Lead Forest Preschool Teacher

Under general direction, to be a preschool 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.

• Develop and implement preschool programming that aligns with the Outer Range mission, vision and values.
• ​​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 kindness, empathy, compassion, and gratitude; 
• To model best practices and approaches to nature-based early childhood education
• 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.
• Desire to contribute individual skill/passion to designing non-prescriptive, student driven experiences. 
• Nurture individualized needs of children while managing whole group experiences and unstructured play in the forest.
• Modify and adapt programming to meet the varied needs of students.
• Plan for the learning environment and experience through selective program activities to bring about desired results.
• Communicate and plan with students, program partners, co-facilitators, and families.
• Instruct/Lead the program that is developed
• Daily set-up/break-down of forest classroom (hands-washing station, fire ring, etc.). 
• Utilize an emergent curriculum plan, daily ‘sketch of the day’ based on children’s and seasonal interests, and refer to assessment domains. 
• Participate in various community-building initiatives with staff and local partners. 
• Manage materials and equipment; request/order new materials as needed. 
• Participate in authentic child assessment, self-evaluation, and program evaluation. 
• 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 job postings for Alpine Start Forest Preschool 

https://www.applitrack.com/mcsd/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Early+Childhood