Boston Outdoor Preschool NetworkNature TeacherNatickSchool Year 2023-2024 & 2024-2025Mission: The mission of Boston Outdoor Preschool Network (BOPN) is to meet the developmental needs of the whole child while initiating them into a lifelong relationship with the natural world. We are committed to expanding access to nature-based early childhood education.What We Do: BOPN is a nonprofit organization focused on nature-based early education, with programs in Boston, Milton, Malden, Sudbury, Sherborn, and Natick. We bring families together in community and give children a joyfully muddy childhood under the loving guidance of dedicated teachers. Our programs combine early childhood and environmental education.
Our goals are to promote childrens physical and mental health, encourage environmental stewardship, and to develop habits of mind such as curiosity, initiative, persistence, creativity, problem-solving, and responsibility. A Day in the Life as a Lead Teacher: Every morning outside brings something new! The natural world provides a magical backdrop for transformative play for the toddlers & preschoolers as they delve into sensory exploration. As a lead teacher, you will move seamlessly between guiding, observing, and playing alongside the children as they hone their gross motor skills while jumping off logs; fire up their imaginations cooking in a mud kitchen; develop the ability to classify by collecting natural items such as acorns; expand their STEM knowledge building forts; and sharpen their fine motor skills creating art projects!
Under your tutelage, the children will foster deep, joyful interaction as they laugh together and develop authentic connections. Nature Teacher: We are looking for a lead teacher for our inaugural school year class in Natick, MA. The candidate would phase in and get to know our program and routines this spring by training at our Wellesley location before leading the Natick class in the fall. The ideal teacher demonstrates proactive behavior in forming routines & practices that will shape the unique feel of our Natick program.
They value relationships & will easily integrate with the Natick community. Grounded in a love of children and the outdoors, the lead teacher connects kids to each other and nature through discovery and play.Position Description: Schedule: Monday - FridayHours: 8:30 AM - 4:00PMLocation: 113 Union Street Natick, MACalendar: Phase In/Training: April 2024 - June 2024; Lead Teacher September 2024 through June 2025, with breaks and holidays aligned with public schools. We also offer a separate summer program in July and August.Compensation: Salaried position at a rate equivalent to $22 - $27/hour, with paid time off for breaks and holidaysPosition Responsibilities: Developmentally Appropriate Practice: Use a nature-based and child-centered approach. Nurture the spirit and curiosity of each child while building strong relationships with parents and children.
Nature Exploration: Instill a deep appreciation and understanding of nature by planning and executing projects that promote a connection with the natural world.; Encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and a sense of wonder about the environment.Parent Communication: Maintain open and regular communication with parents regarding their child's development and experiences in the program. Participate in parent-teacher conferences and events.Team Collaboration: Engage in collaborative planning sessions with your colleagues. Learn the strengths of your co-teachers and create a classroom environment that best utilizes these skill sets.Documentation: Use photos and stories as a tool for communication, reflection, and new learning. Monitor each childs development and progress.Professional Development: Meet with a coach and your supervisor.
Attend occasional staff meetings, professional development, and special events.Safety: Be responsible for the health and safety of each child. This includes helping children stay comfortable in rainy and hot weather, managing risk in an outdoor setting, and addressing conflict. Leadership: Supervise high school youth workers and college interns.Administrative Responsibilities: Marketing: Author compelling pieces for the BOPN blog, & communicate regularly with current and prospective families through newsletters, emails, or meetings.Admissions: Host tours for prospective families & communicate with currently enrolled families regarding program offerings, enrollment, and registration.These essential functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related duties as required.
Position Requirements: At least 3 years experience in early childhood education, nature education, or a related fieldEEC teacher licensure or willingness to acquire EEC teacher licensure within 6 months of employmentStrong classroom management skills and ability to maintain a safe learning environmentCritical thinker who is able to problem solve and take ownership of program logistics and operations in addition to teaching Communicate easily with children, family, and colleaguesCritical thinker who is able to problem solveAdaptable, proactive and willing to take initiativePassion for environmental education and anti-bias educationDelights in the wonders of natureEmbrace a wide variety of weather conditions as unique and interesting, part of the ebb and flow of the natural rhythm and seasonal changesHumble and knowledgeable of ones own limitationsEagerness to learn and continually improveHow to Apply: Email your resume and cover letter to hiring@bopn.orgAdditional Information: Successful reference and background checks are required.Candidates who add to our diverse community are encouraged to apply.Boston Outdoor Preschool Network is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.We have site locations around the greater Boston & MetroWest area. We are delighted to be opening new locations in Sudbury, Sherborn, and Milton next fall and are currently seeking educators to join these programs! For other career opportunities, please please click here: https://www.bopn.org/employment-positions