Outdoor Educator

Nature School LA is looking for enthusiastic, active and aspiring Outdoor Educators/Forest School Teachers starting immediately for the 2022 - 2023 school year and ongoing. Our school programs meet Mon-Fri, 8:30am-1:30pm with extended hours until 3pm. Rain or shine, we meet in local parks in West and East Los Angeles. Work-documentation is online. 

Our teams consist of 2-3 teachers per group, children are ages 3-5 years. Children’s inquiry-driven curriculum is strongly connected to the local ecosystems and home experiences. Teachers work with small and large groups. You will teach age appropriate nature-based concepts and systems. For our young children social-emotional learning and varying forms of conflict resolution are imperative. You will also play games, sing songs and create crafts with students. Materials and curriculum ideas are available at Nature School LA’s library. A great part of the day is for children to exercise their autonomy by choosing their exploration and play. In the facilitator role you ensure everyone’s safety.

This position is for someone who is interested in growing professionally and personally. There is a difference in being surrounded by walls or sitting amongst trees. Your personal nature connection and relationship will play a great role in the teaching experience for all. Flow and goal anticipation shape the day.

We thrive to create a welcoming and safe environment for children, staff, and families, building a greater community. If this resonates with you email us your resume, cover letter and a half to one page activity plan around the theme “weather, water, energy”. It is up to you to interpret this and come up with 1 activity appropriate for our age group. 

Talk to you soon!

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s in Education or Environmental Studies, biology, ecology or earth sciences
Outdoor Education Experience
Min. 12 ECE units

Responsibilities:

- transport and bring materials to base camp and set up/break down

- welcome parents and children

- assist children during snack and lunch

- lead games, songs, lessons and activities

- ensure children’s safety during hikes

- facilitate inquiry-based and unstructured learning

- support children emotionally, mentally and physically

- model conflict resolution and mindfulness

- practice risk-management

- provide medical attention and first aid when needed

- record medical care, write daily group reports

- daily check-ins, weekly meetings, and professional development

- answer director’s calls, texts or emails the same day

- have fun and enjoy the journey with the children

Requirements:

- Be committed to complete the school year

- be dependable and on time to start your shift

- have reliable transportation and working phone

- maintain all program supplies and materials

- coordinate restocking or repair of materials/supplies

- able to lift 40 lb.

- hold First Aid + CPR certification for children and adults

- be an effective communicator

- have experience leading cooperative games and hands-on activities

- develop lesson plans incorporating earth science

- bring previous teaching experience

- enjoy spending extensive time outdoors

- have a collaborative spirit and positive personality

Job Details:

Dates: November 2022 - July 2023, ongoing

Pay: Starting at $20/hr + DOE

Hours: Between 27-35 hours a week

Time: 8:30am-1:30pm / 8:30am-3:00pm / Meetings 5pm

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: From $20.00+ per hour, based on experience

Benefits:

Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Retirement plan

Schedule:

6-8 hour shift

COVID-19 considerations:

Adhere to any and all current and future COVID-19 Health and Safety Policies

How to apply:

Please email, your resume and cover letter to info@natureschoolla.com
Attention: Biljana Milasin