Nature Teacher

We are looking for a fluent Spanish and English speaking teacher to work along our lead teacher. It's critical to understand English and to be able to teach classes in Spanish. Class is Monday-Friday 8:40-11:40. Part of the day all year will be outside in all types of weather.

We are a bilingual nature school in Central Tacoma that is expanding and growing. We currently are a preschool and elementary program. We are finishing our first year of a full day elementary school for grades K-5.

Position will teach take the children on a nature walk in the morning around the lake, art, cooking, and outdoor games. They will assist with students during science, Spanish and marimba, and movement classes. We will hire contractors to teach these positions and your responsibility to be the consistent teacher during transition and unit blocks of study.

Classes are multiage with grades K-5 with a limit of 15 students.

Our teaching philosophy aligns with Montessori and Waldorf, this guides our instruction and decisions. It's essential that you are comfortable teaching groups of mixed ages and can differentiate curriculum. There will be mentorship of a teacher who has a certificate in Montessori and has 15 years teaching.

We highly value social justice issues and use students play and work as opportunities to teach about inclusion, differing abilities, problem solving, sharing resources, checking our own power and influence on other students, inviting other who are on the outside to join the play, being aware of the opportunities and bringing balance by inviting or checking in. Social emotional intelligence is essential with this age group.

Our school is very strong on community and building intentional relationships. Teachers are expected to connect to families and become a larger part through monthly potlucks and work parties.

Chavitos Nature School programs are distinguished by:

• A commitment to daily outdoor nature exploration and opportunities
• Child interest-led learning
• Emergent curriculum- we follow the child’s interests and teach with snapshot moments.
• Inquiry-based teaching style
• An emphasis on authentic play
• Small class size: Each class is limited to 15 students. We will have a 2:7 ratio.
• Spanish immersion: at least one teacher will speak exclusively Spanish to children. Ideally both teachers will speak Spanish.

We believe that children, learn best through direct experience with the natural world. Our goal is to tap into their sense of wonder about nature, while teaching basic environmental and natural science principles. We promote individual empowerment and group bonding, respect for all living beings, and how to minimize our impact on the earth. Our lesson plans flow organically from what nature presents each day.

We have a high value of diversity of all types. We enroll students who add diversity to our community and this includes teachers as well. BIPOC and LGBTQ and body diverse folks highly encouraged to apply.

Candidates are also encouraged to apply to other positions of Montessori math teacher and preschool assistant teacher.

How to apply:

Email Meag at meagchavitos@gmail.com