The Monk Botanical Gardens seeks a full-time Garden Preschool Teacher for its new Sprouts Garden Preschool.  They will be responsible for developing and implementing a nature-based, emergent program that promotes whole-child development and will build a foundation for environmental literacy.   

A willingness to be outside in various weather conditions and inspire others to become passionate about nature is necessary.

Our ideal candidate has a genuine love for teaching young children, a deep personal connection to nature, and is dedicated to high-quality care and learning. We are looking for a teacher experienced in early childhood education, detail-oriented, organized, and highly relational. They must take pride in participating in the nature-preschool and child-led teaching models.

The Garden Preschool Teacher will establish and maintain a safe and positive learning environment that supports child developmental and foundational skills while fostering connections between children and the natural world. This position manages the classroom, supervises children in the classroom and outdoor settings, participates in family events, and conducts developmental observations. The candidate must be experienced working with preschool-age students, 3-5 years old. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop the nature-based curriculum for children ages 3-5 
• Daily lesson planning relating to nature-based curriculum 
• Work with and supervise Assistant teacher
• Classroom management, record keeping, and file management 
• Documentation of play and discovery through writing, photo/video, and artwork
• Develop and nurture partnerships with families, communicating regularly with parents about their child’s development
• Preparation of progress reports and portfolios 
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences
• Attend on-going, annual professional development courses 
• Support a multi-cultural and inclusive learning environment
• Follow all emergency procedures and COVID-19 protocols
• Maintain a clean and safe environment following WI DCF licensing and CDC guidelines
• Work with the supervisor to ensure state certification policies and procedures are met
• Participation in occasional fundraising events for the school
• Act as Camp Director as defined by state licensing when Education Director is not on site
• Desired Skills and Abilities:  
• Strong decision-making skills to respond to risk management, emergencies, or difficult situations
• Familiarity with nature pedagogy and emergent curriculum
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and roles patiently and professionally 
• Strong organizational skills, detail-oriented
• Ability to work as part of a team

Minimum Qualifications

• CDA, 2 year Associate or BA
• Experience teaching outdoors (2 years)
• 2 years experience working as a preschool teacher
• Have a passion for and knowledge of local plants, animals, ecological systems, and gardening
• Must pass a background check  

Preferred Qualifications (may complete once hired)

• Environmental education experience (3 years)
• Red Cross First Aid and CPR Certification including Pediatric (may complete once hired)

Physical Demands:

This position requires the ability to work outside in various weather conditions. The employee is frequently required to walk, stand and sit for extended periods. This employee will occasionally climb or balance and stoop, kneel and crouch.  This employee must frequently lift and or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.

Reports to:  Education and Events Director

Compensation:  This is a full-time, salaried position.  Salary Range:  $34,320-$41,184.  This position will follow a school calendar.  For this year only, the position will start in June to help open the school (additional compensation for June & July 2021).  Future years the schedule will be mid-August to end of May with an option to work summer session.  Additional five days of PTO & all federal holidays off.  Simple IRA with employer match.  Employer-paid dental and vision insurance along with life, long term, and short term disability insurance.  Health insurance offered Jan 2022.