SAR Academy

Early Learning Center Movement Teacher

SAR Academy, a Modern Orthodox, co-educational day school in Riverdale, NY, is seeking a passionate Teva Teacher to join our Early Learning Center team. The ideal candidate will have a deep appreciation for nature and a strong commitment to fostering children's connection with the natural world. This role involves working with children aged 2 years through kindergarten, facilitating outdoor learning experiences in our school garden and engaging and taking care of the animals in our Early Learning Center. The Nature Teacher will play a crucial role in developing young minds, nurturing curiosity, and instilling a sense of wonder and respect for the environment and living things.

Responsibilities:

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate nature-based curriculum activities for children aged 2 years through kindergarten.
• Lead outdoor exploration sessions in the school garden, encouraging children to observe, explore, and interact with the natural environment.
• Introduce children to basic concepts of gardening, including planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting, while fostering an understanding of the life cycle of plants.
• Supervise and facilitate interactions with animals in the Early Learning Center, ensuring the safety and well-being of both children and animals.
• Care for the animals throughout the year, including purchasing, feeding, and coordinating family visits for the animal’s well-being.
• Incorporate storytelling, songs, and hands-on activities to enhance children's understanding of the natural world and foster a love for nature.
• Create opportunities for sensory experiences, such as mud play, nature walks, and outdoor art projects, to stimulate children's senses and creativity.
• Collaborate with other teachers and staff to integrate nature-based learning experiences into the overall curriculum.
• Maintain the school garden and animal habitats, including watering plants, feeding animals, and ensuring a clean and safe environment.
• Communicate regularly with parents, update google site weekly inorder to provide updates on children's experiences and achievements in nature-based learning activities.
• Stay current with best practices in early childhood education and nature-based learning, participating in professional development opportunities as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Environmental Science, or related field preferred.
• Previous experience working with young children in an educational setting, preferably with experience in nature-based education.
• Knowledge of child development principles and the ability to adapt activities to meet the needs of children at different developmental stages.
• Passion for nature and environmental stewardship, with a commitment to instilling these values in young children.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage and connect with children, parents, and colleagues.
• Patience, creativity, and a sense of humor, with the ability to maintain a positive and nurturing learning environment.
• Physical stamina and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain certification upon hire.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to inspire young children to develop a lifelong love for nature and the environment. If you are enthusiastic about connecting children with the natural world and nurturing their curiosity and wonder, we encourage you to apply.

About SAR:

SAR Academy is a Modern Orthodox co-educational nursery through grade 8 day school located in Riverdale, NY. We are dedicated to the belief that every child possesses a divine spark, has unique worth as an individual and should be encouraged to achieve according to his or her ability. Our warm environment promotes confidence, creativity and enthusiasm for learning. In our approach to academics, we nurture students to develop intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills and a lifelong love of both Torah and Secular studies.