Greenwood School : Naturalist/Nature & Environmental Studies Teacher (NEST) for the 2008-09 school year

Posted to website January 29, 2008

Naturalist/Nature & Environmental Studies Teacher (NEST)
3rd Grade NEST Teacher Position & Assistant NEST Teacher Position

Greenwood School is seeking a Naturalist/Nature & Environmental Studies (NEST) Teacher and an assistant to the Nature & Environmental Studies (NEST) teacher for the 2008-09 school year. Greenwood is an independent Waldorf-inspired school, K-8, located in Mill Valley (Marin County), California. Although the town is only 10 minutes north of San Francisco, it is nestled at the foot of Mt. Tamalpais, and is surrounded by hundreds of acres of open space, with access to beaches and incomparable coastline.

One of the distinguishing qualities of Greenwood School is its Nature/Environmental Studies (NEST) Program. Through our Nature/Environmental Studies (NEST) program, Greenwood School integrates experiential, inquiry-based science, ecological values and environmental awareness beginning in kindergarten through 8th grade. One day each week, class is held away from the confinements of desks and chairs and into the natural world. This outdoor classroom is held in a redwood grove, walking distance from the school, at satellite campuses at Slide Ranch, Green Gulch, and Point Bonita, or on a field trip exploring the biologically diverse and rich landscape of the Bay Area.

Naturalists for each class engage the students deeply in studying the interconnections within nature, environmental stewardship, local plant and animal life, geology, and ecology. The children are led on hikes, create nature crafts, nature journals and poetry as well as observe and experience natural processes. In the middle school years, the NEST program shifts focus from a program emphasizing play, wonder, and reverence to observation, question/hypothesis, inductive/deductive thought and a capacity to move between a variety of mediums in expressing knowledge of what has been discovered. The curriculum content of Greenwood’s NEST program incorporates the National Science Standards, Waldorf Science Curriculum, and the California Science State Framework.

3rd Grade NEST Program:
We currently are seeking a Naturalist/Nature Environmental Studies teacher for the 3rd grade. The curriculum focus in the 3rd grade is centered around the theme of agriculture. And how humans consciously utilize the earth while encouraging stewardship for the planet’s ecology. One day each week, children are led on hikes as well as visit local sustainable farms to observe and participate in farm life. Greenwood participates in the Farm Field Study Program through Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) as well as visit coastal organic farms along the coast on a continual and seasonal basis.

We seek an extraordinary individual with a high degree of integrity and commitment to working in a collaborative manner - a flexible person of openness, honesty and a willingness to grow, who will make a positive and lasting impression upon the lives of our children.

Candidates need to have a strong science background with BA/BS and/or advanced degree in science and teaching experience as well as an understanding of Waldorf education. Candidates are expected to provide logistical, instructional and content leading to a total sensory immersion for no more than 24 students per grade. A willingness to engage with the educational work of Rudolf Steinir and an inquiry-based curriculum is an advantage. Compensation: $50/hr for one 6-hour school day per week

We welcome your resume along with a letter of intent that touches on your life experience, education, teaching experiences, relationship to children and areas of strengths and interests. We also ask that you submit three references from people who know your work whom we could contact by phone.

Please email to resumes@greenwoodschool.org or mail to 17 Buena Vista Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 94941.
Phone (415) 388-0495. Fax (415) 388-6895

Assistant NEST Teacher Position:
We currently are seeking an assistant to the naturalist/Nature Environmental Studies teacher for grades 1st – 4th grade.  Class size ranges from 20-24 students.  The position criteria is as follows:

1)    Share a general wonder, love, and respect for the natural world.
2)    Provide support to the NEST teacher with class management (order, rhythm, supervision).
3)    Assist with carpool logistics and drive school provided vehicle when necessary (Providing the school with valid CDL, Proof of insurance).
4)    Assist with arrival and dismissal of the children.
5)    Meet with the NEST teacher 15-30 minutes before the start and end of school to discuss any behavioral or academic challenges/issues that occur within the class.
6)    Attend NEST teacher meetings and at least one parent teacher meeting or community meeting throughout the year.
7)    Candidates with a strong science background, outdoor/environmental teaching experience, and an understanding of Waldorf education preferred.

We welcome your resume along with a letter of intent that touches on your life experience, education, teaching experiences, relationship to children and areas of strengths and interests. We also ask that you submit three references from people who know your work whom we could contact by phone.

Please email to analise@greenwoodschool.org  or mail to 17 Buena Vista Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 94941. 
Phone (415) 388-0495.  Fax (415) 388-6895.