The Forest School Foundation is seeking passionate, inspired educators to support Growing Wild Forest School!
About Growing Wild Forest School
Growing Wild Forest School is an all-outdoor, play-based nature connection preschool based in West Asheville serving children ages 3-6 year-round. Our school’s mission is to make nature connection accessible to all young children. We believe that every day in the forest is a gift, and we are grateful to share that gift with children. Our school has no walls, and our ceiling is the wide sky; that means the consistent daily rhythm and set of agreements upheld by guides maintain a compassionate and safe container for young children to play, grow, and learn.
We believe that young children, like adults, have full personhood, and are learning how to navigate the world for the first time. We believe a village of compassionate adults must support them in this learning. This means that parents, mentors, and children are all on the same team. We model and encourage honest communication and community.
Position Overview
Growing Wild always seeks to build its pool of Substitute Teachers.
You will be teaching nature connection on our outdoor grounds alongside two experienced Growing Wild Forest School mentors.
Areas of Responsibility
- Support lead mentors with activities, songs, and daily rhythm as requested
- Provide individual support to children as needed (help with shoes, hand-washing, etc.)
- Practice clear and positive communication with parents and co-workers
- Know and follow GWFS safety guidelines, school protocol/procedures, and regulations
- Participate in and facilitate crafts, expeditions, and nature connection with young children
We Offer:
- Starting rate $20per hour
- Opportunity to work with and learn from experienced outdoor educators
- Student-teacher ratio of no more than 6 students per one mentor
- Possibility to move into long term substituting or part-time teaching
Preferred Qualities
- High energy, positive attitude
- Ability to work well with others
- Able to work cooperatively and collaboratively in an all outdoor, forest setting, and open and flexible to new ideas
- Physically able to walk up to 2 miles a day, in all weather, and lift objects of up to 50lbs.
- Current Emergency First Aid and Child CPR certificate; (or willing to obtain quickly)
- An understanding of child development.
- Experience working with children ages 3-6
- Experience or training in child development, child psychology, and/or early childhood education preferred
- Passion for nature connection
- Must clear full background check and must pass health screening.
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary
Pay: From $20.00 per hour
Application Question(s)
- Please briefly describe your interest in working here. How many years of childcare or wilderness/natural skills experience do you have?
(Skip this question if you chose to include a cover letter).
- Can you work Monday-Friday 8am-3pm?
Work Location: In person