Preschool faculty members are a part of the Mountain Academy community at Teton Science Schools. Faculty implement Place-Based education through taking inspiration from the practices of nature-based learning and the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Faculty inspire students to learn and build community as they foster curiosity and engagement, as well as develop character and leadership skills. Faculty members will employ, whenever possible, experiential education within place-based contexts.  The preschool team will build strong relationships with colleagues, children, and families. Within the collaborative work environment of TSS, faculty members should expect to be contributing team members, while also taking the initiative to work autonomously.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• At least 2 years experience in a relevant field
• Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external constituents
• Ability to manage risk and make leadership decisions in front and backcountry settings.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office products and Google Apps
• Familiarity with place-based education & Reggio Emilia philosophy preferred
• Strong speaking and written communication skills

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

• Able to sit on the floor, be outside in all types of weather, and pick up heavy objects                                             
• Time spent hiking in front- and back-country settings
• May be expected to work evenings, weekends, or overtime to support special programs/events
• Able to drive 15 passenger vans & minibuses with participants

Responsibilities:

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment - 60%

• Develop and document curriculum within subject discipline
• Maintain updated curriculum and assessment information on Google Drive
• Plan, document, and execute lesson plans through direct instruction and guided student support
• Differentiate curriculum and assessment per student needs
• Create written daily documentation 1-2/week
• Create portfolio documentation 3 times per year
• Post ongoing documentation 3 times per year
• Create one historical documentation per year
• Organize a culminating event for project work
• Present at and plan for 3 parent nights per year
• Maintain a dynamic, engaging, and organized classroom environment
• Plan group journeys (off-campus learning excursions) once per trimester
• Maintain State of Wyoming Statewide Training and Resource System (STARS) hours

Advisory - 20%

• Act as advisor for 10-12 students
• Conduct 3 portfolio conferences per year and organize children's work in portfolios
• Communicate with parents about student successes, challenges, and other updates
• Participate and plan for 2 learning team conferences a year (fall and spring)
• Provide optional home visits to all advisee families
• Check-in with all advisee families a minimum of 3 times via email and 2 times via phone calls
• Contact Children's Learning Center with any developmental concerns and attend all meetings per advisees as needed
• Prepare narratives and developmental checklists for all advisees

Team - 15%

• Collaborate on integrated projects and intentions
• Complete duties: leading meeting, lunch, rest time, story, and cleaning
• Provide internal coverage if substitutes are not available
• Take part in all Mountain Academy and team faculty meetings
• Take part in pre-service and in-service professional development, including professional learning communities
• Take part in parent and informational meetings - back-to-school night, open house, etc.
• Align with team culture and goals
• Support administrative duties associated with successful implementation of program

One TSS Responsibilities - 5%

• Further development of practice and implementation of place based education pedagogies
• Take part in various greater TSS programs - PBE symposium, engagement sessions, etc.
• Contribute to inclusive work and learning environments through continually developing cultural competency. Cultural Competence is one’s ability to interact effectively across various dimensions of diversity. It lies at the intersection of awareness of others, self-awareness, and applying skills & knowledge to promote inclusion and equity.

This job description is not meant to state or imply that these are the only duties performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their manager in compliance with federal and state laws.

About Mountain Academy of Teton Science Schools

Teton Science Schools' (TSS) mission is to inspire curiosity, engagement and leadership through transformative place-based education. TSS is an organization in northwest Wyoming and Idaho comprised of six program areas sharing a common vision of education. TSS is deeply rooted in the outdoors as place anchors and enriches our understanding of the world. Our organization has educated, trained and inspired thousands of children, youth and adults, bringing them together through the study of place-based education. We serve students from across Wyoming, the Intermountain West, the nation and around the world.

Connections working at Mountain Academy of Teton Science Schools