Nature Kindergarten Teacher

Under general direction, to be a kindergarten teacher in the outdoor education program; to plan, develop, organize, and deliver experiential learning; to assist in the planning, development, and implementation of site, instructional goals and objectives, and in the evaluation of the effectiveness of educational programs and to do other related functions as directed. Lead teacher works closely with a co-teacher and children to facilitate outdoor classes with children. 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. Lead teacher will manage support staff and/or volunteers as needed. Lead teachers set the tone for learning as engaged, enthusiastic role models of nature-based education while maintaining a safe, positive atmosphere. Classes are almost entirely outdoors, so you must be experienced and eager to facilitate outdoor learning in all seasons!

Responsible for planning and facilitating immersive outdoor experiences for young children. This includes maintaining a safe, loving environment with safety routines that protect yet empower children.

• Develop and implement kindergarten programming that aligns with the Outer Range mission, vision and values.
• Continually monitor and adjust students’ instruction through the use of differentiation in such a manner as to enable the student to demonstrate proficiency toward state standards.
• Uses multiple measures to assess (summative and formative) and evaluate student growth and learning of the Colorado Academic Standards.
• ​​To honor young children as independent, capable thinkers through child-directed, experiential, place-based approaches to learning;
• Ability to develop strategies and supports to address challenging behaviors and promote social and emotional competence and well-being. 
• To engage in a rhythm of reflection, inquiry, observation, trial-and-error, risk-taking, perseverance, discussion, problem-solving, expression, and teamwork through a balance of emergent curriculum, intentional activities, and unstructured nature play;
• To offer opportunities for children to explore identity in the context of nature and the larger community, while cultivating cognitive and social competencies
• Collaborate with program manager to create outdoor education experiences aligned with mission and vision.
• Amplify the voices and ideas of young people through connection, accountability, and shared power. 
• Design and guide experiences through imagination, immersion, and instinct while encouraging curiosity, questioning, and seeking of adventure.
• Strengthen relationships through joyful, shared experiences that foster courage and risk assessment.
• Modify and adapt programming to meet the varied needs of students.
• Plan for the learning environment and experience through personalized program activities to bring about desired results.
• Desire to contribute individual skill/passion to designing non-prescriptive, student driven experiences. 
• Daily set-up/break-down of Yurt classroom and outdoor areas (hands-washing station, fire ring, etc.). 
• Maintain a personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.
• Participate in various community-building initiatives with staff and local partners. 
• Manage materials and equipment; request/order new materials as needed. 
• Other duties that support families, children, and staff will also be assigned as needed.
• All other duties as assigned.

How to apply:

Click here to access the job posting through Montrose County School District. Look for "Teacher - Kindergarten (Nature Kindergarten)" Job 2496