SMNS is hiring!

Forest School Caregiver & Child Class Teacher – 2023 – 2024

Forest School After School Lead Teacher- Fall 2023

Forest School Summer Camp Teachers & Assistant Teachers- Summer 2024

We believe children are intrinsically motivated to learn and that they learn best in the early years when they are outside exploring, playing, and asking questions. We are looking for an enthusiastic assistant teacher who can play along with our students, helping them to discover their rich imaginations as well as their questions about the natural world.

Caregiver & Child Lead Teachers teach a group of children and their caregivers at various locations in the South Mountain Reservation. The classes run from 9:30 am – 11 am.

The Forest School Summer Camp Teacher position will be part-time Monday through Friday from 8:45 am – 1:15 pm.

The After School Lead Teacher role is for SMNS’s fall, winter & spring after school program. The 9 week sessions runs each season, typically runs 1 or 2 afternoons a week, and meets from 3:45 pm to 5:30 pm. Please inquire about this position for information.

We are seeking experienced teachers and candidates with at least three years experience working with children ages 4-8. Interest in the forest school teaching philosophy is a must. A candidate with experience in a field related to education will be considered based on the type of experience. A love of the natural world and ability to teach outside year-long is a must.

While having nature knowledge is not a strict requirement, we do ask that you ask questions about the natural world and research the answers. That way you add to your nature knowledge as the year progresses. We use a nature immersion, reggio emilia inspired emergent curriculum. Offerings and prompts are given as inspiration. They don’t often have a set outcome in mind because we anticipate that the child will bring their own ideas to play ideas and projects.

The flow of the day is as follows:

• Students arrive, check in and Hello song
• Exploration/ free play/ art offering or some other offering
• Sit spots
• Snack & Story
• Exploration/ free play/ offering
• Lunch and Story
• River Play
• Songs & Good bye

Pay is $25 – $50 per hour depending on experience. We are an inclusive community and welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds. Send resume and cover letter to Mary Clair Sonneman, SMNS Director, at info@southmountainnatureschool.com