Based on its mission, the Kickapoo Valley Forest School (KVFS) curriculum will be place-based within a forest school model centered around play.  Three tenets of KVFS are:

Daily nature immersion through play to increase emotional awareness, spacial awareness, large and fine motor development, rich experiences with literacy, math, science and social studies concepts;

Collaboration with community partners that expand connections to the region including sourcing local food, integrating art and music from local artisans, connecting with local business that are dependent on the region and; 

Teachers serve as mentors to facilitate individual academic skill development within rich and varied play in the natural world.

The first year of this position will be focused on planning-  curriculum writing, family and community engagement, policy development, staff recruitment, etc, as we work to open doors to students in September 2021.
In subsequent years, the lead teacher will work with students while providing leadership to staff, facilitating family engagement and communication, and serving as a liaison between the KVFS, the Governance Council, and the School District of La Farge.

Essential Functions:

Year 1 (2020-2021)

• Flexible schedule/time variable (up to .75 FTE)
• Develop curriculum incorporating nature-based, inquiry-based, and integrated content standards (Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards and Wisconsin Academic Standards)
• Participate in collaborative research on charter schools/innovative models; visit select model schools and analyze, discuss, and identify primary attributes and set priorities from visitations.
• Assist in developing policies, procedures, and plans.
• Assist in recruiting, screening, interviewing, evaluating and recommending qualified candidates for positions on the school staff.
• Participate in professional development and trainings as required and recommended.
• Assist in selecting and ordering furniture, equipment and classroom supplies for KVFS.
• Other duties as assigned.

Year 2 and beyond (beginning 2021-2022) Full time 1.0 FTE

• Teaching
• Function as a member of the teaching team involving up to eight other educational professionals. 
• Perform all aspects of classroom management, lesson planning, instruction, and assessment.
• Develop and implement appropriate and functional IEP goals and objectives.
• Attend appropriate conferences, workshops, and inservices.
• Provide for ongoing collaboration and communication with student families.

Leadership

In partnership with the KVFS Governance Board, assist in recruiting, screening, interviewing, evaluating and recommending qualified candidates for positions on the school staff.

• Act as LEA representative and ensure compliance with student IEPs. 
• Facilitate collaboration between community partners and KVFS stakeholders.
• Facilitate the student application process, and new student enrollment. 
• Facilitate and schedule regular staff meetings.
• Coordinate ongoing communication with KVR and LFSD staff.
• Provide guidance to teachers and support to students on a daily basis.

Qualifications

This position requires a solid educational background including a Bachelors degree, preferably in education. Applicants must have or be able to attain appropriate teaching licensure issued by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction; certification in Early Childhood or Elementary Education preferred. 

Qualified applicants should have experience or competencies in some of the following: 

• Ability to model the core values of KVFS
• Successful early childhood/early elementary teaching experience 
• Working with children with differing developmental needs
• Familiarity with and passion for place-based or nature-immersion education
• Leadership skills, including the ability to work independently and to work effectively with groups and individuals
• Curriculum development
• Family or community engagement initiatives
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent problem-solving and time management skills
• Naturalist skills and knowledge of Wisconsin natural history
• Facilitate an overall work environment of mutual respect and collaboration
• Must be able to physically traverse the KVR landscape with ease and be comfortable teaching outdoors year round in all types of weather.