School-Year Assistant Teacher

ODC Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to outdoor education and conservation throughout West Michigan. At the heart of our mission is the ODC Early Childhood Network, where we proudly offer nature-based discovery preschools in Allegan and Ottawa County.

Our commitment is to provide enriching early childhood learning opportunities for children aged 0-5, fostering the development of social, emotional, and academic skills. The ODC is looking for a teacher with a genuine love for young children and a commitment to high quality care who is talented, enthusiastic, and motivated to be part of our team. This position will start mid-August and will work 8:15am-12:15pm Mon-Fri and two afternoons per week during the school-year only (28 hours per week). Teachers at all ODC Early Childhood Centers must be willing to spend time outdoors in all weather with their students!

The Assistant Teacher will work with the Lead Teacher and fellow Assistant Teachers to provide a high-quality, developmentally appropriate nature-based preschool experience for children ages 3-5 and work actively with ODC Network staff to ensure children have a strong connection to nature.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Serve as assistant for assigned preschool classes.
• Help lead classroom activities including but not limited to, interacting with students in nature and the classroom setting, engaging students in learning activities, preparing snacks, and maintaining a safe learning environment.
• Partner with Lead Teacher and other assistants in development and planning of age-appropriate learning activities, such as small groups/enrichment activities for individual children and outdoor activities, based on nature-based curriculum and philosophy.
• Assist with the organization of outdoor and indoor classrooms and learning resources.
• Facilitate/lead daily small group learning activities.
• Actively participate in large group activities, nature hikes, and explorations.
• Complete daily anecdotal note taking.
• Serve as a substitute teacher as needed when teachers are absent.
• Participate in staff meetings, staff professional development events, and other ODC Network events

Professional Responsibilities:

Maintain educational and training requirements for preschool licensing and quality program assessments.

Supervision/Evaluation:

Supervision and evaluation will be provided by the Preschool Director and Lead Teacher. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated interest in helping to teach and develop young children and early childhood education.
• Interest in nature and being outdoors.
• Willingness to spend a significant amount of time outdoors each day, in all types of weather.
• Demonstrated good character, responsibility and suitability to meet the needs of children with diverse backgrounds and learning differences.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team.
• Must pass a complete Michigan background check, including fingerprinting.
• Current certification in First Aid/CPR, training will be provided if needed.
• Bilingual English/Spanish speakers are highly encouraged to apply.

Physical Demands:

This position requires the following physical activities: pushing, pulling, climbing, walking, standing, squatting, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, lifting, bending, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity. The work/teaching is performed indoors and outdoors. Additionally, this position requires occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds and walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods of time.

Equipment Operated:

Must be proficient with Microsoft Office applications, Google, and the operation of general office equipment. These job responsibilities represent only the essential and most significant duties of the position. This job description does not exclude other work assignments, directives and responsibilities not mentioned above.

ODC Network complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Kaylee Mesbergen, Chief of People & Culture at [email protected].