Nature-based Preschool Teacher

The Skola is a project-based, nature-centered learning community serving preschool- 4th grade in Whitefish, MT. We believe that nature is the richest classroom and that meaningful early childhood education sparks curiosity, fosters independence, and develops lifelong learners. Our preschool program immerses children in the natural world while building foundational academic and social-emotional skills through play, exploration, and shared imagination.

Position Overview:
We are seeking a passionate, creative, and resilient Nature-Based Preschool Teacher to join our team. This educator will guide our youngest learners in discovering the wonders of the outdoors, nurturing independence, and fostering a strong foundation for future learning. Through nature immersion, play-based learning, and the integration of early academics, the teacher will create an environment where children thrive socially, emotionally, and intellectually.

Key Responsibilities:

• Outdoor Immersion & Nature Connection
  
  
  • Lead daily outdoor learning experiences in all seasons, modeling enthusiasm and respect for the natural world.
    
    
  • Foster resilience, confidence, and independence through hands-on exploration and age-appropriate outdoor challenges.
    
    
• Play-Based & Imaginative Learning
  
  
  • Design experiences that harness the power of play, storytelling, and shared imagination as tools for learning.
    
    
  • Observe and extend children’s play to support cognitive, social-emotional, and language development.
    
    
• Curriculum Development & Academic Integration
  
  
  • Develop and implement nature-based curriculum that incorporates early literacy, numeracy, science, and art in meaningful, experiential ways.
    
    
  • Write thoughtful lesson plans that balance emergent learning opportunities with intentional skill-building.
    
    
• Executive Function & Resilience Building
  
  
  • Integrate practices that strengthen preschoolers’ executive function skills, including self-regulation, focus, and problem-solving.
    
    
  • Encourage risk-taking and perseverance in a safe, supportive environment.
    
    
• Professional Growth & Collaboration
  
  
  • Engage in ongoing professional learning to remain at the forefront of early childhood and nature-based education practices.
    
    
  • Collaborate with colleagues to design innovative programming and participate in community-building initiatives.
    
    

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Outdoor Education, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  
  
• Experience teaching or leading learning in outdoor and/or nature-based settings.
  
  
• Strong understanding of child development, particularly ages 3–5, and the role of play in learning.
  
  
• Ability to develop curriculum and write lesson plans that integrate early academics into nature-based experiences.
  
  
• Comfort and confidence working outdoors in all weather conditions.
  
  
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with children, families, and colleagues.
  
  
• Commitment to continued education and professional growth in early childhood and executive function development.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Nature-based or forest school teaching experience.
  
  
• Wilderness First Aid or willingness to obtain.
  
  
• Knowledge of Reggio Emilia, Montessori, or project-based learning approaches.

Position Details:

• Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Thursday 8:00-3:30 plus weekly staff meetings
  
  
• Compensation: competitive
  
  
• Start Date: August 18, 2025