Teacher - Nature Preschool

What you'll do Curriculum & learning

Support the implementation of engaging, hands‑on nature‑based activities including art, music, motor skill development, and outdoor exploration. Help guide children through daily routines, social‑emotional learning, and conflict resolution while fostering curiosity, confidence, and a connection to the natural world. Observe and document children's growth to support progress reports and family conferences.

Collaborate closely with co‑teachers to maintain a supportive, inclusive classroom environment. Help ensure substitute teachers, interns, and volunteers have the information they need to effectively support the class. Provide classroom or site coverage as needed to maintain safe staffing ratios and support program operations.

Build warm, positive relationships with families through daily in‑person communication and participation in parent‑teacher conferences. Assist with communication through email or Pro Care when needed. Represent the organization professionally and respectfully when interacting with families, site partners, and the public.

Conduct daily environmental safety checks and name‑to‑face checks during every transition. Maintain EEC‑required certifications and documentation, including EEC Essentials 2.0 requirements, and uphold all health, safety, sanitation, supervision, and record‑keeping standards (CMR 606). Ensure children remain in safe, hazard‑free environments both indoors and outdoors.

This is a part‑time salaried position scheduled for approximately 24 hours per week. Teaching hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, with additional paid prep time built into the schedule each week.

The school calendar includes paid holidays and seasonal breaks that closely align with local public school calendars, including major vacation weeks and observed holidays.

• EEC Teacher Professional Certification (required)
• Suitable Background Check (required)
• EEC Strong Start Essentials 2.0 Training certificate & Refresher (Required)
• Experience engaging children of varying ages, abilities, and backgrounds
• Experience with nature‑based or experiential learning preferred
• Strong understanding of child development and social‑emotional learning
• Collaborative, flexible, and team‑oriented mindset
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

This role involves frequent bending, squatting, walking on trails, and lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs. You'll work outdoors in varied weather conditions on uneven terrain — and love it.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of all required background checks (including those required by EEC regulations), reference checks, verification of credentials and qualifications, and any other pre‑employment requirements applicable to the position.

Employment with BOPN will be on an “at will” basis, meaning that either you or BOPN may terminate your employment at any time. BOPN also reserves the right to modify or amend the terms of your employment at any time for any reason. Although your job duties, title, compensation, as well as BOPN’s personnel policies and procedures may change from time to time, the “at will” nature of your employment may only be changed in an express written agreement signed by you or your representative and BOPN’s leadership.

BOPN is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation or identity, genetic test results, disability, political affiliation, military service, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

THis is the most up to date list: to race, color, ancestry, national origin (including hairstyles related to those groups), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgendered status, religion or religious creed, age, pregnancy or related conditions, handicap (disability), mental illness, genetics, military or veteran status or any other protected class under Federal, State, or local law.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.