GSRP Associate Teacher

About Our Academy

Wonder what it would be like to go snowshoeing through a maple forest? Or what it may be like to grow your own food in a greenhouse? Students at West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (WMAES) don't wonder what they know! Come be a part of our 62-acres of an outdoor classroom to expand your child's love of learning. Working gardens, nature trails, forests, wetlands and prairies are all available for students to explore.

WMAES students transition from desks to dirt, creating an environment for all students to learn. WMAES knows that teachers are the heart of the school and are surrounded by a support system that is committed to the success of every child.

Qualities of a Successful Candidate:

• A comfortability in an outdoor setting and a knack for creativity and innovation, incorporating hands-on activities, experiential learning, and interactive teaching methods to make environmental/outdoor learning engaging and impactful.
• An unwavering belief that all children regardless of their background can learn and exceed at high levels.
• A strong desire to achieve outstanding results in the pursuit of excellence for students.
• Strong interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with children, parents and other staff members. They should be able to work collaboratively, promoting a harmonious learning environment.

About the role

To foster a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for students, setting them on a path of academic and social success. By supporting the lead teacher, they aim to create engaging lesson plans that promote age-appropriate development in areas such as language, motor skills, and social interactions. Through patient guidance and individualized attention, they encourage children's curiosity and exploration, helping them develop a love for learning.

Additionally, they collaborate with parents and caregivers, ensuring effective communication and involving families in their child's educational journey. As a vital member of the preschool team, the associate teacher strives to provide a positive and enriching experience that builds a strong foundation for each child's future.

What you'll do

Curriculum & Instruction:

• Assists the GSRP Teacher in preparing classroom or laboratory for instruction.
• Helps the GSRP Teacher collaboratively prepare lesson plans and distribute lesson materials.
• Participates in Team Teaching and instructs students under the supervision of the GSRP Teacher.
• Demonstrates understanding and implementation of the PQA and the teaching practices described therein.
• Demonstrates understanding and implementation of MDE's Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Prekindergarten.
• Demonstrates understanding and implementation of BCHS Child Care Licensing Rules.
• Follows the Academy approved GSRP curriculum and the GSRP grant policies and procedures as the instructional model.
• Assists the GSRP Teacher in maintaining individual student records when asked.
• Assists the GSRP Teacher in keeping the classroom neat, clean and orderly to provide work and study areas conducive to learning.
• Collects and displays suitable materials for bulletin boards and other educational displays.
• Uses resources effectively to support learning activities in the classroom, the Academy and the community.
• Demonstrates exceptional classroom techniques, which include the art of questioning, clarity of assignments, communicating, an atmosphere of mutual respect, independent thought and expression and student and teacher experiences in large and small groups.
• Effectively implements and uses the Academy-approved screening assessment tool and ongoing developmental assessment and is able to explain and interpret the information for students' parents.
• Effectively uses home visits to introduce the program and staff to the parent, develop collaboration for the child's learning, and gather, or report, assessment data.

Classroom Management:

• Works cooperatively with parents and guardians to enhance confidence in the GSRP Teacher.
• Guides children in working and playing harmoniously with other children.
• Assists GSRP Teachers with supervision of students during play periods and lunch periods.
• Demonstrates…