Preschool Teacher or Summer Camp Leader

Job Title: Preschool Teacher or Summer Camp Leader

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Locations: Various Locations

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Position Summary: Join The Wild School, Houston's premier nature school, and help children forge a deep, lifelong connection with the outdoors. Our mission is to inspire a love for nature through immersive, hands-on experiences that promote curiosity, creativity, and a sense of adventure. We are dedicated to providing a unique educational environment where children can explore, learn, and grow in the great outdoors.

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We are seeking an experienced, self-motivated, and nature-competent educator to teach at our forest preschool programs. If you are passionate about outdoor education and fostering young children’s love for nature, we would love to hear from you.​

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Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with a co-instructor and Preschool and Summer Camp Lead to design and implement engaging and cohesive programs for children aged 3-5 (Preschool) and 3-12 (Summer Camp)

• Provide high-quality outdoor education instruction in various settings, such as creeks, outdoor play areas, and forest hikes

• Communicate weekly with parents and families about program curriculum, logistics, and individual student progress

• Maintain a safe and functional learning environment in all weather conditions, ensuring children are engaged and supported

• Collaborate and communicate with a parent volunteer during classes

• Contribute to the upkeep of outdoor classroom items​

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Preschool Schedule: The preschool semester runs from the week of September through May

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Summer Camp Schedule: June 3rd-August 8th

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Required Qualifications:

• At least one year of previous experience in Early Childhood Education or a related field

• Enthusiasm for working with young children and a passion for introducing them to the natural world

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with parents, caregivers, and children

• CPR and First Aid Certification (must be obtained before employment begins)

• Background check required for employment

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Required Skills:

• Interest and Continued Education in the following areas:

  • General naturalist studies

  • Basic outdoor skills

  • Wildlife track identification

  • Navigation and mapping

  • Central Texas hazards

  • Basic flora and fauna identification for Central Texas

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Creativity, responsibility, organization, and self-direction within small teaching teams

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Preferred Skills/Training:

• Two or more years of experience teaching preschool-aged children in the outdoors

• Experience with nature connection mentoring

• Background in play-based pedagogy, informal learning, or European-based forest schools

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Compensation:

• Starting at $15 per hour, depending on experience

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Benefits:

• Paid training and professional development

• Training manual provided at the time of hiring

• 30% off classes and preschool for your children

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If you are excited about the opportunity to work in a dynamic and natural setting, fostering a love for the outdoors in young children, we encourage you to apply.