As a teacher in our Forest School, you will be responsible for collaborating with Program leadership and other Forest/Farm School Teachers to deliver an educational experience that meets the spirit and pedagogy of EdenAcres.

The ideal candidate for this position is someone who can work independently as well as in a team, is confident in working with children of various ages and abilities but has specific experience working with little ones ages 5-12 in an outdoor, nature-immersion setting.

Responsibilities:

• Teach, plan curriculum, and coordinate EdenAcres nature immersion programs.
• Track, record, write, and disseminate student progress reports to parents and administration.
• Design and teach unique EdenAcres lesson plans that include hard (physical, primitive, wilderness, etc.) and soft (social/emotional) skills and are aligned with our curriculum themes.
• Ensure lessons for each child and cohort are developmentally appropriate and engaging.
• Co-teach and collaborate with fellow EdenAcres teachers and Leadership.
• Provide a safe environment at all times. Recognize, mitigate, and respond to hazards to ensure a healthy and safe program for all staff and participants.
• Communicate health and safety information clearly and effectively to the Forest School Director, other Teachers, and other staff.
• Fulfill assigned duties in an emergency situation. Handle emergency situations safely and effectively
• Staff and facilitate marketing events as needed.
• Maintain the rhythm of the day.
• Collaborate and communicate with teachers and leadership to maintain facilities in good operational order.
• Communicate clearly, effectively, and compassionately with parents and students.
• Communicate clearly, effectively, and compassionately with other instructors, leadership team, other staff, and board of directors.
• Facilitate dropoff and pickup.
• Ensure teaching spaces, storage spaces, and restrooms are cleaned regularly by staff and are safe and healthy at all times.
• Ensure safe spaces by sanitizing tools, materials, and touch surfaces after children and/or staff have used them or been in the space.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Characteristics:

• Passion for outdoor and experiential education
• Experience teaching preschool-age children through 12 years old.
• Experience working with children/youth ranging from k-12 in diverse and often challenging situations
• Basic forest/primitive skills
• Knowledge of native flora and fauna
• Wilderness first aid
• Love and appreciation for the natural world
• Applicants demonstrating exceptional background and experience in cultural competency and advancing organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), such as trauma-informed care, restorative justice training, or wilderness therapy are strongly encouraged to apply.

Qualifications:

• Over 3 years experience in Education or Outdoor Education.
• Accredited teacher training or equivalent professional teaching experience.
• Enthusiasm about working in an inclusive environment that serves children of all backgrounds and abilities
• Demonstrated cultural competency and experience working with diverse populations, including communities of color, immigrants, and underserved communities
• Must be physically able to lead students in hikes of up to 5 miles in a day
• Must have visual, perceptual, cognitive and judgment ability to: recognize and respond verbally to health and safety concerns and to deal appropriately with any improper behavior
• CPR & First Aid, Epi-pen training
• Grit, compassion, and patience

Working Environment:

• 3 outdoor teaching days per week
• Schedule includes assigned and facilitated professional development and programmatic activities that may last up to 48 hours and include overnight camping.
• Work environment includes open flames, use of tools, and all-season outdoor weather conditions.

Physical Demands: 10% Sitting, 30% Standing, 20% Walking, 35% Lifting/Carrying/Pushing/Pulling 5 - 80 lbs.

EdenAcres Environmental Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer valuing diversity and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.