Overview:

RVNS seeks a creative, enthusiastic teaching assistant who will support the academic, social-emotional, and spiritual growth of young learners exploring and discovering the world around them. RVNS seeks a candidate whose philosophy aligns with our mission of creating an environment where children are known, loved, challenged and inspired for the future. The successful candidate must demonstrate an understanding of the developmental needs of young children (imaginative play, gross motor movement, cultivating a deep connection to nature and the arts).  

The teaching assistant is a self-motivated and directed individual with strong support-role abilities; excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; the desire to listen and speak with children and adults effectively and with compassion; the flexibility to operate independently and as part of a team; and a genuine interest in learning and teaching of young children, working with families, and cultivating community connections. They will support the lead teachers in lessons, circle times, meal times, and activities. A typical day includes 60-100% of the school day spent outside, in all weather conditions. Time outside inspires and prepares students for their learning. The curriculum consists of both constructed and emergent components. Comfort and competent self-care and care of others in the outdoors in all seasons are essential for this position. 

Children learn primarily in an outdoor environment and have access to shelter when weather is extremely inclement. River Valley Nature School guides children in their development as capable and confident individuals by focusing on the whole child. Using a curriculum that comes from the children's interests and passions, teachers facilitate academic development in areas including literacy, math, science, and social studies. Teacher-supported independent and group learning experiences encourage social and emotional development. Children learn in multi-aged groups serving ages 3-5, 5-7, and 8-12 in 2022-2023.

About our school:

River Valley Nature School is a child-centered, inquiry-based nature school in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. We are committed to empowering children to have their own voice and develop a life-long love of learning. 

Children learn in both an outdoor environment at Catbird Farm and an in-town indoor classroom near St. Mary’s Street park. River Valley Nature School guides children in their development as capable and confident individuals by focusing on the whole child. Using a curriculum that comes from the children's interests and passions, teachers facilitate academic development in areas including literacy, math, science, and social studies. Teacher-supported independent and group learning experiences encourage social and emotional development. Children learn in multi-aged groups serving ages 3-12 in 2022-2023, with grades expanding next year and beyond.

Job description:

This position requires the ability to work with a small staff team. The teaching assistant is a hard-working, enthusiastic, flexible, and confident teacher and learner for a school which strives to be a model for 21st century progressive education.  

The teaching assistant’s primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Work with the lead teachers as a partner to implement an engaging, developmentally-appropriate program to meet social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs of 3-8 year old children drawing on a variety of educational philosophies.

• Assist the lead teachers with setting up in the morning and throughout the day, daily lessons, circle times, celebrations, outdoor adventures, and clean up throughout the day and at the end of the day.

• Help students change clothes and use the restroom as developmentally appropriate.

• Supervise students in various settings including classrooms, outdoors, and field trips.

• Assist in developing nature-based activities that will integrate science, math, literacy, and the arts while encouraging cooperative learning and social skills.

• Work with the lead teachers to: 

  • Learn how to observe and assist children in inquiry-based learning, formally reflecting with them during the week.

  • Provide positive guidance to help children navigate through their social interactions with peers and adults.

• Maintain strong interpersonal communication skills with students, parents, and colleagues.

• Supervise Aftercare 1-2 times per week (teaching assistant will start later on aftercare supervision days so the number of work hours is equivalent across days).

• Attend staff meetings, professional development, and training sessions as requested. RVNS is committed to addressing issues of social justice, diversity, equity, and anti-bias education in our curriculum and in our community. Employees must be willing learners and participants in supporting this work.

The ideal candidate will:

Be passionate about educating children in nature.

Be self-motivated and self-directed with the flexibility to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Have strong leadership abilities and excellent interpersonal skills, organizational, and time-management skills.

Be a skilled communicator, guided by a desire to listen to and speak compassionately with both children and adults.

Feel comfortable and confident about meeting the needs of children outdoors in all seasons.

Minimum qualifications:

High school diploma or GED required

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in education or related field preferred

• Experience in an educational or childcare setting preferred

• Strong written and spoken communication skills

• Strong collaboration skills; able to work well with a team

• Strong organizational and effective time-management skills

• Foreign language and/or music education experience a plus

• Certification in child first aid and CPR

• Clean driving record (no traffic citations in last 5 years)

• Must pass background check, child abuse clearances, and drug test before starting employment

• Physical Requirements:Regularly sit, turn, bend, reach, stand, walk, talk, hear, and interact with students and others. Must have the ability to understand and present materials and communicate effectively with a wide range of people in a diverse community. Must be able to lift 50lbs. Must be able and willing to spend most of the school day outside.

RVNS is committed to addressing issues of social justice, diversity, equity, and anti-bias education in our curriculum and in our community. Employees must be willing learners and participants in supporting this work.

Interested candidates please send a resume, cover letter describing how and why the candidate is qualified and well-suited for the position, and three references to: info@rivervalleynatureschool.org