As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. All of which has allowed the UW to be nationally recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for six consecutive years.

Environmental and Forest Sciences has an outstanding opportunity for part time, 75%FTE Continuing Education Specialist. Teachers at the Forest School act as guides, helping children to cultivate senses that are attuned to the affordances of their surroundings during a developmentally crucial time. Daily observation and experimentation on an individual and group level foster a love of science as well as social and emotional development. By providing structure in the environment, teachers encourage children to guide their own learning experience in a way that fosters the development of responsibility, independence, and executive functioning skills in order to create a strong foundation for future growth.

Administratively, this position is responsible for assisting with the development and implementation of: age-appropriate curriculum and lesson plans for 3-5 year olds; internal and external communication to keep families well-informed.

Operationally/Programmatically, this position is responsible for: ensuring the health and safety of students; delivering appropriate lessons and activities that support students’ social, emotional, and physical growth; modeling a healthy relationship with and curiosity for the natural world; maintaining teaching supplies and supporting materials in an organized and efficient manner.

This position serves as an important bridge between the general public whose support is crucial to the University’s relations within the greater Seattle community.  This position works specifically with the youngest members of our community to encourage and develop life-long relationships with both the University and the natural world.  The nature-based preschool program for which this position will be teaching will be promoted to families with UW affiliation and seek to engage University students with internship opportunities thereby enhancing the work/life experience for UW employees and students.

Duties & Responsibilities:

•Teaching and developing culturally responsive and place-based curriculum, lesson plans, and activities that support the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of 3-5 year olds enrolled in a mixed-age classroom for 2, 3, and 5 days/week year-round. Using developmentally-appropriate practices that are respectful of all children while modeling a healthy relationship with and curiosity for the natural world. Acting in a professional and compassionate manner at all times as a representative of the University of Washington and a role model for future generations.
•Ensuring the health, safety and well-being of students through site surveys and daily check-ins with students. Developing and implementing on-going evaluation methods designed to aid in the creation of individualized growth plans for each student that can be shared with parents. Documenting the learning and development that occurs in the classroom using a variety of methods for both internal and external use. Maintaining clear communication with fellow staff, interns, students, and their families to achieve common goals and avoid potential conflicts.
•Promoting a close relationship with parents through daily, weekly, and monthly communication; regular meetings and phone calls; home visits and parent conferences; and regular family events during and outside of class time. Ensuring families feel that their traditions, experiences, and individual needs are reflected through all aspects of the program.
•Assisting with the training, coordination, and mentorship of associate teachers and student interns; reporting on their participation in the classroom.
•Preparing, cleaning up and maintaining teaching supplies and supporting materials in a well-organized and efficient manner.
•Following all established policies, procedures and protocols related to internal and external communications, child safety, crisis management, and risk management. Supporting the development of new classroom risk and hazard assessment and response procedures as needed.
•Other related duties as assigned.

As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs.  For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree in early childhood education (equivalent experience can substitute for education) and a minimum 3-5  years experience teaching preschool-age children.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except where there are legal requirements such as license/certification/registration.

Desired:

Demonstrated understanding of principles and techniques of early childhood education and the ability to implement that knowledge. Demonstrated knowledge of the natural world and experience sharing that knowledge with children in the field. Experience supervising and mentoring volunteers. Ability to communicate effectively with children at an age-appropriate level. Understanding of cultural competency in the context of early childhood education. Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work as part of a team and make contributions through collaboration. Ability to problem solve and maintain a sense of calm as unforeseen situations arise. Outstanding planning, organizing, and time-management skills.

Working Conditions:

The ability to work outdoors in all types of weather. A willingness to work a flexible schedule that may include occasional evening and weekend work. Ability to stand, stoop, bend, and sit, for 15-20 minutes at a time. Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.

Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Workforce Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your “My Jobs” page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

Website link here: https://uwhires.admin.washington.edu/eng/candidates/default.cfm?szCategory=jobprofile&szOrderID=181048&szCandidateID=0&szSearchWords=&szReturnToSearch=1#new_tab