Lead Preschool Teacher​/Zoo Educator

Overview

Position Summary Facilitate learning in a child directed environment, using an emergent curriculum and Reggio inspired approach that incorporates the Missouri Early Learning Standards.

Location: Saint Louis Zoo – Forest Park

Position Type: Full-Time

• Collaborate on a three-person teaching team at the Second Nature Zoo Preschool.
• Facilitate learning in the new Nature Nook discovery room and at Zoo early childhood camps, classes and programs.
• Lead a teaching team in providing a nurturing, equitable, kind and compassionate learning environment.
• Lead by example; encourage teaching team success through modeling and coaching.
• Facilitate learning in a child directed environment, using an emergent curriculum and Reggio inspired approach that incorporates the Missouri Early Learning Standards.
• Create a comfortable and safe learning environment that meets the needs of all children.
• Teach children ages 3-5 in looping classrooms.
• Positively engage with families whose children are 0 – 10 in the discovery room.
• Foster a connection to the natural world through modeling environmentally friendly behaviors and attitudes, like a love of all wildlife and wild places and comfort in the outdoors, year-round, regardless of weather.
• Inspire joy and wonder in your work with children and families.
• Help create and maintain beautiful learning environments.
• Maintain and share a neurodiversity affirming mindset.
• Co-create meaningful and engaging learning experiences with children.
• Nurture a positive environment where children can regulate their emotions in a safe and productive way.
• Cultivate community with children, teachers and families that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion and celebrates individuality in a positive and respectful way.
• Observe, document and assess children’s development, and make learning visual through documentation.
• Support the whole child so that they are ready to move on to Kindergarten once they leave us.
• Foster positive relationships with families and coworkers built on trust and open communication.
• Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement and understanding of educational advances.
• Follow developmentally appropriate practice in all areas of your work including conservation messaging.
• Perform daily, weekly and quarterly cleaning regiment of materials.
• Follow all state licensing requirements as well as preschool, and Zoo policies.
• Providing excellent customer service.

• A bachelor’s degree in early childhood, environmental Ed, or related field required
• MUST have experience in early childhood education.
• 2+ years in early childhood education preferred
• Experience working with children of all abilities required.
• Experience in a lead, point or management position required.
• Familiarity and comfort with Reggio and nature-based approaches to learning.
• High EQ and ability to maintain calm in difficult situations.
• Excel at working in a team environment.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and customer service skills a must.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to take directions as needed.
• Ability to work with guests of all ages.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office products
• Must be trained or willing to be trained in First Aid, CPR, AED and CPI. Must be willing to submit to a background check, drug screening and TB test.
• All successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check and a drug test. As this is a safety-sensitive role, a negative drug test result is mandatory. The drug test screens for five substances, including marijuana.

Must have the physical ability to lift 40 lbs. Must be able to work outdoors in all weather and move across Zoo grounds and in Forest Park at a steady pace on mixed terrain.

• Work 40 hours a week
• Work at least 1 weekend day per month and occasional evenings.