The Site Director/Lead teacher oversees the implementation of Notchcliff Nature Programs at Glen Meadows Retirement Community. This involves supervision of staff, building relationships with families, establishing rapport with children, and professional, timely communication about the program. Site Director/Lead teacher will maintain close collaboration with teachers and children to facilitate outdoor classes with children to teach several classes each week, which is an important way we mentor and provide modeling for teaching staff. Tasks include thoughtful curriculum design based on children’s emergent interests, on-going reflection about and assessment of children and the forest school program, and collaboration with other teachers and/or volunteers. The Site Director will also interface with the Education Director, Executive Director, and Board regarding various aspects of Notchcliff such as: policies, advocacy, growth initiatives, strategic planning, marketing, development tasks, and budget. 

Site Director will create a supportive work culture and establish systems that empower teachers to grow professionally as nature-based educators. Site Director will engage in reflective evaluation of teachers to identify needs of teaching staff and plan PD activities to that end. The Site Director sets the tone for learning as an engaged, enthusiastic role model of nature-based education while maintaining a safe, positive atmosphere for outdoor learning. 

This position requires a blend of qualifications that span having sound knowledge about early childhood education as well as nature-based pedagogy. Candidates should possess curiosity, if not deep understanding, of the local ecosystem with a commitment to helping young children develop their ecological identities through inquiry and play. 

Position requires personal and programmatic reflection, collaboration with teachers and parents, open dialogue about children’s progress, and interfacing with Glen Meadows Retirement Community partners and residents. Position also includes drafting a program budget, tracking expenses, writing content for grants, providing program data/reports, and other related duties as required.