Nature Preschool Teacher

Mission:

The mission of the Boston Outdoor Preschool Network (BOPN) is to nurture the developmentalneeds of the whole child while fostering a lifelong relationship with the natural world. We are dedicated 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 invarious locations, including the Arnold Arboretum in Boston. We create a community wherefamilies come together and children experience the joy of exploring the natural world under theguidance of dedicated teachers. Our programs blend early childhood and environmentaleducation, aiming to promote children’s physical and mental health, encourage environmentalstewardship, and develop habits of mind such as curiosity, initiative, persistence, creativity,problem-solving, and responsibility.

A Day in the Life as a Lead Teacher:

A day in the life of a preschool teacher at BOPN’s Arnold Arboretum location is an immersiveexperience in nature. Guided by an emergent curriculum and the changing seasons, childrenexplore diverse plant life, seasonal gardens, and woodland paths. They engage in hands-onactivities like leaf collecting, tree identification, and observing the Arboretum’s diverse ecosystem. These experiences cultivate a deep understanding of plant life, growth cycles, andthe interconnectedness of nature, while also fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration among the children. Through their daily adventures, a passion for learning andenvironmental stewardship blossoms in these young minds.

Nature Teacher: We are seeking a Lead Teacher for our inaugural school year class at the Arnold Arboretum in Boston. The ideal teacher will exhibit proactive behavior in shaping the unique ambiance of ourprogram through the establishment of routines and practices. They prioritize buildingrelationships and seamlessly integrate into the Arboretum community. Grounded in a passion forboth children and the outdoors, the Lead Teacher fosters connections among children andnature through joyful discovery and play.

Position Description:

• Schedule: Monday – Friday
• Hours: 9:00AM – 12:00PM
• Location: Arnold Arboretum, Boston, MA
• Calendar: September 2024 through June 2025, with breaks and holidays aligned withpublic schools.
• Compensation: Salaried position at a rate equivalent to $22 – $27/hour, with paid timeoff for breaks and holidays

Position Responsibilities:

• Developmentally Appropriate Practice: Use a nature-based and child-centeredapproach. Nurture the spirit and curiosity of each child while building strong relationshipswith parents and children.
• Nature Exploration: Instill a deep appreciation and understanding of nature by planningand executing activities that encourage children to explore and connect with the naturalworld at the Arboretum. Encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and a sense ofwonder about the environment.
• Parent Communication: Maintain open and regular communication with parentsregarding their child’s development and experiences in the program. Participate inparent-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 bestutilizes these skill sets.
• Documentation: Use photos and stories as tools for communication, reflection, and newlearning. Monitor each child’s development and progress.
• Professional Development: Meet with a coach and your supervisor. Attend occasionalstaff meetings, professional development, and special events.
• Safety: Be responsible for the health and safety of each child. This includes helpingchildren stay comfortable in various weather conditions, managing risk in an outdoorsetting, and addressing conflict.
• Leadership: Supervise high school youth workers and college interns.
• Administrative Responsibilities:○ Marketing: Author compelling pieces for the BOPN blog and communicateregularly with current and prospective families through newsletters, emails, ormeetings.○ Admissions: Host tours for prospective families and communicate with currentlyenrolled families regarding program offerings, enrollment, and registration.These essential functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all dutiesperformed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related duties as required.

Position Requirements:

• At least 3 years of experience in early childhood education, nature education, or arelated field
• EEC teacher licensure or willingness to acquire EEC teacher licensure within 6 monthsof employment (Lead teacher or director license a huge bonus!)
• Strong classroom management skills and ability to maintain a safe learning environment
• Critical thinker who can problem solve and take ownership of program logistics andoperations in addition to teaching
  Communicate easily with children, family, and colleagues
• Adaptable, proactive, and willing to take initiative
• Passion for environmental education and anti-bias education
• Delights in the wonders of nature
• Embrace a wide variety of weather conditions as unique and interesting, part of the ebband flow of the natural rhythm and seasonal changes
• Humble and knowledgeable of one’s own limitations
• Eagerness to learn and continually improve