Preschool Teacher - Outdoor Nature Based School

About us

Genesee Valley Outdoor Learning Center is a non-profit organization located in Parkton, MD. Our mission is to provide quality learning experiences that promote growth and nourish the development for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Genesee Valley Is based on 140 acres of woodlands, rivers, farmland and meadows to explore daily throughout all the seasons!

JOB DESCRIPTION: Lead teacher works closely with lead-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.
• This position requires a blend of qualifications that span having sound knowledge about early childhood education as well as nature-based pedagogy. Candidates should possess curiosity, if not deep understanding, of the local ecosystem with a commitment to helping young children develop their ecological identities through inquiry and play.
• Position requires personal and programmatic reflection, collaboration with teachers and parents, open dialogue about children’s progress, and interfacing with Genesee Valley partners and residents.
• Position may also include writing content, providing data, or other supplemental information to assist in the grant-writing process. Specific targets and goals for grant tracking and evaluation may also be required. Students tracked progress.

Collaborative duties with fellow staff:

• Document learning processes in many formats (written documentation, photos, videos, content for blog/FB posts, Instagram, etc.).
• Provide positive guidance to children in navigating their social interactions with peers and adults.
• Maintain friendly yet professional interpersonal communication skills with children, families, fellow staff and volunteers.
• Participate in staff meetings and on-going professional development. Implement and support community events (IE. Open Houses) for prospective families and stakeholders.

Essential Experience & Education

• Possess or in pursuit of bachelor’s degree in nature-based early childhood education, environmental studies, outdoor education, natural history, biology, elementary education, psychology or closely related field
• Minimum of two years of experience leading education programs, emergent outdoor learning approaches (preferred)
• Hold valid credentials to work in an MSDE-licensed preschool program (90-hour certificate)* or working toward certification (not required)
• Possess the following credentials, certifications, or licenses: Current first aid and CPR credentials & Wilderness First Aid (Wilderness First Responder preferred)
• 3 hour Including All Children & American With Disabilities Act
• 3 hour Basic Health and Safety awareness
• Must pass background check, child abuse clearances, and drug test before starting employment
• Experience working with young children as appropriate for the classes you will teach
• Physically able to hike, carry gear, and carry a small child if needed (up to 50 lbs)
• Naturalist background with knowledge of local ecology, flora, and fauna; Master Gardener or Master Naturalist certification (not required but preferred)

*The 90-hour certificate is made up of two 45-hour courses: one called Human Growth/Child Development and one called Curriculum Development/Materials and Methods (offered in person and online). Please indicate if you have or are pursuing this qualification; some teachers take these when they begin work with us. These are required to work in our forest preschool.

Classes are entirely outdoors, so you must be experienced and eager to facilitate outdoor learning in all seasons.

Pay: $115.00 - $120.00 per day

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Work Location: In person