Nature-based Early Childhood Teaching Assistant

Position Overview

The Nature-based Early Childhood Teaching Assistant (TA) position at Breck School provides an opportunity for individuals interested in nature-based early childhood education and teaching to expand their curriculum knowledge and instructional proficiencies. This role is designed to give assistants opportunities to work alongside an experienced outdoor educator.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Partner with the lead teacher to implement a nature-based curriculum that sparks student inquiry and honors their natural observations.

• Supervise students and manage resources in outdoor classrooms, ensuring a safe yet adventurous environment for experiential learning.

• Assist in capturing visible learning through photos, notes, and reflections to help document the students' journey with the natural world.

• Participate in the TA mentorship program to broaden curricular knowledge through reading/research, collegial conversation, and lesson implementation.

• Develop the skills necessary to step into a lead teaching role when needed, gaining experience in lesson implementation and classroom management.

• Show flexibility and willingness to support coverage needs throughout the Lower School.

• Respond to constructive feedback and engage in self-reflection to refine your instructional voice.

• Model respectful, enthusiastic behavior to build strong bonds with students, families, and colleagues.

• Develop a collaborative relationship with the early childhood team by demonstrating initiative, accepting responsibility, and maintaining honest, open communication.

• Support student learning by understanding developmental readiness, working effectively with small/large groups, and communicating clear and consistent expectations.

• Demonstrate positive interactions with students through modeling respectful behavior, creating meaningful connections to build relationships, displaying enthusiasm for learning, and communicating effectively with students.

• Serve as a team member who supports collaboration, contributes ideas, demonstrates a willingness to learn, uses good judgment, maintains confidentiality, exhibits flexibility, and follows-through with responsibilities.