Elementary Garden & Aftercare Teacher

MdTL, a small independent Montessori school serving children 2 years - 6th grade in San Rafael, is seeking an Elementary Garden & Aftercare Teacher. This is a part-time, on-site, multi-role position. MdTL has a wonderfully supportive staff and community, and is a great place to grow your career.

We are looking for qualified candidates who can provide enriching outdoor, garden, and naturalist experiences for elementary-aged children.

Hours: 12-5pm, M-F

Responsibilities:

Elementary Support & Garden Teacher (12-3pm):

Elementary Support (12-1pm): Supervise Upper Elementary (grades 4-6) play time.

Elementary Garden Teacher (1-3pm): Develop the MdTL garden program in alignment with AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) Elementary standards, and be responsible for collaborating with the Head Teachers on all aspects of the garden and outdoor education curriculum for Elementary grades 1-6.

Elementary Aftercare Teacher (3-5pm):

The Elementary Aftercare Teacher and the aftercare assistant will supervise students in an informal program setting, provide a variety of both indoor and outdoor activities in which the students may participate if desired, provide a daily snack, and offer guidance and engagement in a supportive and nurturing environment that strikes a balance between unstructured free choice and planned activities.

Garden Program Description:

Our Nature enrichment program provides a child-led, collaborative experience for small groups in our Lower Elementary (grades 1-3) and Upper Elementary (grades 4-6) programs. We emphasize experiencing nature through the garden and outdoor space rather than solely teaching gardening. We organize small groups of children to visit the garden and take part in various educational and engaging activities such as gardening, nature crafts, animal identification, bird watching, dye making, and sampling edible garden plants through making food or teas. Should the candidate have 12 ECEs, we may plan to expand the program to include working with preschool-aged children next year. Our garden serves as an outdoor classroom meant to be a natural place with insects, reptiles, birds, and squirrels. Children are guided in nature studies and activities to connect with and care for their outdoor environment.

You don't need to be an expert, but you should be curious and connected to nature. We welcome new perspectives from teachers and aim to nurture children's love for nature and the outdoors.

This position operates during our school year which runs from mid-August to mid-June. Opportunities for summer work include developing and working an Elementary Camp for our current students / working Primary Camp if candidate has at least 12 ECE units.

Requirements / Desirables:

12 ECE Units preferred (or willingness to obtain these units over time)

Minimum 2 years Teaching experience preferred (could include outdoor education)

Montessori experience preferred

Negative TB test within 4 years

Available to start ASAP

Bilingual candidates especially encouraged to apply fluent in Spanish and English preferred

We Offer:

Competitive salary commensurate with experience

Paid Holidays

PTO/Sick Time