Do you love little children and being outdoors? This may be the right opportunity for you! We are seeking a Lead Teacher for Notchcliff Nature Preschool, responsible for weekly implementation of outdoor learning and play. This includes program facilitation with children ages 3-5 years old and intergenerational programming with senior residents at Glen Meadows Retirement Community in Glen Arm, MD (just outside of Towson/Parkville/Baldwin).

About Notchcliff Nature Preschool
The forest is our classroom at Notchcliff Nature Preschool! Our playful, immersive outdoor program is a wonderful way for your child to make lasting connections with the natural world. Essential social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills grow as does your child’s love for nature. We cultivate gratitude, empathy, and appreciation of our diverse community and we honor our elders through an intergenerational approach with residents at Glen Meadows Retirement Community. This is a project of the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools (ERAFANS.org).

The goals of Notchcliff Nature Preschool are:

  • To honor young children as independent, capable thinkers through child-directed, experiential, place-based approaches to learning;
  • To engage in a rhythm of reflection, inquiry, observation, trial-and-error, risk-taking, perseverance, discussion, problem-solving, expression, and teamwork through a balance of emergent curriculum, intentional activities, and unstructured nature play;
  • To offer opportunities for children to explore identity in the context of nature and the larger community, while cultivating kindness, empathy, compassion, and gratitude; and
  • To model best practices and approaches to nature-based early childhood education

Responsibilities
Lead teacher works closely with co-teacher and children to facilitate outdoor classes with children ages 3-5 years old. 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 as needed. Lead teachers set the tone for learning as engaged, enthusiastic role models of nature-based education while maintaining a safe, positive learning atmosphere.

Position requires personal and programmatic reflection, collaboration with teachers and parents, open dialogue about children’s progress, and interfacing with Glen Meadows Retirement Community partners and residents. This is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities but is a great trail map of essential duties.

Requirements*
Lead teachers must hold valid credentials to work in an MSDE-licensed preschool program (90-hour certificate). This 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). Must also possess current first aid/CPR and required 9-hour Communication course. Background and experience in nature-based early childhood education preferred. Classes are entirely outdoors, so you must be experienced and eager to facilitate outdoor learning in all seasons. Love of nature and personal sense of wonder is a MUST!

*Full position description available upon request.

Time Commitment
We are seeking a part-time teacher on Tuesday/Thursday (12 hours/week) from late August 2020-May 2021. Training provided July 6-10, 2020 with further orientation in late August.

How to Apply
For more information or to apply, email a cover letter, resume, and three references to Monica at director@erafans.org. Accepting applications until position is filled.