruction
• Lead gardening and nature-based inquiries (e.g. wildflower garden to attract pollinators, raised garden beds, explorations in open natural spaces, soil and water testing sampling)
• Practice positive leadership strategies for fostering children’s social-emotional development and creating space for children to be conscientious, autonomous, self-aware, and authentic
• Support children to develop their sense of independence, responsibility, and competence through community “jobs”, caring for their own belongings, cleaning up, etc.
• On a daily basis, document observations of the students’ knowledge and skills, and “map” them to learning standards
• Enjoy and value observing children at play
• Facilitate learning practices such as independent reading, nature journaling, math games, gardening
• Lead closing circle with reflections and songs
• Collaborate with other teachers to analyze observation data to understand each students’ learning and development
• Practice and prioritize your own wholeness and well-being
• Communicate with parents regarding children’s academic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and environmental growth

Schedule

• 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM, with 30 minutes for lunch and 45 minutes for planning each day
• Occasional evening and weekend commitments totaling about 4 hours per month

Grade levels

Cocoplum Nature School is a small school of 36 children in grades K through 3, and much of the day is spent outdoors in a mixed age group where children enjoy unstructured play and exploration. Therefore, our 4 classroom teachers interact regularly with children of all grade levels. Children are separated by skill and developmental level for direct instruction in reading, writing, and math. The ideal candidate for this position will have experience in any grade level K-3.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education or related field (Required)
• Classroom teaching: minimum 2 years (Required)
• Ability to pass a Level 2 background check (Required)
• Elementary teaching license (Preferred)
• Nature-based education certificate (Preferred)

Work Location 

This position is in-person in Delray Beach, Florida. Candidates must live in the area or be able to move to the area prior to August 26, 2024. The ability to interview in-person is highly preferred.

TWO WAYS TO APPLY

1. Apply online at https://forms.gle/hzkDzVUBFmjD8wEfA

OR

2. Email a cover letter and resume to info@cocoplumnatureschool.org