Overview: We build joyful communities of children and teachers connected to each other and to their outdoor environments through discovery and play. We believe that children are intrinsically motivated to learn, and that they do so by exploring the world around them. Our programs are located on the grounds of the Arnold Arboretum (Boston), Massachusetts Horticultural Society (Wellesley), and Smith Farm (Easton). This is the right opportunity for an experienced early childhood teacher who loves teaching outdoors in all weather conditions.

Position Description:

• Location: Arnold Arboretum
• Start date: July 5 (preferred) or September 1
• Hours: Teach from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday through Friday, plus 5 hours/week for program management (20 hours/week in total)
• Compensation: $18 - $20/hour
• Paid time off: winter break, February break, April break, and other school holidays (our schedule is similar to Boston public schools)

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Nurture the spirit and curiosity of each child while building strong relationships with families and children. Use a nature-based and child-centered approach.
• Be responsible for the health and safety of each child. This includes helping children stay warm and dry in rainy and cold weather, managing risk in an outdoor setting, and addressing conflict
• Gracefully and professionally communicate with parents, caregivers, and the general public
• Use daily written documentation as a tool for communication, reflection, new learning, and advocacy
• Mentor interns
• Attend occasional evening/weekend professional development events as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• At least 3 years of experience as a Lead Preschool Teacher
• Ability to stimulate the inherent curiosity children have about their surroundings, and expand on it with emergent and place-based curriculum
• Strong classroom management skills and ability to maintain a safe learning environment
• Embrace a wide variety of weather conditions as unique and interesting, part of the ebb and flow of the natural rhythm and seasonal changes.
• Engaging and easily able to communicate with children, families, colleagues, and supervisors
• Eager to work in a nonprofit start-up culture. Tolerant of uncertainty and change and understand that organizations continue to improve when the people who work there are adaptable, take chances, and learn from their mistakes
• Preferred: experience in environmental education and anti-bias education

Additional Information:

• Hiring process is rolling; please apply at your earliest convenience.
• This position requires successful reference and background checks.
• Candidates who add to our diverse community are encouraged to apply.
• Boston Outdoor Preschool Network is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and our programs are not run or operated by the Arnold Arboretum