Lower School Naturalist - Leave Coverage

StartupNWA; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Thaden School is seeking a part-time Lower School Naturalist substitute teacher for parental leave coverage. The ideal candidate is a Master Naturalist with experience guiding groups of students in outdoor, interdisciplinary learning environments.

You will implement substitute plans, lead grades K-4, and collaborate with other educators to maintain high-quality naturalist instruction across the Lower School.

Qualifications

• Experience partnering with educators to create interdisciplinary learning experiences.
• Strong ability to design student-centered lessons and provide detailed feedback promptly.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to collaborate across teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Education or a Science field; Master Naturalist certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support substitute plans and lead K-4 naturalist classes.
• Collaborate with specialist teachers and curriculum team to ensure quality instruction.
• Attend in-service days and faculty meetings as requested.
• Cover classes and assist with non-teaching duties (recess, reception, carpool).
• Maintain garden beds, pathways, and supervise outdoor nature playscapes for safety.

Skills

Interdisciplinary learning

Student-centered learning

Feedback timeliness

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's in Education

Bachelor's in Science

Master Naturalist certification

Job description

## DescriptionThaden School is now seeking a part-time Lower School Naturalist parental leave substitute teacher. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Master Naturalist who has deep experience working with groups of students.Role and Responsibilities* Add details to substitute plans left by the Naturalist Teacher and lead classes for Grades K-4.* Collaborate with other specialist teachers, grade level teams, and the Curriculum Specialist to ensure high-quality Naturalist instruction.* Attend in-service days and faculty meetings as requested by the Head of Lower School.* Perform duties outside the classroom during set hours (e.g. recess, class coverage, reception desk, carpool and/or lunch duties).* Maintain Lower School raised garden beds.* Maintain clear pathways and monitor nature playscape for safety concerns in inclement weather.* Support grounds team in weeding, watering, pruning, and planting as seasonally appropriate.## QualificationsSkills, Qualifications, and Attributes* Experience partnering with other educators to create interdisciplinary learning experiences for students.* Ability to think broadly and creatively about student-centered learning.* Commitment to providing detailed feedback on student work in a timely manner.* Excellent verbal and written skills.* Bachelor's degree in education or a Science field. Master Naturalist certification preferred.Physical Requirements* Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.* Frequently required to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods.* Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.* Ability to lift, push, or pull heavy objects, sometimes exceeding 50 lbs.* Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including heat, humidity, windy conditions, cold, snow, and ice.* Occasionally required to bend, twist, or climb.* Moderate concentration/intensity, which includes prolonged mental effort with limited opportunity for breaks.* The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.