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 MA EEC certified preschool teachers are one of the primary early childhood educators in the preschool. We are seeking a Substitute Teacher who has a love of nature and teaching outdoors. The Substitute Teacher assists the lead teacher and director in planning a multi-sensory nature-based curriculum which incorporates emergent and inquiry-based learning. Application Instructions Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references with your ADP application. Responsibilities General Responsibilities
- Provides a physically and emotionally safe environment for young children both indoors and outdoors
- The preschool teacher is responsible for one of the walkie talkies and communicating with the main office and other teachers
- The preschool teacher along with the lead teacher and director (primary contacts), shares responsibility for engaging parents/caregivers in conversations about a child's day
- Completes accident/injury forms and medication log when necessary; with guidance from the lead teacher and director communicates incidences to parent/guardian at the end of the day, obtains signatures and provides photocopies for parent and child's preschool file
- Assists with children's toileting needs and ensures that children are dressed appropriately for year-round outdoor play
- Assists in cleaning and maintaining the classroom's indoor and outdoor environment
Education
- Understands early childhood development and has reasonable expectations of children
- Works with preschool staff to develop a nature-based curriculum that enhances the physical, social/emotional, and cognitive growth of young children
- Observes and documents the ongoing development of each child
- Facilitates and supports learning of preschool students
- Meets Massachusetts early learning standards for preschool teachers and participates in professional development throughout the school year
Marketing/Community Relations
- Attends preschool open houses to explain the philosophy of the program, provides a general overview of what the preschool offers young children and their families, and how to apply to the preschool
- Acts as an ambassador for Fern and Feather Preschool, recognizing that preschool classes are frequently observed by the general public, visiting professionals, prospective families and Mass Audubon staff members
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
- MA EEC Preschool Teacher certification
- Interest/experience in natural history and science teaching in early childhood education
- Mass Audubon employment application
- Successful CORI/DCF/SORI and digital fingerprinting background checks
- Three employment references from early childhood setting
- Current First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain is required
Nice to Haves
- Experience in providing natural science instruction to preschool age children is recommended but not required
- College level course work in Child Growth and Development
- Minimum of an Associate's degree in Early Education and/or related field
- Minimum of 1 year of experience teaching children 3-5 years old
- Experience, willingness and comfort taking children into nature a high priority
- 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
Compensation, Benefits and Perks This position's pay range is $24.00-$25.00/hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. This is not a benefits eligible position. Work Schedule This position begins on January 27, 2025 and ends on June 6, 2025. The schedule is variable (Monday-Friday, 10:00am-1:00pm is typical, with weekly staff meetings and other trainings as needed). 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.