Nature Preschool Lead Teacher

Part-time, Regular, Non-Exempt School Year Opening

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:00-4:30PM*, requires occasional evenings and weekend

Term position runs from August 28th, 2023 - June 7th,2024;

*Must be available fulltime for in-service training Aug. 28th-Sep. 1st and Sep. 5th from 8:00AM-4:30PM

Diversity Statement

Dodge Nature Center and Preschool is for everyone. As stewards of the land, we create and foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment where all can nourish their need for nature. We listen to, honor, and learn from the lived experiences and feedback of all to create a space where everyone feels welcome. Providing access to environmental education and experiences in nature is essential to Dodge Nature Center and Preschool’s mission, vision, and values. As educators, we are committed to staying curious, challenging our status quo, and changing in ways that facilitate greater diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Program Description

Dodge Nature Preschool follows an emergent curriculum with a social-constructivist approach. Dodge Nature Preschool operates as part of the Dodge Nature Center; grounds include woodlands, prairie, ponds, wetlands, and a model farm with animals, gardening program, a greenhouse, apple orchard, maple syrup making facility, and apiary.  A state-of-the-art preschool building with three outdoor/indoor classrooms provide early childhood nature education throughout the seasons.  Class size is 18 three, four and five year olds with 3 teachers.

Responsibilities

1. Implement emergent curriculum using a constructivist, inquiry-based & Reggio Emilia approach.
2. Maintain an attractive, functional, appropriate learning environment.
3. Develop and deliver programming including long-range planning and well-prepared daily activities with special attention to nature education.
4. Track the development of individual children, assess needs, and plan based on those needs. Including collaborating with outside professionals like school districts personnel.
5. Interact with children to encourage positive self-concept and enthusiasm for the                                   discovery process and ask open-ended questions;
6. Develop and maintain appropriate working relationship with other staff members and parents.
7. Supervise educational assistants, interns, and other members of the classroom teaching team. 
8. Work with Dodge Nature Center Naturalists to provide activities for the preschool children on Dodge Nature Center grounds.
9. Play an active role in the operation of the preschool through weekly planning and training meetings, events and in-service training.
10. Take part in professional development opportunities locally and nationally as appropriate. 
11. Adhere to the code of Ethics of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
12. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education/certification:

Qualifies as teacher as per MN Rule 3; BA or higher in ECE or related.

Required Knowledge:

• Extensive knowledge and experience in early childhood education, including a college degree in ECE, Child Development, Elementary Education, or a related field.
• Experience teaching preschool in a child-centered, developmentally appropriate program.
• Experience in a NAEYC accredited program or commitment to working towards achieving accreditation.
• Experience or education in environmental education or commitment to learning about appropriate early childhood nature education. 
• Experience working with the Reggio Emilia approach or familiarity of this approach desirable.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred.

Skills/Abilities:

• Sensitivity to children’s learning styles and ability to communicate clearly with parents.
• Ability to develop collaborative team relationships and problem solve.
• Ability to appropriately supervise assistant teachers, and interns.
• Ability to use technology to support documentation of children’s work.
• Ability to work flexible hours including occasional evenings and weekends for training & events.

Physical activities and requirements of this position:

• This position requires active participation with children up to 6 hours per day in the classroom, playground, and throughout the Nature Center.
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds to waist level.

Please send cover letter and resume by Friday, July 28th to:

Amy Warzybok, Preschool Director

awarzybok@dodgenaturecenter.org

Pronouns: She, Her, Hers

651-789-5275

651-554-8444 (fax)