Assistant Teacher in Nature-Based Early Education
Summer 2024
Join our team and embark on a joyful adventure!
As an Assistant Teacher at our nature-based preschool, you'll spend your days immersed in the wonders of the forest, fostering play, exploration, and community among our young adventurers. This role combines your love for children and the great outdoors, creating a safe, inclusive, and dynamic environment for learning and growth. Under the guidance of our experienced lead teachers, site coordinators, and administrative staff, you'll help nurture socio-emotional skills, resilience, perseverance, and problem-solving in our preschoolers.
You'll engage children in hands-on learning and discovery, developing your own expertise and passion for all things weather, wildlife, and nature. Together, we'll inspire the next generation of environmental stewards!
Overview:
We create vibrant, joyful communities connected to each other and the natural world through discovery and play. We believe children are naturally motivated to learn by exploring their surroundings. This is the perfect opportunity for an aspiring educator who loves teaching young children in all weather—rain, wind, or shine.
Location:
We are seeking a summer outdoor educator to work with our littlest explorers in Natick, MA.
Position Description:
We're seeking a fellow adventurer to join us from July 8, 2024, to August 23 2024. Our typical schedule runs Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Compensation is $20/hr.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Nurture and Explore: Foster each child's spirit and curiosity while building a strong community. Embrace our nature-based, child-centered approach.
- Collaborate and Support: Assist the Lead Teacher to ensure the health and safety of every child and develop engaging, nature-based early childhood curriculum.
- Lead and Inspire: Design and lead projects related to early childhood education, environmental education, and anti-bias education. Learn about local flora and fauna, create music and art, and lead nature walks and hikes.
- Communicate and Document: Engage with parents, caregivers, and the public, and document children's growth and learning.
- Grow and Develop: Attend orientation and professional development events related to nature-based early education. Complete state-required fingerprinting and background checks promptly.
Skills Development:
As an assistant teacher, you'll gain a diverse set of transferable skills that extend beyond traditional classroom settings:
- Nature Observation & Awareness: Identify local flora and fauna, understand seasonal changes, and develop keen observation skills.
- Nature-Based Arts and Crafts: Create art projects using natural materials and foster creativity through outdoor artistic expressions.
- Nature Exploration & Hiking: Lead nature walks and hikes, emphasizing curiosity and exploration, and teach basic navigation skills.
- Environmental Stewardship: Instill a sense of responsibility for the environment and nurture a lifelong commitment to preservation.
- Outdoor Team-Building: Promote collaboration and communication among children.
- Outdoor Classroom Management: Implement effective group management strategies in outdoor settings and adapt teaching methods to varying weather conditions.
- Outdoor Risk Assessment: Conduct risk assessments for outdoor activities and ensure the safety of children.
- Parent & Community Engagement: Communicate the benefits and philosophy of nature-based education to parents.
- Cultural Competence in Nature Education: Incorporate inclusive practices in outdoor education.
Qualifications:
- Must be a City of Boston resident between the ages of 19 - 24, as this position is funded through the SuccessLink grant program.
- Strong interest in nature-based early childhood education.
- Eager to learn about classroom management in an outdoor setting.
- Engaging and able to communicate easily with children, families, and colleagues.
- Embrace all weather conditions as part of the natural rhythm and seasonal changes.
- Able to hike across varied terrain while carrying supplies, including on hot and rainy days.
How to Apply:
Please fill out this form to apply as an assistant teacher.
Additional Information:
- Apply at your earliest convenience.
- Successful background checks are required.
- Candidates who add to our diverse community are encouraged to apply.
- Boston Outdoor Preschool Network is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.