Sequim: Forest Preschool Teacher (Tues/Thurs/Fri)

Part-time position based in Sequim, WA.

About the role

Magnolia teachers have the unique opportunity to dive deep into the Magnolia Method, a play-based forest school curriculum inspired by the tradition of European forest schools. Teachers promote the holistic development of all children, fostering resilient, confident, independent, and creative learners. At Magnolia, teachers aim to inspire curiosity, possibilities, imagination, contemplation, and exploration in a setting where children are free to express their interests, their needs, and their passions.

Our students’ needs are paramount, but a teacher’s role is not simply a supporting role—it is an active, guiding role. A teacher’s goal is to co-construct knowledge that guides and supports the work in progress that is each child’s cognitive development. Teachers must be eager to learn and skilled at supporting teamwork with their peers. The teaching team practices self-reflection and honors one another by being reliable, initiating solutions, and taking feedback.

Teachers will ensure student safety and follow the site director’s risk assessments for all experiences in the forest. We expect teachers to carry supplies in and out of the forest each day, carry a small child if needed, and navigate uneven terrain. Our school operates 100% outside through rainy and cold weather. Teachers must dress adequately to stay warm and dry, including waterproof footwear. We provide a financial stipend for the purchase of high-quality rain gear.

We work to hire a diverse team of people who can support our culture of equity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Promote holistic development of children, fostering resilience, confidence, independence, and creativity
• Co-construct knowledge to guide and support each child’s cognitive development
• Support teamwork and practice self-reflection with peers
• Ensure student safety and follow site director’s risk assessments
• Carry supplies (up to 20-30 pounds) in and out of the forest daily
• Navigate uneven terrain and assist children as needed (e.g., carrying a small child)
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions, dressed appropriately for warmth and dryness

Requirements

• 1-2 years teaching experience (early childhood preferred)
• 1-2 years leadership experience (any field)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to adapt to change and flexible thinking on the job
• Time management skills
• Patience and imaginative thinking when working with students
• Strong self-regulation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Driven to work on or with a team
• Ability to carry a child or bin of supplies up to 20-30 pounds

Benefits

• $200 gear stipend
• Paid professional development
• Opportunities for advancement
• 20% tuition discount

Pay

$20/hour

Schedule

September 4, 2024 – June 13, 2025 (option to extend for July 2024 summer camps)

Sequim Campus, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:15 AM – 1:15 PM (Preschool ages 2.5–5)