Overview:

River Valley Nature School (RVNS) is a child-centered, inquiry-based nature school in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. The small quaint town is surrounded by rolling hills, small family farms, and beautiful state forests. Lewisburg, home to Bucknell University, offers wonderful cultural events, River Valley Nature School guides children in their development as capable and confident individuals by focusing on the whole child. We are committed to empowering children to have their own voice and develop a life-long love of learning. Using a curriculum that comes from the children's interests and passions, teachers facilitate academic development in areas including literacy, math, science, and social studies. Teacher-supported independent and group learning experiences encourage social and emotional development. Children learn in small multi-aged groups of 8-12 students.

Children learn and play outdoors as much as possible. Time each week is spent at our in-town location within walking distance of a nearby park and several other green spaces and at Catbird farm, a 20-acre farm 10 minutes west of Lewisburg. We have a small schoolhouse in Lewisburg and use a large barn and other structures for shelter at Catbird farm.

Job description:

RVNS seeks a creative, enthusiastic full-time teacher to support the academic, social, and emotional growth of young learners exploring and discovering the world around them. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide nature-based education for children ages 7-10. Working both independently and with a team of teachers, the teacher will create an environment where children are challenged and inspired for the future. The successful candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the developmental needs of children ages 7-10 including academic skills, imaginative play, gross motor movement, and cultivating a deep connection to nature and the arts.

The ideal candidate will:

Be passionate about educating children in nature.

Be self-motivated and self-directed with the flexibility to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Have strong leadership abilities and excellent interpersonal skills, organizational, and time-management skills.

Be a skilled communicator, guided by a desire to listen to and speak compassionately with both children and adults.

Feel comfortable and confident about meeting the needs of children outdoors in all seasons.

Minimum qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in education or related field

Experience independently teaching a group of children 7 years old or older preferred

Foreign language and/or music education experience a plus

Certification in child first aid and CPR required (will provide training if needed)

Must pass background check, child abuse clearances, and drug test before starting employment

Physical Requirements: Regularly sit, turn, bend, reach, stand, walk, talk, hear, and interact with students and others. Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs regularly, carry a heavy backpack, and walk long distances. Must be able and willing to spend most of the school day outside.

The teacher’s primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Work independently and with the teaching team to implement an engaging, developmentally appropriate program to meet social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of 7-10 year old children drawing on a variety of educational philosophies.

Develop daily activities, circle times, celebrations, and outdoor adventures.

Supervise students ages 7-10 in various settings including classrooms, outdoors, and field trips.

Develop nature-based activities that will integrate science, math, literacy, and the arts while encouraging cooperative learning and social skills.

Work with the teaching team to:

Observe and assist children in inquiry-based learning, formally reflecting with them during the week.

Provide positive guidance to children in navigating their social interactions with peers and adults.

Maintain strong interpersonal communication skills with students, parents, and colleagues.

Attend staff meetings, professional development, and training sessions as requested.

Willingness to participate in appropriate professional development and/or training.

Participate in open houses and community events to promote the school.

RVNS is committed to addressing issues of social justice, diversity, equity, and anti-bias education in our curriculum and in our community. Employees must be willing learners and participants in supporting this work.

Interested candidates please send a resume, cover letter describing how and why the candidate is qualified and well-suited for the position, and three references to: info@rivervalleynatureschool.org