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The University of Washington Botanic Gardens, a part of the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences (SEFS), seeks multiple Temporary Fiddleheads Forest School Summer Teachers.

Location: University of Washington Botanic Gardens, Washington Park Arboretum – Seattle, WA

University of Washington Botanic Gardens (UWBG) Education Program Mission: Provide meaningful educational experiences that enrich participants’ connections with plants and the natural world.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: At the University of Washington Botanic Gardens, we value and honor diverse experiences and perspectives, strive to create welcoming and respectful learning environments, and promote access, fairness, and opportunity for all. We see implicit and explicit exclusion from green spaces like botanic gardens as an injustice that shapes our past and present and must be countered as we move into the future.

As a community, we believe that working to achieve equity and promote inclusion is both crucial and complex; we embrace the continuous commitment, the collective growth mindset, and the humility required to make meaningful transformation. For the full statement of commitment, visit https://botanicgardens.uw.edu/about/

Program Overview: The University of Washington Botanic Gardens Youth and Family Education programs serve over 10,000 youth ages 2-18 and their families each year through family classes, school field trips, summer camp and preschool programs. Tucked within the University of Washington Botanic Gardens and the Youth and Family Education Programs is the Fiddleheads Forest School, an entirely outdoor preschool for students ages three to six. At the Fiddleheads Forest School, we aim to foster a sense of wonder, to guide rather than compel, and to provide room for possibility rather than attempt to constrain children’s interests to fit within a certain curriculum. Unlike traditional programs, at the Forest School our classroom grows and changes along with its students. This dynamic environment offers an unparalleled setting for the development of self-regulation and fundamental appreciation for the natural world. Our unique, child-driven curriculum addresses the individual developmental needs of every student. Each day is approached with joy and wonder at the wide world around us.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General Duties/Description: These positions will assist the teachers with all aspects of implementing a weekly, part-day nature preschool program. During the school year, these positions will assist teaching classes of up to 14 students while spending the vast majority of that time outdoors, exploring the natural world through age-appropriate lessons and activities. Schedule is typically 8am-2pm Monday-Friday.

Essential Tasks:

Co-lead prepared activities for 4-6 year olds that fulfill the age-appropriate curriculum established.

Assist students with established activities, using items found in nature, that help 4-6 year olds discover and learn from the things that make up the natural world.

Model a healthy relationship with and curiosity for the natural world, and acting in a professional and compassionate manner at all times as a representative of the University of Washington.

Ensure the health, safety and well-being of students through site surveys and daily check-ins with students.

Maintaining clear communications with fellow staff, interns, students, and their families to achieve common goals and avoid potential conflicts.

Preparing, cleaning up and maintaining teaching supplies and supporting materials in a well-organized and efficient manner.

Other related duties as assigned.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

High school graduation or equivalent and two years of full-time experience or equivalent education/experience.


DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

At least one year of experience working with early learners in a formal setting.

Bachelor’s Degree or formal training in early childhood education, environmental education, botany, horticulture, biology, community engagement or related areas.

Creativity, flexibility and understanding necessary for working with children, parents, and staff members.

Ability to stand, stoop, bend, and sit for 15-20 minutes at a time.

Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather.

Must be able to meet requirements for staff working in a licensed childcare in Washington.

Current pediatric First Aid and CPR certification required.