Nature Preschool Teacher - Hands-On Outdoor Learning

Chippewa Nature Center; Midland (MI); On-site; USD 27,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Vacation, holidays, sick time

Store discount

Job summary

Chippewa Nature Center is seeking a Nature Preschool Teacher for a full-time, 43-week year position. Start date January 4, 2027. Salary ranges from $27,000 to $36,000 with year-round benefits and a strong emphasis on nature-based early education.

You’ll work with a teaching team of three full-time staff, implement play-based curricula, and engage families through regular communication, home visits, and conferences.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or higher and teaching experience required.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice and implementation.
• Creativity, flexibility, and ability to work with children, parents and staff.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer literacy with Windows and MS Office.
• Physical ability to meet daily outdoor activities (lifting 50 pounds).
• CPR and basic first aid certification or willingness to become certified.
• Preferred: 1–5 years of teaching experience; nature-based education is a plus.
• Preferred: Michigan teaching certificate (ZA/ZS) or related degree.

Responsibilities

• Ensure health, safety, and welfare of children in the group.
• Teach and develop Nature Preschool curriculum with the team.
• Communicate with parents formally and informally.
• Operate within DHS, licensing and Great Start Readiness guidelines.
• Plan equipment and supply needs with the team.
• Regularly assess children’s progress.
• Conduct home visits and parent-teacher conferences.
• Contribute to policies and activities with the Director.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Teaching experience

Knowledge of developmentally-approp. P

Creativity & flexibility

Verbal and written communication

Team collaboration

Safety and welfare focus

Problem solving

Adaptability with parents

Education

Associates degree or higher

Bachelor’s degree in Child Development or Early Childhood

Michigan teaching certificate (ZA or ZS) or equivalent endorsement

Tools

Windows

MS Office

Job description

Chippewa Nature Center is seeking a Nature Preschool Teacher for a full-time, 43-week year position. Start date January 4, 2027. Salary ranges from $27,000 to $36,000 with year-round benefits and a strong emphasis on nature-based early education.

You’ll work with a teaching team of three full-time staff, implement play-based curricula, and engage families through regular communication, home visits, and conferences.