Keystone Preschool Lead Teacher
The Preschool Lead Teacher’s role is to support NSEA’s fully outdoors Keystone Preschool program. The intern will co-teach to lead a small group of 3 & 4 year olds in daily preschool activities. This licensed, nature-based preschool learning occurs primarily on NSEA’s campus, as well as at various field trip locations throughout Whatcom County. The Preschool Teacher is responsible for creating learning goals for children that support our inquiry and nature-based program, with an emphasis on the outdoor environment as an outdoor classroom learning opportunity. The goals are to encourage students’ understanding of the natural world, grow in empathy and kindness towards others, and build strong skills through hands on sensory experiences, skill building, and growing in knowledge.

The Preschool Lead Teacher works under the supervision of the Preschool Coordinator and co-teaches with the other Lead Teacher. The teacher will join the classroom’s existing teachers on Monday, January 5th, through the end of the school year on Friday, June 5th. Candidates must be available 8am-2pm Monday through Friday for the entire school year.

Employee Classification: Temporary, Part-time, Non-exempt

Supervised by: Education Program Coordinator

Responsibilities

• Assist with supervision of up to 12 children daily, overseeing children’s social-emotional and physical needs in the classroom learning community.
• Ensure the supervision, safety, and well-being of children daily including while on field trips to various Whatcom County locations.
• Welcome and greet each child and family at arrival and departure time daily.
• Inspire creativity and imagination into learning lessons, adapting teaching to each child’s needs and best learning styles.
• Spend 100% of the day outside in nature, supporting students in wearing appropriate clothing and moving bodies to maintain comfort.
• Provide collaboration and leadership support with other Lead Teachers to develop innovative curriculum and projects based on children’s interests and the seasonal changes in the natural spaces.
• Assist with organizing and maintaining classroom environment, equipment and supplies, and report any issues or concerns with the Preschool Coordinator.
• Maintain positive communication with all preschool students, families, and NSEA staff.
• Follow NSEA and Keystone Nature Preschool philosophy and policies, which can be found in the handbook.
• Complete all required training courses and complete CPR/First Aid certification if not already certified.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Working Conditions
Physical requirements of this job include regularly working outdoors in all types of weather, including standing, bending, and walking, and often lifting 40 lb. There is access to indoor restrooms and space to utilize during a daily lunch break, but all other time will be spent outdoors.

Required Qualifications

• 18 years or older
• 1 year of experience working with preschool or elementary-aged children
• Able to get to NSEA’s campus, located at 3057 E. Bakerview Rd. in Bellingham
• Available 8am-2pm Monday through Friday, from January 5th – June 5th
• Able to walk on uneven terrain while lifting, carrying, or pulling programming gear
• Able to work 6 hours while standing, bending, and walking outdoors
• Must have the ability to lift and/or move up to 40 pounds on occasion
• Willingness to work in 100% outdoor settings throughout the year
• Demonstrate an understanding, patient, receptive, and positive attitude toward children, their families, and coworkers
• Able to make independent decisions and respond to immediate needs of children, especially in emergency situations

Preferred Qualifications

• A strong passion for NSEA’s mission and environmental education
• Passion for working with preschool-aged youth
• Lived or professional experience working with people of all ethnicities, gender identities, incomes, abilities, and ages, especially youth
• Ability to read and speak Spanish
• Music, theater, or other creative expressions could be incorporated into preschool.