Preschool Teacher

About Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org.

About This Position
Mass Audubon is looking for a preschool teacher who is excited to work with children in a beautiful outdoor setting with welcoming early education team. Located on the grounds of the Boston Nature Center in Mattapan, each preschool classroom has access to 67-acres of wetland, meadows and forests to discover and learn from. The students and staff spend their days exploring and investigating the natural world through multi-sensory, hands-on, nature-based science curriculum.

Candidates for this position must possess a love of nature and teaching outdoors with children ranging in ages 3 to 6 years. Teachers with lead teacher certification highly encouraged to apply. This is a full-time year-round position, so come and join us for all four seasons.

Application Instructions
Please submit a resume with your ADP application. Providing a cover letter is always helpful.

Responsibilities

• Provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for young children in both indoor and outdoor settings
• Develop and teach a nature-based curriculum that reflects the needs of the children, the standards for early childhood education and the mission of Mass Audubon
• Communicate and work cooperatively with the Nature Preschool Director/Lead Teacher and other education staff
• Follow protocols established by Boston Nature Center and EEC regulations
• Help to maintain the physical environment by contributing to housekeeping tasks as needed/requested
• Spend 4 or more hours daily outdoors with the students during all seasons, except during severe weather conditions, with the ability to navigate varied terrain for both land and water learning opportunities
• Maintain a schedule as determined by the Preschool Director
• Observe and document children’s learning through the use of notes, photos, newsletters, etc.
• Participate in Parent/Teacher Conferences and attends scheduled community engagement activities
• Communicate and interact with children, parents, and community in a professional manner
• Attend Professional Development seminars as determined by Preschool Director
• Acknowledge and respect diversity and promote inclusion of all people regardless of ethnic, cultural, linguistic backgrounds, gender identity, sexual orientation, and physical and mental disabilities

Qualifications
At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:

Must Haves

• Willingness to obtain Teacher Certification within 1 year
• Must be at least 21 years old
• Minimum of 1 year of experience working with children 3-5 years old
• Willingness, and excitement, to teach children both indoors and outdoors
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work cooperatively and independently is required
• Demonstrate ability to promote and respect diversity of ethnic, cultural, linguistic backgrounds and, physical and mental disabilities
• Demonstrate interpersonal skills and commitment to helping others grow in the understanding, relationship, and concern for the environment
• Provide three references upon request

Nice to Haves

• EEC Preschool Teacher certification is preferred but not required
• Current First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain is required
• Experience in providing natural science instruction to preschool age children is recommended but not required

Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $19.50-$21.60/hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. For candidates with lead teacher certification, the pay range is $22.50-$24.83/hour.

Benefits eligible staff at Mass Audubon may elect to enroll in medical, dental, and vision plans. Mass Audubon also offers disability and life insurance plans, a retirement plan through MetLife, and Flexible Spending Account options. Mass Audubon employment also includes access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the Reciprocity Agreement through the Consortium of Non-Profit Arts/Cultural/Environmental Organizations of New England. Mass Audubon employees also enjoy 13 paid holidays (holidays may shift annually due to where days fall within calendar).

Work Schedule
Full time schedule of 40 hours, Monday through Friday with a rotating weekly schedule of 7:30am-3:30pm, 8:00am-4:00pm and 10am-6:00pm.

Other Requirements
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

Mass Audubon’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice
Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Mass Audubon’s mission is to “protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife” by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.