Preschool Teacher

The Preschool Teacher plans, creates, and implements the daily program for preschool learning environments at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center (KPNC), including Woodland Wonders Nature Preschool and preschool camps throughout the year.

• Plans and implements an emergent curriculum for a group of children consistent with developmentally appropriate early childhood education practice. Plans, implements, and evaluates a daily program which includes identifying outdoor environments for optimal learning, and developing planning materials and activities that facilitate active learning for the children.
• Mentors and facilitates the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of children through natural, outdoor environments. Documents all areas of children’s health and development, and communicates observations with parents, caregivers, and/or medical professionals. Provides, instructs, and monitors children in the use of a variety of learning materials and resources for use in educational activities.
• Participates in modeling best nature-education practices for undergraduate students completing course requirements or internships.
• Collaborates with the community representatives such as therapists, specialists, and psychologists as needed. Administers medication per doctor's prescribing instructions.
• Communicates with parents on a daily basis to keep them informed of the daily progress of their children.
• Some travel within the region and occasional travel out-of-state.

• Bachelor's Degree In Early Childhood Education and Development, Natural Sciences, or a related field and 1 year of experience in an outdoor, nature-based learning environment with young children.

Desired:

• Master's degree in related field.
• Experience working in a nature preschool or forest school.

Licenses & Certifications:

• Valid Driver's License.
• TB Skin Test - Upon Hire 
• CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation - within 60 Days
• First Aid Certification - within 60 Days

• Knowledge of best practices for nature-based education.
• Basic understanding of child development in all areas of development (physical, social, emotional, cognitive, creative), as well as appropriate communication with parents of young children.
• Must be comfortable speaking to and educating large and small groups, in classroom and non­classroom settings, covering a broad range of nature-based topics.
• Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, maturity, professionalism, self-discipline, and attention to detail in their work.
• Basic knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; and psychological research methods.
• Basic knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the KPNC Manager as well as with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and volunteers at the KPNC and from the CFWE, College of Education, and other Auburn University units.

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!