Preschool Teacher
About Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org.
About This Position
We are seeking a Massachusetts Early Education and Care (EEC) certified Preschool Teacher to be part of a team of three early childhood educators at Mass Audubon’s Arcadia Nature Preschool. The Preschool Teacher must have a love of nature and teaching outdoors. This position assists the primary teacher team during a portion of the school day, which is based on a nature-based, multi-sensory, play-based, anti-bias and emergent curriculum for multi-age groups (3-5 years) of children and includes typical school-based routine and tasks (transitions, large group time, bathroom time, snack time, nature walk, etc.).
Application Instructions
Please submit a resume and cover letter with your ADP application.
Responsibilities
- Provides a physically and emotionally safe environment for young children both within an indoor and outdoor environment
- Maintains clear communication with colleagues and shares teaching amongst the co-teaching faculty team
- Assist in creating and maintaining a healthy, safe, and positive environment for children using best practices in early childhood nature-based education
- Assist in maintaining the physical environment by contributing to classroom housekeeping tasks and storing personal belongings away from preschool program space
- Must be comfortable exploring the natural world in a variety of weather throughout the year for 2 or more hours a day
- Always maintains communication with co-teachers and other relevant staff throughout the day
- Responsible and accountable to all Mass Audubon/MA EEC health and safety policies and guidelines
- Stays informed of relevant and ongoing changes in policies and guidelines within Mass Audubon, specific Mass Audubon sanctuary, and within MA Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) policies and regulations
Education
- Understands early childhood development and manages reasonable outcomes and expectations for young children
- Communicates and works cooperatively with the preschool faculty to accomplish program goals
- Observes and documents on the ongoing development of each student and shares data with colleagues (for purposes of progress reports, twice annually)
- Works with other faculty colleagues to develop and steward a sense of community, belonging, and connection to nature in the preschool community
- Completes annual professional development hours as needed/required
Qualifications
At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:
Must Haves
- Minimum of 1 year of experience working with young children
- Successful DCF and Fingerprinting Background Checks in addition to CORI and SORI background checks
- Three employment references
Nice to Haves
- MA EEC Preschool Teacher Certification (preferred)
Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $23.00-$25.00/hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. This position earns vacation time as well as receives paid holidays.
Work Schedule
This position runs the duration of the school year (August 26, 2025 through June 18 2026) with specific weeks off for school vacations and other closures. The schedule is 2 days per week from 8:00am-2:30pm (Wednesday and Friday); this includes time in the classroom as well as set up, clean up and prep and planning time. Occasional substitute duties may be available.
Other Requirements
Employees must successfully complete an EEC Background Record Check (fingerprinting, CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.
Mass Audubon’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice
Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Mass Audubon’s mission is to “protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife” by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.