Lead Preschool Teacher

Position: Preschool Lead Teacher
Location: Cairn Hill Nature Preschool at Camp Fire North Shore, Massachusetts
Reports to: Preschool Director
Salary: $50,000

Position Summary:
Cairn Hill Nature Preschool seeks a warm, creative, and collaborative Preschool Lead Teacher to join our team. Our program blends Waldorf-inspired early childhood education with a strong emphasis on nature-based learning, nurturing the whole child-head, heart, and hands. We believe in fostering meaningful relationships, curiosity, and respect for the natural world. The Lead Teacher will play a key role in delivering a curriculum that is rooted in seasonal rhythms, child-led exploration, and a balance of indoor and outdoor experiences.

Key Responsibilities:
Curriculum & Planning:

• Partner with the Preschool Director and colleagues to implement the Cairn Hill Curriculum, which integrates Waldorf early childhood practices with nature education and aligns with Massachusetts early learning standards.

• Develop weekly and daily lesson plans that are inspired by seasonal changes, nature exploration, and the evolving interests of the children.

• Maintain a harmonious balance of Waldorf activities-such as circle time, storytelling, songs, and art-alongside nature exploration, sensory activities, and developmentally appropriate literacy, math, and STEM experiences.

Child-Centered Support:

• Build and sustain respectful relationships with each child and their family, recognizing and honoring each child's unique developmental journey and background.

• Conduct regular observations and informal assessments to monitor progress and provide individualized support as needed.

• Encourage the development of motor skills, self-help skills, and social-emotional confidence through a variety of indoor and outdoor activities.

Nature Engagement:

• Lead children in daily nature exploration-rain or shine-fostering a deep connection with the natural world.

• Ensure children are safe, engaged, and appropriately dressed for outdoor learning, while promoting exploration and curiosity.

• Supervise and support safe play on nature trails and during outdoor activities.

Community & Communication:

• Use positive, respectful communication and guidance to support children's social and emotional growth.

• Cultivate an inclusive and welcoming classroom community where children and families feel valued.

• Maintain open lines of communication with families through informal conversations, regular updates, and a weekly newsletter prepared during rest time.

Classroom Environment & Operations:

• Create and maintain an organized, clutter-free, and aesthetically pleasing classroom environment that reflects Waldorf principles.

• Support the care and upkeep of both indoor and outdoor learning spaces, including gardens and natural play areas.

• Contribute to the planning and celebration of seasonal festivals and community events, participating in at least four per year.

• Attend staff meetings, open houses, and occasional outreach events to share the program's mission.

• Engage in professional development aligned with the Cairn Hill Curriculum and EEC requirements.

Professionalism & Growth:

• Collaborate with the Preschool Director to set and pursue three annual professional goals.

• Participate in quarterly and annual review meetings to reflect on achievements and areas for growth.

• Maintain current EEC certification and uphold the values, professionalism, and philosophy of Cairn Hill Nature Preschool.

Qualifications:

• Meets EEC licensing requirements for preschool teaching.

• Certification in First Aid and CPR (or willingness to obtain).

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Excellent organizational abilities.

• Experience in or commitment to nature-based and Waldorf-inspired education.

Benefits:

• Three weeks vacation annually, aligned with school breaks (February, April, and July).

• Ten paid sick days, two personal days, and thirteen holidays, plus one week of paid time off between Christmas and New Year's.

• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution.

• Health and dental insurance.

Employment is pending a background check.