Forest Junior Kindergarten Teacher

Wauhatchie Forest School offers families a holistic, nature-based approach to education through programs that foster collaboration, curiosity, creativity, connection, and a profound sense of belonging – empowering learners to become compassionate leaders and active contributors to a vibrant community and a sustainable world.

Jr. Kindergarten Description

Jr. Kindergarten is designed for children ages 4-5 who are ready for a full day of forest school, but not quite ready to begin Kindergarten. Jr. K is play-based and led by the childrens’ interests. The rhythm of the day includes morning circle time, exploratory play, snack time, activities (reading, music, movement, art, craft, etc.) before moving into lunch time, a calm rest time, and then into some more forest exploration and learning before ending the day with closing circle. Jr. Kindergarten teachers are encouraged to bring their own knowledge, skills, and interests into the classroom.

Overview

Wauhatchie Forest School is seeking full time employees for our full day, M-F Jr. Kindergarten nature immersion program. We seek nature loving educators who are intentional and reflective in their work with children and who are looking to grow professionally through mentorship and teamwork within a supportive community of outdoor practitioners. The ideal candidate is dedicated to expanding access to early learning, child-directed and play-based learning, and the outdoors. The Forest Jr. K Teacher will work with a co-teacher to create an optimal learning environment for the students that facilitates adaptation to the outdoors, kindness to peers, and a gentle transition to kindergarten. Forest practitioners will spend the entire class session outdoors in all weather, including hiking and moderate physical challenges. Employment is 10 months, from August to May with the possibility of summer camp employment.

Responsibilities

• Using a variety of activities (songs, stories, art, movement, manipulatives, etc.) to motivate, stimulate, and help grow children’s knowledge & abilities

• Encouraging connection and awareness of nature, others, and self each day

• Meeting the emotional, social, and physical needs of each child

• Daily - observing and reflecting (both independently and with a co-teacher) on students’ interests, needs, and curiosities, using this to inform your practice and the activities you bring into the classroom

• Maintaining daily open communication with parents by checking in at dropoff/pickup times, posting photos, and sharing weekly short narratives on our school app

• Same-day documenting and distributing of accident and incident reports to parents and administration

• Overseeing a daily site assessment of the outdoor site before each session, making sure all hazards are properly assessed and amended to provide a safe environment for children

• Documenting and recording children’s behaviors, progressions, and development in a nature journals to share with the parents and administration twice per year

• Completing and submitting narrative student reports once each semester

• Working with a teaching team to collaborate on nature immersion activities and best practices in forest school ethos

• Maintain knowledge of Kindergarten readiness standards and assess through observation if students meet the criteria as the school year progresses

• Associate or undergraduate degree in education, biology, or related field and/or relevant training for this position.

• Documented experience working with children aged 4-5.

• Ability and desire to encourage experiences that are play-based and child-centered.

• Deep appreciation for and connection to nature.

• A mindset of ongoing growth and learning in your practice.

• Familiarity with outdoor learning and/or familiarity with Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, Montessori, and other early childhood methodologies is preferred.

• Highly relational and effective collaborator and communicator.

• Physical Ability: Able to teach for extended periods of time outdoors in all weather, with hiking and moderate physical challenges, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Salary & Schedule

• Pay range is $14-$18 an hour depending on experience. 

• Paid holidays, including fall, winter, & spring breaks aligned with the Hamilton County School Calendar

• Paid vacation/sick days

• General daily schedule is from 8:00am - 4:00pm

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.