Nature-based Kindergarten Teacher

Position Overview

Breck School seeks a dedicated kindergarten teacher who brings a deep love for early childhood development and a passion for using the natural world as a primary classroom. In this role, you will create a joyful, active space where young children can grow intellectually, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. By balancing rich indoor experiences with hands-on outdoor exploration, you will transform everyday moments in nature into powerful opportunities for wonder and discovery. Grounded in our Episcopal values, you will foster a warm, welcoming community where every child is deeply respected, safe to take healthy risks, and experiences a true sense of belonging. Beyond the delivery of curriculum, this role is defined by the cultivation of trusting relationships and the promotion of self-knowledge within a highly motivated student body. You will serve as a collaborative partner to faculty and school leaders, contributing to a community of lifelong learners focused on academic scholarship and the greater good. Whether facilitating complex discussions or supporting a student’s psychological well-being, your work will directly prepare Breck graduates for a life of purpose and leadership in an interconnected world.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Demonstrates knowledge of and proficiency with subject matter

• Designs and implements effective instruction to engage and motivate students to engage in the learning process

• Plans and delivers developmentally appropriate instruction for a variety of learners

• Encourages curiosity, creativity, and student agency

• Designs and implements engaging, inquiry-based instruction and outdoor learning experiences

• Uses observation and documentation to inform instruction and promote student learning

• Understands and uses assessment to promote student learning

• Creates an environment that promotes respect, wonder, collaboration, and exploration

• Establishes strong, responsive relationships with students

• Designs inside and outside learning spaces that naturally invite students to ask questions, explore the world around them, and engage deeply with their curriculum

• Communicates clear and consistent expectations for learning, behavior, and participation

• Encourages social-emotional development and fosters a sense of belonging

Professional Responsibility

• Supports the mission, vision, and values of the school

• Supports the programs and priorities of the department, division, and school

• Engages in reflective practice and professional dialogue

• Buils and maintains strong working relationships with faculty, students, and parents

• Demonstrates a commitment to equity, inclusion, and respect for diverse perspectives

• Maintains confidentiality and demonstrates professionalism in all aspects of work

• Sets and participates in ongoing professional growth opportunities

• Attends and contributes to required meetings, school events, and committee work

• Performs additional duties as needed

Education And/or Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree required; degree in Elementary Education or related field preferred

• Minimum 5 years classroom teaching experience preferred, with a comfort level teaching outdoors

• Experience or training with nature-based education or forest kindergartens is a plus

• Proficiency with integrating technology to support and document learning