Lower School Naturalist - Leave Coverage

Thaden School is now seeking a part-time Lower School Naturalist parental leave substitute teacher. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Master Naturalist who has deep experience working with groups of students.

Role and Responsibilities

• Add details to substitute plans left by the Naturalist Teacher and lead classes for Grades K-4.
• Collaborate with other specialist teachers, grade level teams, and the Curriculum Specialist to ensure high-quality Naturalist instruction.
• Attend in-service days and faculty meetings as requested by the Head of Lower School.
• Perform duties outside the classroom during set hours (e.g. recess, class coverage, reception desk, carpool and/or lunch duties).
• Maintain Lower School raised garden beds.
• Maintain clear pathways and monitor nature playscape for safety concerns in inclement weather.
• Support grounds team in weeding, watering, pruning, and planting as seasonally appropriate.

Skills, Qualifications, and Attributes

• Experience partnering with other educators to create interdisciplinary learning experiences for students.
• Ability to think broadly and creatively about student-centered learning.
• Commitment to providing detailed feedback on student work in a timely manner.
• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in education or a Science field. Master Naturalist certification preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently required to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods.
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull heavy objects, sometimes exceeding 50 lbs.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including heat, humidity, windy conditions, cold, snow, and ice.
• Occasionally required to bend, twist, or climb.
• Moderate concentration/intensity, which includes prolonged mental effort with limited opportunity for breaks.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.