Lead Preschool Teacher

About us:

Key Peninsula Preschool is opening a full time nature school for preschoolers this fall called Forest Friends of the KP.

At Forest Friends of the KP, our teachers have the unique opportunity to dive deep into a play-based forest school curriculum inspired by the tradition of European forest schools. Teachers promote the holistic development of all children, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners. At Forest Friends, teachers aim to inspire curiosity, possibilities, imagination, contemplation, and exploration in a setting where children are free to express their interests, their needs, and their passions. Our students’ needs are paramount, but a teacher’s role is not simply a supporting role, it is an active, guiding role. A teacher’s goal is to be co-constructing knowledge that guides and supports the work in progress that is each child’s cognitive development.

Teachers must be eager to learn and skilled at supporting teamwork with their peers. The teaching team practices self-reflection and honors one another by being reliable, initiating solutions, and taking feedback. We are looking for candidates that have strong self-regulation, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.

Teachers will ensure student safety and follow site director’s risk assessments for all experiences in the forest. We expect teachers to carry supplies in and out of the forest each day, carry a small child if needed, and navigate uneven terrain. Our school operates 100% outside through rainy and cold weather. Teachers must dress adequately to stay warm and dry, including waterproof footwear. We provide a financial stipend for the purchase of high quality rain gear.

We work to hire a diverse team of people who can support our culture of equity and inclusion.

Qualifications/ Desired Traits:

• 1-2 years teaching experience (An associates degree in early childhood education minimum)
• 1-2 years leadership experience (any field)
• Experience in a nature based setting preferred
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to adapt to change and have flexible thinking on the job
• Time management skills
• Patience and imaginative thinking when working with students
• Strong self-regulation, critical thinking & problem solving skills
• Driven to work on or with a team
• Ability to carry a child or bin of supplies up to 20-30 pounds
• CPR and First Aid certification is preferred, will be required upon hire.

Job Role/Responsibilities:

• Implement age-appropriate lesson plans and activities
• Provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow
• Foster social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through play and structured activities
• Use effective classroom management techniques to ensure a positive learning environment
• Help to monitor and assess each child’s progress and provide feedback to parents/guardians
• Work with other teachers and staff to create a collaborative educational environment

Pay: $21-23

Location & Schedule: 

Begins Sept 23rd, 2024

Lackey Campus, Monday-Friday 9:15-5:15 pm – Preschool ages 2.5-5