If you love working with kids and love nature, this is the job for you! Cincinnati Nature Center is expanding the K-2 School. Children are enrolled in their own district as a homeschooler and attend the Nature School program for the majority of their education, with parents supplementing at home.  Learning experiences at the Nature Center include Montessori-inspired math and language works in the morning and experiential science and cultural lessons in the afternoon.

General Information

Position Title: Primary School Assistant Teacher
Classification: Hourly/Non-Exempt
Supervisor: Primary School Lead Teacher 
Category: Regular, Full Time
Department: Education
Schedule: Monday – Friday, some evenings and weekends as needed
 
Revision: March 2022

Purpose
Under direction from the Primary School Lead Teacher, teach children in CNC’s Nature School (grades Kindergarten+). Execute all activities with the highest standards for safety, customer service, and in keeping with CNC Mission, Values, and Principles. 
 
Essential Job Responsibilities
TEACHING: Teach CNC Nature School class with Lead Teacher: 

• Adhere to CNC’s established principles and practices for education, assure the safety, well-being, and healthy development of all children in the classroom 
• Help support student teacher(s) 
• Assist in daily lesson- and hike-planning  
• Teach group and individual lessons with children Kindergarten through second grade 
• Ensure children are receiving thorough exposure to all required curriculum areas under Ohio State law 
• Communicate regularly with fellow teachers re: children’s progress and needs 
• Maintain thorough record-keeping of children’s progress 
• Create or obtain materials and assist with physical upkeep of the classroom 
• Regularly switch out materials to ensure the classroom environment meets the current needs of the children 
• Assist in the creation and maintenance of a complete portfolio for each child demonstrating his/her learning 
• Take and post pictures or otherwise communicate proactively with parents 
• Work with outside specialists to support children as needed 
• Provide appropriate parent education materials and/or events 
• Plan relevant field trips to support children’s learning  

 BUILDING COMMUNITY: 

• Support parent involvement opportunities 
• Communicate regularly with volunteers  
• Help coordinate with other CNC staff to involve children in Nature Center projects and learning opportunities 

Additional Job Responsibilities

• Attend regular staff meetings
• Participate in professional development opportunities
• SPECIAL EVENTS:  Provides support for special community/fundraising events as needed.  These events may fall after hours or on weekends.

These job responsibilities represent only the essential and most significant duties of the position.  This job description does not exclude other work assignments, directives and responsibilities not mentioned herein.
 
Education and Competencies:

• Bachelors degree and Montessori 3-6 or 6-9 credential required 

Communication:

• Must maintain confidentiality of sensitive and confidential information 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Exceptional customer service skills and a passion for helping others 

Qualifications:

• Positive, friendly, and social disposition
• Commitment and ability to articulate CNC Mission 
• Comfort with the natural world and knowledge of local natural history or willingness to learn 
• Excellent interpretive and outdoor teaching skills 
• Experience teaching children in an outdoor setting 
• Knowledge of appropriate academic and environmental education standards 
• Expertise in age-appropriate curriculum and education theories 
• Flexibility and a sense of humor 
• Curiosity and desire to learn and grow 
• Ability to work with assistants, volunteers and student teachers 
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to be a creative and flexible team player 
• Must pass a background check 

 
Computer Skills:

• Ability to learn education management software (Jovial) 
• Comfort with digital photography tools and photo-sharing applications 

Work Environment:

• The work is performed on-site, indoors in an office environment and outdoors in the Nature Center during all types of weather.
• Local travel may be required. Some travel to regional conferences may be required. When a Nature Center vehicle is not available, the use of personal vehicle (reimbursed at IRS recommended rate) may be needed for Cincinnati Nature Center business.

Physical Demands:

• This position requires the following physical activities: pushing, pulling, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity.