Overview
Fidalgo Nature School is seeking a Lead Teacher for our all-outdoor preschool program for youth ages 3-6 at Bowman Bay in Deception Pass State Park, Washington State.
This position requires 35-40 hours per week. The date commitment is August 1, 2023 through June 26, 2024. If possible, the hired individual may start before that time with limited hours to shadow our current Lead Teacher. School times are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00am- 2:00pm and Wednesdays from 9:00am until 4:00pm. Administrative hours are largely flexible.
Our licensed, nature-based school aims to provide high-quality education, grounded in emergent outdoor play. The outdoor classroom presents an engaging, dynamic environment for this; our teachers are an essential part of helping students develop a sense of connection with nature, explore themes of compassion, respect and stewardship, and learn through exploration and play. We operate on Coast Salish land, and Indigenous life, past and present, is an important part of what students learn about at Fidalgo Nature School. The Since Time Immemorial curriculum is embedded in our program.
We are committed to hiring and retaining staff with a diverse range of experiences and creating an equitable environment and community. Please note: We strongly encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, male-identifying educators, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIAA2+ community and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
● 18 years or older
● Early Childhood Education State Certificate
● Commitment to integrating early childhood education with outdoor education. ● Wilderness First Responder or complete upon hiring. $850 reimbursement if needed. ● Have two years of experience as a teacher of children ages 3-6 years and at least six months of experience in administration or management.
● Ability to work outside in various weather conditions including winter.
Required Skills:
● Shows genuine warmth and respect for children’s feelings, abilities, and differences. ● Openness to learn about and support equity in education with an anti-bias approach. ● Ability to lift 50 lbs, swim, hike comfortably, as well as twist, bend, and kneel to interact with young children
About Fidalgo Nature School
Fidalgo Nature School’s mission is to provide quality, accessible, nature-based education for children in the local community, fostering their sense of belonging in the natural world and a lifelong connection with the outdoors.