[CLOSED] The Nest Early Childhood Assistant Teacher

Early Childhood Assistant Teacher

August 2023

The Nest at Wheeler is a premier Nature-Based preschool, located in Seekonk, Massachusetts. The program welcomes students from 2.9 to 5 years old. At The Nest, our mission is to provide an early childhood education that meets the developmental needs of each child through joyful, hands-on, experiential learning in the natural world. Our nature-based curriculum integrates academics and social-emotional skills and inspires a love of learning and connection to the natural world. 

We encourage children to take an active role in their school experience and we strive to nurture each child’s intrinsic sense of creativity, curiosity, adventure, and wonder. Our teaching is grounded in learning that emerges from children’s interests and is based on their skills and needs. Through time spent outdoors immersed in nature, as well as through group and instructional time indoors, we provide effective and meaningful learning for children. 

This is a two year position and we encourage experienced teachers, teacher training students, as well as candidates who have experience working with young children and are interested in pursuing a career in education to apply for this wonderful opportunity to gain hands-on experience. 

The full-time early childhood assistant teacher will support, teach, and guide a small group of young children through all activities of the day alongside skilled head teachers. Together, the teaching team is committed to leading lessons and guiding children in the indoor and outdoor classrooms, carrying out both emergent and planned curricula. Nature-based learning experiences are springboards for the integrated curriculum and, therefore, spend most of the day outside, in all but hazardous weather conditions. 

The early childhood assistant teacher reports directly to the Director of The Nest. 

Responsibilities:

• Support the delivery of daily lessons, morning meeting times and outdoor activities
• Assist teachers and students with transitions throughout the day
• Co-construct curriculum based on student interests with consideration to age and developmental stages
• Support the implementation of nature-based curriculum 
• Partner with the head teacher to integrate nature experiences with academic learning outcomes
• Maintain positive relationships with families, allowing Teachers to address concerns to parents
• Commit to ongoing professional development related to nature-based education
• Support students in their age appropriate understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion 
• Performs other duties necessary to the smooth functioning of the classroom and program as assigned by the Director of The Nest
• Promote a positive work environment, work cooperatively with colleagues, and be open to receiving  feedback for professional development
• Support the Auxiliary Department with childcare during conference care days and the vacation camp weeks in December and March

Qualifications:

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in education or related field. 
• Availability to work 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
• Experience working with children as young as 3 years old in a supportive or lead role.
• Comfortable spending the majority of the day outdoors in all weather conditions
• Experience in place-based education, nature and/or environmental education, and/or the arts a plus. 
• First aid and CPR certification or willingness to earn certification required. 

This position requires the ability to work with a small team (the administrators and other teachers). The ideal candidate enjoys interacting with young children and is a hard-working, enthusiastic and confident learner willing to add to the vibrant and dynamic environment of The Nest. 

The early childhood assistant teacher is a self-motivated and directed individual who thrives through productive collaboration. The ideal teacher possesses excellent organizational, communication, and teaching skills, both with the children and with other teachers. Effective and compassionate listening and speaking skills are apparent with both children and adults. They possess the flexibility to operate independently and as part of a team; have an engaging personality; and a genuine interest in working with families. 

Statement on Diversity and Cultural Competency 

At The Nest at Wheeler we actively seek students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds in the belief that a broad range of experiences and viewpoints enhance learning, enrich life on campus, and better prepare us all for full participation in a pluralistic, democratic society. We seek to further the overall diversity and cultural competency within our community through hiring.

How to Apply 

Please send a resume and cover letter to Michelle Dolan, Director of The Nest, at michelledolan@wheelerschool.org and cc careers@wheelerschool.org.  List the position title in the subject heading.  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

The Wheeler School is committed to our policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or disability, and any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.