Jobs and Professional Development
Professional development
Our school is year round with seasonal breaks which leaves plenty of time for observations, meeting with our Director Becca, and group trainings. We also offer internships based on availability. If you are interested in learning more or just want to chat Forest Kindergarten pedagogy, please email us!
Jobs
Please email your resume and cover letter to Administrative Director, Kyla Ledes, at admin@nelaforestschool.com to apply.
About our program:
At Northeast LA Forest School we seek to reverse the "indoorification of childhood" by providing real life, inquiry based explorations in nature. Children will be able to indulge their curiosity, let it guide their explorations, and build their scientific thinking through trial-and-error style play. Early literacy and math skills can be seen throughout our meaningful play. Our group play requires empathy, listening skills, and learning different forms of conflict resolution thus building social-emotional skills. Through play our children begin to discover their sense of self and others. Our group circle times are a time for reflection and conversation about our daily adventures. In addition to explorations, our daily structure allows for snacks and lunch, songs, and diving into a few good books.
Description of Position:
Teachers are responsible for facilitating the application of an age-appropriate, nature-based curriculum for 2-5.5 year olds enrolled in a 100% outdoor, urban forest school.
Teachers must model a healthy relationship with and curiosity for the natural world.
Hrs: 2pm-5:30pm Monday-Friday, plus weekly half hour team meeting every Friday
This position reports to Director Becca Hackett-Levy.
Key Responsibilities (All Associate Teachers)
Frequent communication with fellow teacher and the director including, but not limited to, daily check-ins, weekly meetings, and ability to respond to phone calls emails and texts within the same day.
Adhere to curriculum and structure created by and with Executive Director
Assist fellow teacher in writing daily classroom reports, tracking incidents, and recording medical care for small injuries.
Partner with fellow teachers to create age-differentiated provocations and experiences that actively engage children’s social, cognitive, and emotional growth. Small group and large group times are both necessary.
Facilitate a nap or rest time for Nest students.
Follow Northeast LA Forest School pedagogy, language, child conflict resolution methods, and educational methodology as provided in staff handbook.
Be ready to learn, prepare, and perform as part of a team, our program’s Disaster Resilience plan. (training provided)
Ensure classroom, bathroom, and teacher supplies are kept stocked daily.
Model appropriate Northeast LA Forest School teacher language in the classroom.
Engage in daily song with students from the Northeast LA Forest School play list.
Maintain an engaging library collection of school books. All new books coming into school must be approved by the Director.
Partner with fellow teacher and morning class teachers to maintain frequent communications with parents through informal check in at pick-up. Director must be CC’d on all emails with the full class and individual parents.
Maintain appropriate hygiene and cleanliness standards, safety, and security of children.
Work with fellow teachers to maintain emergent curriculum based on the curiosities of the students.
Promptly attend to children’s diapering and bath-rooming needs.
Facilitate daily activities such as arrival, welcome circle and songs, snacks, lunch, storytelling, and dismissal etc.
Follow the daily classroom “schedule” provided by Northeast LA Forest School
Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement. Meet with director in Fall and Spring to discuss plan and complete teacher self-evaluations.
Ensure classroom has daily supply of both potable and play water. Containers provided by school.
Adhere to any and all current and future CoVid-19 Health and Safety Policies.
Nest-Specific Responsibilities
Facilitate nap time and/or rest time for all Nest students
Set up and break down for afternoon class, if present for this time of day.
Adhere to afternoon schedule ensuring smooth transitions and creating a comforting routine for worn out children
Communicate material needs for curriculum to Ops Manager and Director often using daily report
Adhere to curriculum created with fellow Nest educators and director
-Staff meeting 1 Friday per month 12-2:30
-Weekly Friday meeting 8am-8:30, can attend digitally
Physical Requirements
Must be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
Must be comfortable getting dirty, able to sit on the ground.
Must be comfortable with occasional handling of bugs and other small living things.
Must be able to crouch, dance, dig, carry a backpack, climb, hike, and carry up to 40lbs.
Weekly Work Requirements Part-Time
18 hrs per week educators are required to be onsite 2-5:30p, M-F which includes class time, break down and a daily work/prep/meeting time at the end of the day. Required to attend weekly 30 minute staff meeting via Zoom et Friday morning
Each school year runs roughly the day after Labor Day through the first full week of June. Summer camp sessions begin no more than one week after the last day of school and run through the second week of August.
Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. It is not exhaustive or comprehensive of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.
Job Type: Part-time
Salary: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour
Expected hours: 18 per week
Benefits:
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Schedule:
After school
Monday to Friday
Education:
Bachelor's (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
H in his element.