Preschool Substitute Teacher

Position Description

Dodge Nature Preschool seeks a Substitute Teacher to work collaboratively with the Preschool team in fulfilling the school’s mission of meeting children’s developmental needs while initiating them into a lifelong, meaningful relationship with the natural world. Substitute teachers fill in as part of a teaching team of three that oversee groups of 18–20 children.

Substitute teachers supervise children with special attention to encouraging positive self-concept and enthusiasm for the discovery process. They keep expectations of children developmentally and individually appropriate, support children during daily routines and transitions, and handle discipline issues as opportunities for learning. This role is responsible for setting up & maintaining classroom supplies and supporting lead & assistant teachers in carrying out high-quality, nature-based early childhood curriculum.

Dodge Nature Preschool follows an emergent curriculum with a social-constructivist approach. The preschool operates as part of Dodge Nature Center. Grounds include woodlands, prairies, ponds, wetlands, and a model farm with animals, gardens, a greenhouse, apple orchard, maple syruping facility, and a bee apiary. A state-of-the-art preschool building with three outdoor/indoor classrooms provide early childhood nature education throughout the seasons.

Job Functions and Key Responsibilities

Implementing Curriculum and Supervising Preschoolers

• Implement emergent curriculum using a constructivist, inquiry-based, and Reggio Emilia approach.
• Support the Lead and Assistant Teachers in delivering programming with special attention to nature-based education.
• Facilitate small group activities, such as reading a story.
• Supervise children in work and play on classroom, playground, and nature center grounds.
• Adhere to the code of Ethics of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Maintenance and Cleaning

• Prepare and care for the classroom and playground, including snack set-up and cleaning up kitchen area after each session.
• Wash art materials and other equipment after class sessions, tidy centers in preparation for the next session of children, and set out playground equipment.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with co-teachers, school administrators, and preschool families.
• Support in maintaining an attractive, functional, and appropriate learning environment that meets quality and safety standards set by Licensing and NAEYC.

Playing an active role in the operation of Dodge Nature Center and Preschool

• Attend monthly staff meetings and biannual in-service training.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

1. Qualifies as an assistant teacher as per MN Administrative Rule 9503.0033.
2. One year of experience working with young children as an aide, student intern, or similar role.
3. Ability to communicate clearly with parents, co-teachers, and children.
4. Ability to supervise children for up to six hours per day in a classroom, playground, and throughout the nature center grounds in all types of weather.
5. Current Pediatric first aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain.
6. Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds to waist level.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Baccalaureate degree in any field from an accredited college or university, or an Associate’s degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education, or a current Child Development Associate credential or willingness to obtain.
2. Work experience in a licensed childcare center and/or NAEYC accredited program.
3. Work experience or education in nature-based education and/or the Reggio Emilia approach.

Dodge Nature Preschool welcomes all families and values diversity in the broadest sense including ethnicity, ability, gender identity, gender expression, family structure, sexual orientation, socioeconomic circumstances and religion. Our school seeks to promote equitable access to nature-based early childhood education for all communities, especially those for whom access has been denied historically. We acknowledge our responsibility to work to challenge bias and prejudice and listen to the voices of our community.

Dodge Nature Center and Preschool is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants and staff to bring their diverse perspectives, skills and experiences to Dodge. We commit to fostering an inclusive, welcoming work environment for all employees.

How to Apply

Application deadline: open until filled. Please send cover letter and resume to:

Amy Warzybok, Preschool Director
[email protected]
Pronouns: She, Her, Hers
1715 Charlton Street
West St. Paul, MN 55118

Please note: If you applied and did not get an email confirming the receipt of your application materials, email Amy to confirm. There have been issues with emails including attachments not being received.