Kazoo School is a Pre-K-8th grade outdoor, independent school situated on the edge of the Kleinstuck Preserve in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Our mission is to prepare our students to become confident critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and engaged citizens by providing a progressive educational environment that nurtures, empowers, and inspires.

While we have indoor classrooms, we spend as much time as possible outside throughout the year, in all kinds of weather. Our student-led approach emphasizes place-based and inquiry-based learning, with a focus on the natural world and natural materials. Kazoo educators and students know the value in pausing a lesson to watch a hawk circle the field. At Kazoo, math often happens in the woods, science labs are held under the shade of Kleinstuck, Spanish language learning occurs in the mud kitchen, restorative justice conversations transpire on woods walks, and books are read in hammocks as teachers and students partner to learn deeply about the world in which they live.

What you’ll do as an Assistant Teacher:

• Assist the lead teacher in day-to-day operation of the school day

• Work individually and in groups with students to support their learning

• Help promote a safe, clean, and orderly environment for children

• Build positive relationships with students, faculty and families

• Care for children with a range of abilities and neurodiversities

  Qualifications:

• 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent

• Prior experience working with young children

• Demonstrated interest in teaching

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion of students and fellow faculty

• Dedicated to one's own learning and professional development

• Able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and stressful situations

• Positive, enthusiastic outlook

• Works well as a team member able to share feedback and communicate clearly

• Engages effectively in a dynamic learning environment by demonstrating flexibility and the

  willingness to contribute to the broader community

  Physical Requirements:

• Able to stand for long periods at a time

• Able to hike outdoors in all weather conditions and over various types of terrain

• Able to lift and move up to 30 lbs

• Able to speak clearly so listeners can understand; able to understand others

  The successful candidate will model professionalism, curiosity, responsibility, creativity and respect for all persons, as well as a demonstrated commitment to advancing the school’s core values of progressive education, environmental stewardship, equity, and inclusion.