Forest Kindergarten Teacher

Forest Friends
Forest Kindergarten Teacher
Position Description
TITLE: Forest Kindergarten Teacher
REPORTS TO: Wright-Locke Farm Director of Education
STATUS: Part Time (28-30 hours per week) with option to increase to Full-Time with
additional hours with Youth Programming.
SALARY RANGE: Competitive and commensurate with experience
START DATE: Spring 2024 (part-time 6-8 hours/week for planning) August 2024-June
2025
Wright-Locke Farm Mission:
The Wright-Locke Farm Conservancy (WLFC) seeks to build broad community and model
sustainable practices through active learning, organic agriculture, land stewardship, and an
appreciation of our historic New England farm. We grow certified organic vegetables, fruits and
flowers for local consumption, offer farm-based educational experiences for people of all ages
through structured programs and informal learning, and open our doors for public and private
events, providing a venue for recreation, leisure and gathering.
Forest Friends Mission:
Through our nature-immersive, play-based program, the Forest Friends program at
Wright-Locke Farm fosters a love of exploratory learning, educates the whole child, and
cultivates a genuine connection to the natural world. In these ways, we aim to create lifelong
learners, engaged and empathetic citizens, and compassionate environmental stewards. Learn
more at wlfarm.org/forest-friends.
Position Overview:
Forest Friends, a licensed preschool, is seeking an experienced early childhood, outdoor
educator who will teach a pilot Forest Kindergarten of 6-8 children for the 2024-2025 school
year. This individual will design and teach a curriculum that adheres to Massachusetts State
kindergarten standards while embracing the nature-immersive, play based philosophy of the

Forest Friends Preschool. Unlike our co-teaching model in the preschool, this position is for a
solo lead teacher.
Our ideal candidate has a genuine love for young children, a deep, personal connection to
nature, a commitment to high quality care and learning. This candidate must be willing and
able to spend extended time outdoors (at least 4 hours/day), in all weather, with their
students, Monday-Friday. We are seeking a highly relational and visionary educator who
shares the values of WLFC and desires to be an integral part of the mission of both Forest
Friends and the farm.
Principal Responsibilities include:
● Teach the 4-hour Forest Kindergarten program 5 mornings per week (8:30am – 12:30pm)
● Plan and facilitate curriculum for 5-8 kindergarten age students following Massachusetts
State kindergarten standards
● Develop and implement daily practices and routines as well as seasonal, placed-based,
emergent curriculum that promotes social-emotional learning and deep nature
connection
● Attend bi-weekly staff meetings and a weekly check-in with the co-directors of Forest
Friends
● Create and maintain a healthy, safe, and positive environment for children
● Communicate with parents about their child’s development and daily experiences,
including conducting parent/teacher conferences at least twice a year.
● Write weekly newsletters for families
● Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and supportive community with families, Forest
Friends staff, and WLFC staff
● Observe and document children’s progress in the areas of social, emotional, physical,
creative, cognitive skills including literacy, mathematics, and STEM
● Assist with the management of any interns and volunteers.
● Assist the co-directors in ensuring adherence to any policies and regulations to maintain
good standing with the town and the state
● Organize 2-3 field trips for the class that compliment areas of interest
● Help plan and attend 4-5 short family events during the school year
Desired Skills and Abilities:
● Experienced educator in a preschool/kindergarten/grade one setting
● Passionate about, and effective at, connecting with young children
● Strong communication skills with parents, staff and children
● Working knowledge of nature, science, and New England ecology
● Experienced in outdoor skills and activities, with an ability to safely lead the group
outside in all weather
● Familiarity with Massachusetts State Curriculum standards
● Ability to teach children at different stages of literacy and mathematical development

● Good organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks patiently and
professionally, and adapt to changing situations on a working farm
● Proficient with Google Drive Suite and editing/sharing photos
● Proficient with, or willing to learn, the MA EEC Lead portal and documentation guidelines
● Comfortable working independently
Education/Experience:
● Experience working with young children and families in a preschool/kindergarten/grade 1
setting
● Experience spending extended time in the outdoors in varying weather conditions
● Preschool Lead Teacher certified (or working towards certification) through
Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care or Massachusetts State
Teaching Licensure for Grade K-3
● CPR/First Aid certified, or willingness to obtain
● Willingness to work with Co-directors on maintaining professional MA EEC requirements
● Suitable Background Check (BRC) through Commonwealth of MA
Physical Demands: This position requires the ability to work outside September through June in
various New England weather conditions. The employee is frequently required to walk or hike
on steep or uneven terrain, stand and sit for extended periods of time. This employee will
occasionally climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently
lift and/or move up to 30 lbs. and may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
Anti-Discrimination Statement: Wright-Locke Farm is an equal opportunity organization and, as
such, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, age, national
origin (ancestry), physical or mental ability, marital status, or sexual orientation.
How to apply: Position open until filled (April 1st, 2024 is target hire date). Please send a
resume, cover letter, statement of education philosophy, and 3 references to Sarah Doyle,
Director of Education and Forest Friends to sdoyle@wlfarm.org.
Forest Friends
Wright-Locke Farm
82 Ridge Street
Winchester, MA 01890