Assistant Forest School Teacher needed for the 2023/2024 year – Fort Lauderdale at the Bonnet House – ages 3-5.
Take Root Forest School, a nature-based, holistic outdoor learning program, is seeking an Assistant Forest School Teacher for the Tender Roots Program, ages 3-5, in the eastern Ft. Lauderdale area at the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, M-Th, 8am-4pm. All programs take place in the outdoor forest classroom.
Take Root Forest School is in need of a passionate and holistic Assistant Forest School Teacher for the early childhood program – Tender Roots. This person is an important and valuable part of the team. The Assistant Teacher helps to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for the children as they discover themselves, each other and the workings of the world through exploration, discovery and play. Each member of the team is ready and willing to climb, dig in the dirt, find or build tiny houses or sit and listen to the birds.
The main objective of this position is to support the students as they discover and learn together in the outdoor environment. The Assistant Teacher will also support the Lead Teacher as they create a flow of learning based on the curiosity and inquiry of the children and what is happening in nature with the seasons. This position has room to grow and develop into a lead teacher position.
Take Root’s teachers utilize a whole-child approach – using song, stories, make-believe, wonder, discovery and play to learn about the world around them. The assistant must be comfortable and happy in an outdoor setting – in South Florida weather – rain or shine (severe weather excluded) and eager and willing – EVERY DAY – to play, get dirty, wet and muddy and be ready to have fun!
This person is expected to be enthusiastic, flexible and must have experience working with children in either the indoor or outdoor classroom. The candidate will have a sincere appreciation for nature and a desire to learn about our PLACE. The candidate is willing and able to develop professionally as a teacher by studying various methodologies throughout the year.
This person is expected to lead children in song, dance, play and exploration in our natural environment. They will provide experiences that create awe and inspire children to learn, play and feel confident about themselves, nature and their experiences.
Musical abilities and storytelling flair would be awesome! Passion, creativity and a sincere interest and love for nature and children is necessary. Reliable transportation is necessary, movement of supplies in personal vehicles may be needed.
Working with Take Root Forest School is an excellent opportunity for an educator seeking an alternative and positive environment. Teachers receive the benefits of being outdoors in a supportive environment, with health days and paid training. Teachers with children who attend the program receive a substantial employee discount.
Our program emphasizes and focuses on community and teamwork. If you love being outside, breathing fresh air and playing – while creating holistic and unique learning experiences..this is the place for you!
Positions Available:
- Early Childhood Assistant Teacher for Tender Roots Program, Ages 3-4, Ft. Lauderdale at the Bonnet House
Position Details:
- Dates: Training – August 17-September 1, 2023, Program – September-June of 2023/2024
- Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8am-4pm
- Pay: Hourly, $18-$20 per hour – DOE
- Room for growth based on experience, dedication and performance
Required:
- Background in Early Childhood, Elementary Education or Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Experience managing, teaching or leading children, ages 3-5, in an indoor or outdoor setting
- Experience working with children singing, storytelling, setting boundaries and leading group facilitation
- Able to move, lift, and transport supplies
- Able to be physically active on various terrains and in keeping up with children in all S. Florida weather
- Physical fitness: ability to crouch, crawl, walk and run on uneven natural surfaces, sit on the ground, lift and carry up to 50 Pounds for short distances
- Comfortable in the outdoors: regularly getting dirty, interacting with local ecology/ flora and fauna, tolerance of natural elements
- Background check and screening is mandatory
- CPR/First-Aid Certified or ability to obtain certification immediately.
Desired:
- Bachelor’s Degree and/or Continuing Education Certificates
- ECE Certification
- Certification, knowledge and experience in various holistic teaching methodologies: Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Forest School
- Experience in camp or classroom as a teacher with children between the ages of 3 and 11
- Tour guide, naturalist, camp counselor/director
- Experience or training in child development, child psychology, and/or early childhood education
- Knowledge and/or interest in learning ecology, biology and natural history of Florida
Take Root Forest School – where Nature is the Teacher and the Forest is the Classroom.
To apply, please send us your resume and cover letter – we’d like to hear WHY this job is for you! Email Emily & Christy: natureseekersfl@gmail.com
Take Root Forest School – where Nature is the Teacher and the Forest is the Classroom.