Chavitos Nature School Hiring for Elementary School Teacher Job at Puyallup, WA Full Time

We are a bilingual nature school in Central Tacoma that is expanding and growing. We currently have a preschool and elementary program.

We are looking for a teacher to work along our other teacher. Class is Monday-Friday 8:45-12:00. All elective classes will be outside in all types of weather with an open aired gazebo shelter for teaching in rain and a three sided shed.

Position will teach farm chores, art, cooking, movement and outdoor games using the Coyote Guide curriculum. They will have daily planning.

Classes are multiage with grades K-6 with a limit of 20 students.

Our teaching philosophy aligns with Montessori and Waldorf, this guides our instruction and decisions. It’s essential that you are comfortable teaching groups of mixed ages and can differentiate curriculum. There will be mentorship of a teacher who has a certificate in Montessori and has 16 years teaching. You don’t have to have experience with these philosophies, but it’s helpful.

We highly value social justice issues and use students play and work as opportunities to teach about inclusion, differing abilities, problem solving, sharing resources, checking our own power and influence on other students, inviting other who are on the outside to join the play, being aware of the opportunities and bringing balance by inviting or checking in. Social emotional intelligence is essential with this age group.

Our school is very strong on community and building intentional relationships. Teachers are expected to connect to families and become a larger part through monthly potlucks and work parties.

Chavitos Nature School programs are distinguished by:

• A commitment to daily outdoor nature exploration and opportunities
• Child interest-led learning
• Emergent curriculum- we follow the child’s interests and teach with snapshot moments.
• Inquiry-based teaching style
• An emphasis on authentic play
• Small class size: Each class is limited to 20 students. We will have a 2:10 ratio.
• Spanish immersion: at least one teacher will speak exclusively Spanish to children. Ideally both teachers will speak Spanish. This isn’t a dealbreaker if you don’t speak Spanish.

We believe that children, learn best through direct experience with the natural world. Our goal is to tap into their sense of wonder about nature, while teaching basic environmental and natural science principles. We promote individual empowerment and group bonding, respect for all living beings, and how to minimize our impact on the earth. Our lesson plans flow organically from what nature presents each day.

We have a high value of diversity of all types. We enroll students who add diversity to our community and this includes teachers as well. BIPOC and LGBTQ and body diverse folks highly encouraged to apply.

Candidates are also encouraged to apply to other position of math teacher, and summer preschool teacher.

Job Types: Part-time, Contract

Pay: $20.00 – $50.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor’s (Required)

Experience:

• Teaching: 1 year (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Teaching Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: One location