Long-Term Substitute, Forest Preschool Teacher, ages 3-5

Summary

The Garland School is hiring a long-term substitute teacher for our Dragonflies group, ages 3 - 5, to cover the parental leave of one of the two teachers. This person would serve as an assistant or a co-teacher, depending on experience. The long-term substitute would train alongside both teachers starting in September 2025, step fully into the role in October or November, and continue for up to six months. 

Set among 200 acres of forest and streams on the Winston Prouty campus, the Garland School emphasizes year-round immersion in nature including trail walking, woods exploration, gardening, and seasonal Waldorf festivals. Teachers at Garland are welcomed into a community that prioritizes care and mutual aid. Homemade breakfast and lunch served daily.

Duties

Within our Waldorf inspired and nature-based program, we strive to be adults worthy of imitation, and nurture the children’s sense of imagination and wonder within a rhythmic day and week. Utmost attention is given to the emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of each child. Other responsibilities include: 

• Holding a rhythm of activities and experiences that encourage imaginative play and creative expression
• Collaborating with lead/co-teacher around all aspects of the work
• Supporting daily circle time with fingerplays, songs, and movement games
• Incorporate meaningful work (caring for space, making things with your hands) into the rhythm of the day

Requirements

Requirements for the role: 

• Prior teaching experience with children ages 3-5
• Able to support children's social-emotional development by modeling empathy, problem-solving, and restorative actions
• Able to confidently lead a small- to medium-sized group of children independently
• Experience sharing the outdoors with children or interest in learning
• Waldorf-related training or experience or interest in learning
• Team player; enthusiastic about working with other adults and taking care of children and the school environment, indoors and outdoors
• High school diploma or GED
• Background check and fingerprinting