Lead Preschool Teacher – Outdoor Classroom
The Village School is seeking an experienced Lead Teacher for our Preschool Outdoor Classroom. This educator will work closely with an Assistant Teacher and collaborate with another teaching team to design and implement a nature-based curriculum aligned with seasonal rhythms and the surrounding environment.
Qualifications
Required:
- 2+ years of experience in early childhood education
- Strong commitment to play-based, outdoor, and non-academic learning
- Dedication to equity and inclusion in education
Preferred:
- Degree in Education or Early Childhood Development
- Experience guiding children through conflict resolution using non-violent communication
- Strong communication, organization, and classroom management skills
- Extensive experience leading 3-5-year-olds in outdoor educational settings
Teaching Responsibilities
- Begin each preschool day in nature, spending:
- 95% of the time outdoors in fall and spring
- 60-70% of the time outdoors in winter
- Collaborate with fellow teachers to create developmentally appropriate, child-centered learning experiences
- Work with students individually, in small groups, and in full-class settings (8-10 students)
- Facilitate and model conflict resolution strategies
- Plan and oversee the daily schedule and transitions
- Work with specialist and guest teachers to enhance the learning experience
Administrative Responsibilities
- Assess and document children’s learning progress
- Participate in the admissions process, including hosting visitors and offering input
- Maintain daily communication with families
- Keep accurate records, including attendance, field trip permissions, student reports, and weekly newsletters
- Help maintain and enhance outdoor classroom facilities
- Conduct parent-teacher conferences
- Attend weekly, monthly, and annual meetings, as well as professional development sessions
- Foster connections and collaboration across the school community
Additional Requirements
- Must be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Participate in hiking and outdoor activities with students
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
APPLY