Nature & Science Teacher (Preschool)

Nature & Science Teacher

The Nature & Science Teacher reports to the Head of School and works collaboratively with classroom teachers.  The Nature & Science Teacher works closely with other Resource teachers to plan and implement curriculum.  The Nature & Science Teacher is guided by the mission, core values and pedagogical guide of the school and must consistently exercise discretion and good judgment in the performance of responsibilities.

Nature Teacher Responsibilities:

• Designs, creates and implements learning plans and leads small groups of students in Nature and Science classes, in collaboration with other Resource teachers.
• Co-Leads at least one session of Smokey’s Bounders enrichment programming each week.
• Works collaboratively with classroom teachers to support areas of study and developing projects.
• Maintains a clean, healthy, effective, and attractive classroom environment.
• Establishes and maintains a positive and supportive relationship with children by fully implementing systematic behavior supports.
• Communicates with classroom teachers about the growth and development of the children.
• Maintains current displays of parent information and child work.
• Supervises and manages the health, safety, and responsibilities of children at all times. 

General Responsibilities:

• Establishes and maintains a positive and supportive relationship with children.
• Establishes and maintains supportive and professional relationships with families.
• Prepares parent communications regarding Nature and Smokey’s programming and Outdoor Education initiatives.
• Participates in family events that are sponsored by the program, as is appropriate.
• Participates in all required professional development and advanced coursework needed to remain current in the field of early childhood education. Maintains credentials, licensing requirements, and professional goals.
• Contributes to a positive working environment through respectful and collegial interactions with colleagues. 
• Adheres to the policies and procedures of the faculty and staff handbook.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age with a minimum of a current CDA or CDA Credential equivalent as defined by NAEYC or at least 12 college level credits in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, early childhood special education, outdoor education, or a related field
• Completed student teaching or had one year of full time employment in the field of education
• Experience working in an outdoor environment with children and/or training in Outdoor Education preferred
• Must be physically able to safely supervise young children, including ability to move about freely, lift 40 lbs. regularly, run, bend, and sit on the floor
• Vision and hearing must be corrected, if necessary, to the degree needed to safely supervise young children
• Deep understanding of the school’s curriculum and philosophy as well as knowledge of an advanced type in the field of early childhood education

Commitment of Position

Full-time, school-year calendar (9 months)

To apply, please send a letter of interest and resume to Jaime Lynn Quackenbush, Head of School: jaime.quackenbush@pifs.net