Nature Preschool Long-Term Substitute Teacher

Mbami; Midland (MI); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the Chippewa Nature Center as a long-term substitute teacher in Nature Preschool, where you will nurture children's exploration of the natural world. This full-time temporary role focuses on creating a high-quality learning environment, utilizing a play-based curriculum with a team of dedicated educators. Effective communication skills and the ability to ensure children's safety are key. The position is full-time for the term of September 2, 2025 to December 19, 2025, with opportunities for on-call work throughout the school year.

Qualifications

• Currently hold CPR and first aid certification or willingness to become certified.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to meet physical demands (daily outdoor hiking, lift 50 pounds).

Responsibilities

• Teach curriculum of Nature Preschool and develop daily plans.
• Ensure health, safety, and welfare of all children.
• Work with parents formally and informally.

Skills

Creativity

Flexibility

Communication

Education

Associates Degree or higher

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Status: Full time, temporary

Come awaken your natural sense of wonder at Nature Preschool! Join us as we jump in puddles, make mud pies, and study every part of a frog’s life cycle through real-life hands-on experiences.

Chippewa Nature Center is in search of a long-term substitute teacher with a passion for nurturing learning and investigation in 3- and 4-year old children. Nature Preschool is a play-based program which uses research-based curriculum practices to implement developmentally appropriate early childhood education with nature at its core. Nature Preschoolers and staff experience the ecosystems at Chippewa Nature Center through engaging lessons and enriching exploration. Our teaching teams are highly trained and well supported with three full-time teachers in each classroom.

Objective: To work within a teaching team to provide a high quality early childhood environment which meets the developmental needs of the whole child, while initiating them into a lifelong, meaningful relationship with the natural world.

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Teach curriculum of Nature Preschool and develop daily plans in conjunction with other members of the teaching team

2. Responsible for the health, safety and welfare of all children in the group

3. Work with parents both formally and informally, individually and in groups

4. Implement Nature Preschool policies, procedures, and activities in conjunction with the teaching team

5. Be an engaged member of the Chippewa Nature Center team

6. Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

1. Must have the creativity, flexibility and understanding necessary for working with children, parents and co-workers

2. Effective verbal and written communication skills

3. Ability to meet the physical demands of the position (i.e., daily outdoor hiking, lift 50 pounds)

4. Currently hold certification in child and adult CPR and basic first aid or willingness to become certified

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Associates Degree or higher

2. Experience in nature-based and/or play-based early childhood education

3. Teaching experience

4. Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice and the ability to implement that knowledge

5. Computer literacy including working knowledge of Windows platform and Microsoft Office software package

Status: 40 hours per week; full-time temporary; September 2, 2025 to December 19, 2025 with on-call opportunities throughout the school year.

Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8 am-5 pm

Pay Rate: $15/hour

Application procedure: Send resume and cover letter to Madison Powell, Nature Preschool Director, Chippewa Nature Center, 400. S. Badour Rd., Midland, MI 48640 or [e-mail]. For additional information, please contact Madison Powell at 989-631-0830.

Overview: CNC is a nonprofit, environmental education organization. Its mission is to connect all people to nature through educational, recreational and cultural experiences. The 1,200-acre property includes woodlands, fields, ponds and rivers. CNC’s facilities consist of a Visitor Center with Ecosystem Gallery, classrooms and Nature Center store; an 1870s Homestead Farm complex; Nature Preschool; an arboretum and over 19 miles of nature trails. See www.chippewanaturecenter.org for more information.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Chippewa Nature Center is committed to creating a workplace and visitor experience where all people feel valued for their unique attributes, characteristics, and perspectives. Staff, volunteers, program participants, visitors, and all those who engage with the nature center are invited to fully connect with CNC regardless of their race, color, age, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, marital status, political affiliation, or parental status. Through ongoing learning, training, and listening, CNC strives to welcome all people.

Equal Opportunity Employment: CNC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, height, weight, handicap or disability, veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable state or federal laws.