Wise Earth Forest School Looking for Kindergarten Teacher at Metchosin, BC Full Time

Kindergarten Teacher /Forest Mentor

Wise Earth Forest School, Metchosin, west of Victoria on Vancouver Island, BC

We are an innovative alternative elementary school that provides both natural connection and academic foundational skills for children ages 5-10. This position requires a person that is able to apply their teaching background to a nature context, and be comfortable facilitating learning for children in both the outdoors and our indoor classroom. Ongoing training and support is provided for forest mentorship, skills and knowledge, Wise Earth orientation and curriculum. I look forward to connecting with you!

www.wiseearthforestschool.com

(For children ages 4-6 yrs)

Responsibilities:

• Lead, facilitate and guide children 4 days per week in a nature based education program (Tuesday-Fridays) – Wise Earth offers nature based education such as wildcrafting, tracking, fire & shelter building with academic foundational skills for literacy and numeracy (3 days is also possible Wed-Fri)
• Are proficient in planning, managing, and implementing a program in a 10-month forest school program for 8 children ages 4 – 6 years…fostering joy, delight, creativity and wonder !!!
• Facilitate Wise Earth curriculum and methodology in daily plans (training & curriculum provided, you provide the content and ways in which to implement it)
• Supporting children with learning their letter sounds, emerging reading, printing, math fundamentals, basic science, art and music in a nature based way
• Support needs for child in program with neurodivergence/autism (he also has a full-time one on one Wise Earth support staff)
• Have knowledge and passion of the outdoors and is committed to sustainable living models
• Spend the majority of the day with the children outside, rain or shine.
• Confidently use positive guidance approaches
• Intuitive and responsive to individual and group needs
• Foster collaborative and professional relationships with a variety of people in a diverse community
• Have knowledge of diverse educational approaches such as Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, Montessori, Tom Brown, Jon Young, Coyote Mentoring. place based or experiential learning
• Support the day-to-day operations of the school
• Record, assess, and evaluate the nature school program on a regular basis
• Complete reports on children’s progress, skills and abilities
• Create weekly newsletter with regular updates, pictures and musings on the children’s activities
• Attend and participate in regular Wise Earth Forest School meetings and professional development opportunities
• Communicate regularly with parents and caregivers

Required:

• Warm, compassionate, curious, adventurous way with children
• Teaching, leading, guiding, mentoring children/ youth background and education
• Strong understanding of a nature based educational philosophy and open and willing to learn Wise Earth approach
• Understanding of emotional intelligence with support for communication and expression of emotions, conflict resolution
• Adaptable, flexible, and well-rounded with a passion for teaching and exploring other diverse avenues of child-based learning such as art, music, dance, sport, yoga, mindfulness, cooking, gardening, photography, nature connection, etc.
• 3+ years experience leading groups (does not all have to be teaching specifically…however being responsible and leading groups)
• Passion for a deep nature connection in your own life
• Wilderness First Aid, or General First Aid (with intent to study the other)
• Able to provide proof of clear Criminal Reference Check

Assets:

• Certified Forest School practitioner or similar mentoring / guiding / teaching background
• Teaching Background/Elementary Teacher Certification
• Willingness to learn and develop a repertoire of nature based abilities and knowledge
• Share your passions! Local naturalist knowledge of flora and fauna, hazards, orientation, tracking, edible & medicinal plants, gardening, farm animal care, ecology, peace making & conflict resolution, music and song, mindfulness, friction fires, shelter building, hide tanning, weaving, carving, bird language & ID, etc.

*Competitive wages and professional development opportunities available

*Contract position, though renewable and seeking permanent employees

*Position begins Jan 31st, however training is available prior

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Part-time hours: 27 per week

Ability to commute/relocate:

• METCHOSIN, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree (preferred)

Work Location: One location

Expected start date: 2023-01-31