Part-Time Nature Preschool Teacher

Part-Time Nature Preschool Teacher Irvine Nature Center "A love of nature, a comfort with mud, and a nurturing spirit are musts!" Overview Irvine Nature Center is an environmental education non-profit based in Owings Mills, MD. In addition to its educational programming, Irvine has an interactive exhibit hall and hiking trails. The Nature Preschool at Irvine is an MSDE licensed and NAEYC accredited childcare program for children 3-5 years old that spends at least 75% of each day outdoors learning foundational skills through hands-on experiences. We approach learning through play and exploration, centering our practice on the natural world and child-led learning. Position Summary We are currently hiring a part-time educator to join our Early Childhood Education team to co-lead two Nature Preschool classes on alternating schedules during the school week. They will facilitate mainly outdoor classes that nurture a child's close relationship with the natural world through developmentally appropriate play, trail walks and games, stories, animal encounters, song, and art. The teacher will create class communities in which students feel safe to be themselves, take risks, and develop skills at their own pace all with natural world as their classroom. Responsibilities Co-teach classes of 14 children, 3-5 years old, Monday through Friday Create an environment of joy, appreciation, and wonder through words, action, and presence Embrace the beauty of each moment in all types of weather through vigorous outdoor play Approach teaching as a facilitator/guide, allowing children to take the lead Encourage and supervise child-led nature play and developmentally appropriate risk analysis Foster problem solving, collaboration, and imagination by providing scaffolding Regularly observe children during all activities to assess growth and inform future planning Document student learning and activity and share this growth with families Develop strong positive partnerships with families, students, and co-teachers Collaborate with supervisors to conduct on-going risk analysis Authentically reflect and evaluate self-practice and programs Attend and contribute to Preschool and Irvine Staff meetings Attend required on-going professional development courses as required by MSDE Contribute to/participate in special events outside of school hours (roughly 5 a year) Full Time Commitment 36 hours a week; MWF 8am-4pm and T/Th 8am-2pm 10 months with the possibility to work Summer Nature Camp and renew for the following school year Qualifications Experience working with children 3-5yrs old, preferably outdoors, and an understanding of child development 90-hour MSDE childcare certification or the ability to complete it by August 2026 Current First Aid and CPR certification or ability to complete by end of August 2026 Strong communication, organizational, and time management skills Ability to work as part of a team Comfortable with meeting children where they are on a given day at their pace, whether that is a slow wander or deer-like sprint Flexibility to deviate from a lesson plan Willingness to get dirty and handle live creatures (small and large) Desire to break out of your shell and sing and be silly Strong interest in natural sciences, environmental and science education, outdoor recreation, or related fields, or a willingness to learn Basic computer experience (i.e., Word processing, Outlook, digital photos, etc.) Dedication to self-reflection and a desire to continually improve your craft Physically able to walk up to 2 miles a day, in all weather, and lift objects of up to 50lbs The Ideal Candidate Holds a college degree or pursuing a college degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Environmental Education, or related fields Has completed coursework in forest schooling, nature-based education, or similar Has on-trail skills in foraging, fire-making, bush craft, and/or similar Is experienced with emergent curriculum, planning loosely, and teaching "off script" Has a back pocket of ideas and activities for engaging students and redirecting behavior Approaches challenges with calm and a sense of humor Is warm, approachable, joyful, curious, and creative Full Time Salary starting 10-month salary of $20/hour Benefits include sick days To Apply Send cover letter, resume, and three professional references to the attention of: Priscila Andrade, Incoming Director of Early Childhood Education Programs AndradeP@ExploreNature.org Please note, employment is contingent upon completing and passing a criminal background check and fingerprinting. Irvine is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by federal state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Pay:

$20.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person