EARLY CHILDHOOD FOREST PROGRAM SUBSTITUTE TEACHER (PRESCHOOL & PRE-K)

Hawken School is committed to doing school differently and better. We seek to create an inclusive and accepting community where adults are empowered to design educational experiences for students that are deep and learner-centered. Hawken School seeks culturally competent teachers, administrators, and staff members who are committed to equity and social justice, who are comfortable taking risks, and who embrace a growth mindset. We are constantly looking for new ways to inspire student curiosity and agency while remaining dedicated to nurturing compassion and kindness in our students. 

THE POSITION
Hawken School is seeking dynamic and innovative individuals committed to teaching the total child. Candidates should be eager to work in an innovative and collaborative team-based environment with thoughtful individuals committed to doing school better. As a Substitute Teacher, flexibility, adaptability, and problem-solving skills will be critical factors in our search. 

Responsibilities include: 

• Assist Lead Teacher in an outdoor nature-based learning classroom 
• Support individualized needs of children while assisting with whole and small-group experiences during teacher-directed activities and during unstructured times of natural discovery 
• Facilitate immersive outdoor experiences for preschool or pre-k students during all seasons
• Demonstrate care for children with confidence and comfort in meeting their needs outdoors in all seasons 
• Encourage and extend children’s opportunities to navigate risks and challenges in outdoor active play

QUALIFICATIONS
Although prior classroom experience is preferred, candidates who have interacted with children in toddler through Kindergarten age in organized settings (such as youth group or athletics) are welcome to apply. A deep understanding of developmental needs of young children and enthusiasm for learning are required. 

• Possess an infectious passion for nature and an ability to express authentic awe and wonder
• A willingness to get dirty and an ability to be spontaneous and flexible 
• Demonstrated passion about educating young children with a student-centered mindset and teaching children in nature, recognizing that child/human development is interconnected with nature and other living beings 

HAWKEN CANDIDATE COMPETENCIES
Mission, Culture, and Philosophy Alignment: Successful candidates show they can thrive at Hawken and are highly motivated by the school’s mission. 
Fair Play: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice: Successful candidates indicate a commitment to and have experience with serving students and communities equitably. 
Relationship Building and Cultivation: Successful candidates show they can build relationships throughout the Hawken community. 
Content Knowledge: Successful candidates demonstrate depth in content area knowledge as well as an ability to inspire students to a high level of excellence and challenge and take a student-centered approach to all aspects of their work. 
Humility and Growth Mindset: Successful candidates are eager to learn new approaches and methods and be able to team effectively with others. 
Approach to Work: Successful candidates show initiative and agency with a commitment toward feedback and flexible problem-solving. 

THE SCHOOL
Founded on the ideal that “the better self shall prevail and each generation introduce its successor to a higher plane of life,” Hawken School is a coeducational independent day school with 1,600 students in toddler through grade 12. Our four campuses are located within 25 minutes of downtown Cleveland, and an urban extension center in the city’s museum district provides a demanding and integrated course of study in a diverse and dynamic environment. 
To learn more about us, visit www.hawken.edu.

HOW TO APPLY: Please send a resume, references, and a cover letter to Brooke Marcy at ecemployment@hawken.edu. 

Hawken School is an equal-opportunity employer dedicated to promoting all forms of diversity in the workplace and in our student body. We strongly urge all qualified individuals to apply.