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) and Massachusetts Horticultural Society (Wellesley). This is the right opportunity for an experienced nature-based early childhood teacher who loves teaching outdoors in all weather conditions.

Position Description:

• Location: Massachusetts Horticultural Society (Wellesley) or the Arnold Arboretum (Boston)
• Start and End Dates: June 27 through August 26, 2022
• Hours: Teach from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, plus 5 hours/week for program management (20 hours/week in total)
• Compensation: $20 - $26/hour

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. Manage risk and address conflict in an outdoor setting
• 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 high school and college interns
• Attend occasional evening/weekend professional development events as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• At least two 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, and peers
• 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.
• Experience in environmental education and anti-bias education