Lead Preschool Teacher

The Wild School; United States; Remote; USD 22,041 - 26,174; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training and professional development

30% off classes for children

Possibility to extend employment into summer camps

Job summary

A forward-thinking nature preschool is seeking a passionate educator to inspire young children aged 3-6 through immersive outdoor experiences. This part-time role involves collaborating with a co-instructor to create engaging programs, providing high-quality outdoor education, and maintaining a safe learning environment. Ideal candidates will have experience in Early Childhood Education, strong communication skills, and a love for nature. Join a dynamic team dedicated to fostering a lifelong connection with the outdoors in children. If you are enthusiastic about outdoor education and want to make a difference, this opportunity is for you!

Qualifications

• 1+ year experience in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Strong communication skills to engage effectively with children and parents.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement engaging programs for children aged 3-6.
• Provide high-quality outdoor education instruction in various settings.
• Communicate weekly with parents about curriculum and student progress.

Skills

Wildlife track identification

Navigation and mapping

Flora and fauna identification

Excellent communication skills

Creativity

Organization

Self-direction

Education

Experience in Early Childhood Education

CPR and First Aid Certification

Job description

Locations: Katy, Cypress, Spring, Downtown Houston, The Woodlands

Position Summary: Join The Wild School, Houston's premier nature preschool, and help children ages 3-6 forge a deep, lifelong connection with the outdoors. Our mission is to inspire a love for nature through immersive, hands-on experiences that promote curiosity, creativity, and a sense of adventure. We are dedicated to providing a unique educational environment where children can explore, learn, and grow in the great outdoors.

We are seeking an experienced, self-motivated, and nature-competent educator to teach at our forest preschool programs. If you are passionate about outdoor education and fostering young children’s love for nature, we would love to hear from you.

Position Schedule: This is a part-time, school-year position, running from September to May. The typical schedule will be Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Responsibilities:

1. Collaborate with a co-instructor and Preschool Director to design and implement engaging and cohesive programs for children aged 3-6.
2. Provide high-quality outdoor education instruction in various settings, such as creeks, outdoor play areas, and forest hikes.
3. Communicate weekly with parents and families about program curriculum, logistics, and individual student progress.
4. Maintain a safe and functional learning environment in all weather conditions, ensuring children are engaged and supported.
5. Collaborate and communicate with a parent volunteer during classes.
6. Contribute to the upkeep of outdoor classroom items.
7. Assist with outreach on social media and at local events to promote The Wild School’s programs.

Required Qualifications:

1. At least one year of previous experience in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
2. Enthusiasm for working with young children and a passion for introducing them to the natural world.
3. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with parents, caregivers, and children.
4. CPR and First Aid Certification (must be obtained before employment begins).
5. Background check required for employment.

Required Skills:

1. Interest and Continued Education in the following areas:
2. Wildlife track identification.
3. Navigation and mapping.
4. Basic flora and fauna identification for Central Texas.
5. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
6. Creativity, responsibility, organization, and self-direction within small teaching teams.

Preferred Skills/Training:

1. Two or more years of experience teaching preschool-aged children in the outdoors.
2. Experience with nature connection mentoring.
3. Background in play-based pedagogy, informal learning, or European-based forest schools.

Compensation:

$16-$19 per hour, depending on experience. Paid training and professional development. Training manual provided at the time of hiring. 30% off classes and preschool for your children. Possibility to extend employment into the summer for summer camps in 2025.

If you are excited about the opportunity to work in a dynamic and natural setting, fostering a love for the outdoors in young children, we encourage you to apply.