Thrive Forest School is Louisville's first nature-based preschool, holding class outside, everyday in all weather. Children 3-6 years of age take part in a child-led, play-based, emergent curriculum. Teachers are there to guide and inquire, but not "instruct". Class is held Monday - Friday from 9:30am to 12:30pm. Lead and Support Teacher schedules may vary depending on class schedules and enrollments.

Do you love mud? If so, keep reading :)

Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve is an equal opportunity employer. We are passionate about what we do and are seeking fellow passionate people, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, and other protected status. Said plainly, we aim to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come to do their best work and change lives through nature connection.

Teacher Must:

• Have an educational background and/or professional experience working with preschool aged children
• Have an authentic and infectious love of the natural world
• Facilitate developmentally appropriate nature-based preschool programming
• Be comfortable working outside in all types of weather
• Have a playful and patient attitude
• Have the ability to communicate professionally and clearly with other teachers, children, and parents in person, by telephone, and via email
• Provide all students opportunities to learn and grow at their own pace and to appreciate unique qualities and interests of everyone
• Be responsible for the health, safety, and the welfare of all children. This includes helping children to stay warm and dry in inclement weather, managing risk in an outdoor setting, and addressing student conflicts
• Conduct ongoing assessment of students
• Conduct overall planning for equipment and supply needs
• Setup and breakdown outdoor classroom daily
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and review of Thrive Forest School policies and procedures
• Demonstrate strong emotional intelligence, including empathy and listening skill set
• Demonstrate working knowledge of hazards and risk assessment as related to the environments of young children
• Be flexible and willing to assist with a variety of teaching and administrative duties
• Be available M-F from 8:30am – 1:30pm with some nights and weekends for occasional family programming (exact schedule TBD based on enrollments)
• Other duties as assigned
• Submit to a background check, reference checks, and TB test
• Be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Be able to stand, walk, stoop, and bend for extended periods of time

Bonus Points for:

• Nature-Based Preschool and/or Forest Kindergarten training or certification
• Ecology or naturalist training
• A background in music, art, or theater, especially as it relates to preschool children
• First Aid / CPR certification