Assistant Teacher Position 2024-25

Tree of Life Forest School; Amherst, MA

 

About the Program

At Tree of Life Forest School, children participate in hands-on, place-based education deeply connected to the natural world. We offer a healing, whole-person, developmental education where children learn through time in nature, movement, work, play, art, and authentic experience. We are a program that spans Kindergarten through Third Grade, currently working with children ages 5-9. Our approach weaves together the Forest School model with the pedagogy and curative inspiration of Rudolf Steiner.

 

Program Setting

On Nipmuck and Pocomtuck tribal land, our 1860’s farmhouse, small barn, and homestead located on 1.75 acres in South Amherst, MA is our beloved home base. Adjacent to Mt. Pollux and Baby Carriage Conservation Land, the nearby fields and forest are our home away from home. With goats, chickens, ducks, and vegetable, herb and flower gardens, a Newfoundland dog named Merlin – the teachers and children work, learn, and play in daily community with our more than human family.

 

Candidates will have a strong interest in:

  • Outdoor education

  • Waldorf Education and Curative Education

  • Working with diverse learners

  • Social, racial and ecological justice

  • Hands-on, practical activities, work, crafts

  • Ecology, Sustainable Agriculture, Wilderness Skills

  • The physical, social, emotional, and spiritual development of children

  • Respecting the individuality of students while providing clear and consistent expectations

 

Responsibilities

Partner Lead Teacher in providing a safe, joyful, loving, and purposeful environment for a class of 10 children. Accompany the children with care and clarity, guiding them as they accomplish the tasks of the day (farm chores, movement activities, drawing and lesson time, nature walks and explorations, snack, lunch, rest, crafts, seasonal work and play.) Assist with set-up, clean-up, transitions. Provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all children and families.

 

Position Overview

•Late August 2024 through early June 2025
•4-5 days/week M-Th/F, 8:00 am-4:00 pm
•An additional 4 Set-Up Days in late August
•4 Paid sick days. School vacations. No overtime. No weekend duties.
•Social security/Medicare, State & Federal tax withholding, Workers Comp  benefit
•Salary: $18/hr.
•All educators must complete a background check, First Aid training, and EEC requirements during Summer 2024 

 

Candidates please submit resume, letter of interest, and three references to treeoflifeforestschool@gmail.com.