A Note from a Teaching Fellow:
The fellowship is truly an opportunity like none other. You would be working, living and growing in your career alongside other fellows of similar ages. I like to think of it as something from a story-book! After I walk home from working with my class (the Cheery Chickadees) at the Arboretum, I am met by the full-day class (the Hopping Frogs) in the living room of my house (consequently I have many little friends:D)! The fellowship is designed to help you grow as an outdoor educator and connect with a community of individuals who are passionate about both the natural world and the education of the whole child. As a fellow, expect to receive one-on-one support and nurturing guidance from your superiors as they are truly invested in the well-being of the community as a whole.
Read the entire reflection here!
About BOPN:
Boston Outdoor Preschool Network builds joyful communities of children and teachers connected to each other and their outdoor environments through discovery and play. We believe that children are intrinsically motivated to learn, and that they do so by exploring the world around them.
Our programs are located in Boston, Milton, Malden, Sherborn, and Sudbury (we will let you know which positions are currently open at your preferred location)
Fellow Role:
To assist with teaching children ages 15 months through 5 years under the supervision of an experienced Lead Teacher(s) and Site Coordinator.
Schedule & Hours
The fellowship is a part-time position, averaging 20 hours of work each week. Teaching hours are typically 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fellows are also expected to spend 5 hours/week on documentation, parent communication, supplies management, meetings, and professional development. Our school year calendar is similar to Boston public schools.
Spring Fellowship runs April – June 15, 2024. Fellows have the option to continue through summer 2024 and/or School Year 24-25.
Locations:
Boston, Milton, Malden, Sherborn, and Sudbury (we will let you know
which positions are currently open at your preferred location)
Compensation:
Fellows receive a monthly stipend of $660 and complimentary housing at our Community House near the Arnold Arboretum.
Duties & Responsibilities:
-Nurture the spirit and curiosity of each child while promoting respect and building community. Use a nature-based and play-based approach with children.
-Meet with your supervising Lead Teacher on a regular basis and your Site Coordinator as needed
-Be responsible for the health and safety of each child. This includes helping children stay warm and dry in rainy and cold weather, managing risk in an outdoor setting, and addressing conflict.
-Develop emergent curriculum based on the children’s interests and nature through the seasons
-Use daily written documentation on ProCare as a tool for parent communication and reflection
-Gracefully and professionally communicate with teachers, parents, and site partners
-Assist the Lead Teachers to provide additional supports for children with disabilities
-Complete all tasks required for state licensure in a timely manner
-Attend occasional evening/weekend trainings and professional development events
-Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
-Strong interest in nature-based early childhood education
-Curiosity about the natural world and ability to convey a sense of awe and wonder to the children
-Excited to teach outdoors in all kinds of weather. Traverse various kinds of terrain each day while carrying supplies
-Eager to develop strong classroom management skills
-Comfortable living in our busy “community house” together with three other Fellows
These essential functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related duties as required. This is a newly-created position and is subject to change based on enrollment numbers, staffing needs, and other factors.