Nature Preschool Teacher (Part-time)

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center conserves our land’s diverse habitats on Lake Michigan and provides meaningful experience and environmental education for all. Located nine miles north of downtown Milwaukee on the shore of Lake Michigan, the Center offers six miles of trails that take visitors through 185 unique acres of forests, wetlands, restored prairies, ravines, bluffs and a shoreline beach. Annually, Schlitz Audubon serves over 145,000 visitors and nearly 27,000 children who participate in our nature science programs. Over 150 preschoolers are enrolled throughout the school year in our nationally recognized outdoor nature preschool. In addition, thousands of adults and families attend our educational programs year-round. The Center building received the first Gold LEED certification award in the State of Wisconsin. Schlitz Audubon is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Nature Preschool Teachers, in conjunction with the teaching team, establish an outdoor nature-based early childhood program within the philosophical guidelines of the Nature Preschool and provide effective program implementation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Work collaboratively with co-teachers and staff to fulfill the mission of the preschool
• Assume responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of all children in the group
• Supervise children outdoors in classrooms, on trails, and Nature Center grounds throughout the four seasons and in all types of weather and terrain.
• Assure the safe, beautiful, and stimulating atmosphere of the outdoor and indoor classrooms by organizing and caring for the room and its contents, including live animals
• Ensure that the outdoor and indoor program operates within the guid­­elines and standards of the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children
• Respond quickly and professionally to unsafe conditions which may put children at risk
• Facilitate communication and positive relationships with parents including newsletter, conferences, social event, and occasional programs/event outside of regularly scheduled hours
• Facilitate communication and positive relationships with staff, volunteers, and student teachers
• Participate in weekly planning and meetings as a nature preschool staff
• Teach summer camps
• Collaborate with preschool teachers and staff to develop curriculum, review Nature Preschool policies and procedures.
• Participate in staff development, training, and continuing education according to Wisconsin State licensure
• Plan for equipment and supply needs in conjunction with the Nature Preschool Director
• Develop and sustain appropriate working relationships with other Center employees
• Participate, when possible, in Center-wide planning, meetings, initiatives, and events
• Participation in overall activities as needed
• Other duties as assigned
•  

Qualifications

• Degree in Education or related field. Early Childhood Education preferred
• Knowledge of Environmental Education preferred
• Teaching experience in early childhood or Nature Center setting preferred
• Must have the creativity, flexibility and understanding necessary for working with children, parents and staff members in an outdoor, nature-based program
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to perform tasks requiring physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions and on difficult terrain, as well as in the classroom
• Ability to teach 12 months of the year outside in all weather conditions

Details

This is a part-time, non-exempt position (up to 24 hours per week) paying $15/hour.

How to apply:

Send cover letter and resume to Patti Darby at pdarby@schlitzaudubon.org with “Nature Preschool Teacher” in the subject line.