Assistant Outdoor Preschool and Kindergarten Teacher

PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY AND ROLE OF TEACHERS:

The teachers at EGS provide a loving, joyful, nurturing environment and work together to guide the children as individuals to understand their relationship to nature and their fellow human beings through play and hands-on experiential learning. These adults, for example, must always care for themselves, each other, their work, and the children.

Our school is based on the understanding that children must explore the world around them without constant adult interruption. The role of a Waldorf teacher requires staff to engage in meaningful adult work and to be “worthy models of imitation” for children.

While the children play, teachers should engage in meaningful, purposeful work such as sweeping, raking, tidying the yard, tending to plants, making birthday gifts, etc. When teachers engage in meaningful activities, they must observe the children while ensuring they are close enough to step in before significant conflicts or problems arise. Teachers should also be ready to help guide a specific social situation with children or engage them in activities that help them become more comfortable and social at school. Staff should have a “will-do” attitude, be able to change diapers cheerfully and willingly, and clean up after meals. Taking the initiative, creating environments that minimize conflict, promoting creative play, and seeing what needs to be done is essential.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist lead teacher in holding the rhythm of the day, week, and season. This includes indoor and outdoor play, storytelling, painting, birthdays, and crafts. Lead teacher will direct the assistant teacher as to which aspects of each day they are responsible for and provide a framework.
• Working with lead teachers and directors to create and implement curriculum that is taught in a developmentally appropriate way.
• Proactively asking for guidance from directors/lead teachers/admin when dealing with challenging situations involving parents, children and fellow staff.
• Communicating any continued challenges to lead teachers and implement strategies agreed upon by staff and parents.
• Maintaining an orderly and beautiful classroom that reflects seasonal outdoor happenings.
• Following systems in place to keep indoor and outdoor classrooms/environments tidy and well cared for.
• Demonstrate ability to multitask, anticipating needs and be proactive when children need assistance.
• Help out at Festivals and other special events (occasional paid hours outside of regular schedule).
• Act as a liaison for Evergreen Garden School, know the school mission, philosophy and all school policy. When in doubt, check it out.
• Help prepare the classroom for summer/holiday care/camps and prepare the classroom for the new school year.
• Document student work and activities through pictures and videos. Keep a log that documents how the children participate and play throughout the day and in each activity with the support and guidance of the lead teacher. Post pictures/videos on Brightwheel daily.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in all school faculty meetings
• Participate in all faculty in-service days
• Complete any and all other duties assigned by lead teachers or directors.

SCHEDULE/ HOURS:

• 8:00am - 2:30pm, 32.5 hours.
• Assistant teachers can arrive later or leave earlier as directed by lead teacher or director.
• Substitute afternoon shifts may sometimes be available with a separate partner childcare program for additional income (same rate of pay) - inquire for more details.

LOCATION:

May be at our Queen Anne location (2333 Queen Anne Ave N.) or Wallingford location (3529 Woodlawn Ave N.) or both; some teachers work at both locations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Three years of experience working with young children in early childhood education or a comparative work experience with young children preferred.

You must have the following (or be willing to get them):

• Juvenile CPR/first aid, HIV/Bloodborne pathogens training
• Must be able to lift at least 55 lbs.
• A joy of singing, arts and crafts.
• Willingness to learn about Waldorf Education and our school’s culture
• 30 hours of STARS training is not necessary, but a plus.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

• School year salary based on hourly rate of $28-$31 an hour.
• 3 school days off with full pay plus earned PTO.
• No work days include all federal holidays and school breaks.
• Summer work paid hourly rate of $28-$31
• Please note, in order to be considered for employment the following school year, teachers may take up to three weeks off in the summer in addition to one week off for the 4th of July.
• Benefits for teachers working at least 20 hours a week include:
• Full paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Tuition remission for eligible dependents.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Be able to lift up to 55 lbs.
• Work intermittently in outside weather conditions, including heat and cold.
• Be willing to wear rain gear, get dirty, and engage with basic landscaping needs of the school (gardening, moving stumps etc).
• Regularly sitting or standing and moving about depending on the needs of the children.


Job Types:
Full-time, Part-time
 (32.5 hours a week)

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift - 8am to 2:30pm
• Monday to Friday


Ability to Commute: Seattle, WA 98109 or 98103 (Required)

Work Location: In-person

Please send us a cover letter in addition to a resume that includes what you draws you to this position or working in an outdoor environment with young children. Thank you!

Pay: $28.00 - $31.00 per hour

Expected hours: 32.5 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person