Now hiring for a Preschool Associate Teacher for the 2019-2020 school year!
Nature Vision is a non-profit environmental education organization that fosters appreciation and stewardship of our environment by educating and connecting community to the world around us. We envision an inspired and connected culture where everyone makes choices for a sustainable future. Nature Vision brings place based, experiential nature programming directly to schools and local greenspaces to ensure that all students receive quality nature connections. We serve over 70,000 Pre-K through 12th grade students each year in King and Snohomish Counties.
Nature Vision runs a nine month preschool at Farrel-McWhirter Farm Park in Redmond in partnership with Redmond Parks and Recreation. We are looking for a Preschool Associate Teacher to join our vibrant team for the 2019-2020 school year.
The mission of the Nature Vision Preschool is to provide a nature and play-based experiential learning environment to help foster a sustainable culture in our community. Located in the unique setting of a working farm and forested park, our preschool program supports the learning and development of our students mentally, emotionally, physically, and socially. Through time spent outdoors in nature as well as through free play and group time in our preschool cottage, we work to provide all children with the opportunity to learn about what interests them in ways that are effective and meaningful.
Our preschool’s curriculum is grounded in the philosophies of learning through play, emergent curriculum, and discovery. In addition to play-based, experiential learning, our curriculum includes science, math, language, visual arts, music, movement, and environmental education. These are coordinated into theme-based units which follow the natural cycles of change on our farm and in our forest, stream, and meadow. Through our program, children gain independence and self-esteem as they are encouraged by caring and experienced teachers to be active participants in their own learning. For more information, please visit: https://naturevision.org/preschool
The Preschool Associate Teacher will have a solid understanding of and background in development of PreK environmental education curriculum. They will demonstrate a high level of creativity, thoughtfulness, and flexibility in their position. Our preschool reaches many diverse students in Redmond and our Associate Teacher will have a keen eye for developing culturally responsive, emergent curriculum that can be the most relevant to all students.
Position Description
Duties include but are not limited to:
• Teaching and Classroom Management: Teaching all classes alongside Preschool Manager, prep and clean-up of materials in collaboration with Preschool Manager, aiding with classroom management and preschool discipline, maintaining a safe learning environment for students.
• Curriculum: leading development of preschool curriculum in collaboration with Preschool Manager and Nature Vision staff, modifying and adapting curriculum to meet the needs of the students.
• Families: Developing working relationships with parents to ensure satisfaction.
• Partners: Communicating with City of Redmond staff on day to day operations as needed.
• Recruitment: Appearing with the Preschool Manager at events related to promoting and marketing the Preschool.
Other duties as assigned
Salary and Hours: $20 per hour. 40 hours per week August 19, 2019-June 12, 2020. Some evening and weekend work may be required.
Paid time off: 9 paid holidays (set), vacation time accrued at 1.54 hours for every 40 hours worked, and sick time accrued at 1 hour for every 40 hours worked.
End Date: June 12, 2020. Hourly work June-August. Duration of Preschool contract July 2019-June 2020. Renewed annually upon renewal of City of Redmond contract and evaluation of work performance.
Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Education or a related field preferred. Bachelor’s degree or higher in Education desired, or combination of education and experience. Bachelor’s degree or experience in Interpretation, Life Science, or related field; combination of education and experience which demonstrates the ability to teach a nature-based preschool program indoors and in the field with groups of students in varying weather conditions. Must be a US Citizen or resident alien and able to read, speak, and write the English language clearly. Maintain current Adult, Child and Infant CPR/AED and First Aid certificates.
Special Requirements: Must possess a valid Washington State Drivers’ License and own insurance-covered vehicle. Must be capable of lifting objects up to 50 lbs.
To Apply: Please email cover letter and resume as one .pdf attachment to Ginny Sanchez Ballard, Executive Director at gsanchez@naturevision.org by April 1st at 5 pm.