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Nature-based Early Education Fellow

Boston Outdoor Preschool Network (BOPN)
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Fellowship in Nature-based Early Education  

Mission: 

The mission of Boston Outdoor Preschool Network (BOPN) is to meet the developmental needs of the whole child while cultivating a lifelong relationship with the natural world.  At our heart, BOPN is committed to expanding access to nature-based early childhood education.

 

What We Do: 

BOPN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on nature-based early education. We bring families together in community and give children a joyfully muddy early childhood educational experience.  Our programs combine play-based education with environmental education.  Our teachers encourage environmental stewardship, and help young children develop skills such as curiosity, initiative, persistence, creativity, problem-solving, and responsibility.
 

BOPN operates toddler and preschool programs in Boston and surrounding areas west of Boston.  We are committed to expanding access to nature-based early education through our equitable programming, which includes our new partnership with Boston Public Schools as the first UPK nature preschool at the Franklin Park Zoo.
 

Fellowship Role:

Join us as a Fellow to support the growth and discovery of children aged 15 months to 5 years under the mentorship of our experienced Lead Teachers.  Delve into one fellow’s experience by clicking here.

This Fellowship offers the opportunity to teach at multiple BOPN locations, exposing you to a variety of teaching styles and natural landscapes.  You must be willing and able to travel, explore, and delve into nature’s hidden wonders throughout the greater Boston area.

Schedule and Locations:

  • Start date: late fall or early winter 2024 (flexible)
  • Schedule: 20 hours/week.  You will work one of the following schedules (hours may vary slightly based on your work location each day):
    • 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
    • 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
    • 9:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m. plus an hour of flexible prep time 
       
  • Work locations (BOPN program locations):
    • Pine Banks Park (Malden)
    • Wolbach Farm (Sudbury)
    • Unity Farm Sanctuary (Sherborn)
    • Christ Lutheran Church (Natick)
    • Eustis Estate (Milton)
    • Forbes House Museum (Milton)
    • Arnold Arboretum (Boston)
    • Franklin Park Zoo (Boston)

Compensation:

Fellows receive a monthly stipend of $660 and complimentary housing, utilities, and wifi at our cozy Community House in Roslindale, just two blocks from 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.
  • 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.
  • Build on children’s interests and connect children with nature around them throughout the seasons
  • Gracefully and professionally communicate with teachers, parents, site partners, and visitors 
  • Assist the Lead Teachers to provide support for children with special needs
  • Complete tasks required for EEC record keeping in a timely manner 
  • Assist the Lead Teachers to post photos and write narratives for families 
  • Attend occasional evening/weekend trainings and professional development
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications: 

  • Strong interest in the field of nature-based early childhood education
  • Passion & curiosity about the natural world and ability to convey a sense of awe and wonder to the children 
  • Enthusiastic to teach outdoors in all kinds of weather, traversing hilly terrain each day while carrying supplies
  • Eager to develop strong classroom management skills 
  • Comfortable living in our busy Community House in Roslindale together with three other Fellows
  • Willingness to work toward EEC and FCC teacher licensure in a timely manner if necessary.
  • Excellent attendance, punctuality, and communication 
  • Successful reference and background checks are required.
  • Flexibility to adapt to a variety of teaching methods, age groups, and diverse learners across BOPN’s locations 
  • Able to commit to the Fellowship through June 2025 
  • Candidates who add to our diverse community are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply:

Email your resume to hiring@bopn.org.