Careers
At Friends, discovery, invention, creativity, and play come together to foster a nurturing and inspiring educational environment. Our dedicated educators create a safe space that encourages children to explore, take academic risks, and develop essential skills through student-centered, play-based learning. We seek to attract passionate, dedicated individuals to join our vibrant community of educators. If you have a love for teaching and a commitment to fostering a nurturing environment where children can explore, create, and grow, we invite you to apply for open positions. Our team works collaboratively to implement a play-based, nature-oriented curriculum rooted in Quaker values, ensuring that each child receives personalized attention in a supportive setting. Faculty make a meaningful impact on young learners while participating in ongoing professional development that enhances their skills and career growth. Reach out today to learn more about available positions and how you can contribute to our mission of nurturing lifelong learners!
Camp Director
Friends Neighborhood Nature School seeks an enthusiastic and experienced Camp Director to expand and lead our 8 week summer camp program. This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape and grow our nature-based, play-oriented camp experience for children.
During Summer (Full-time)
- Oversee daily camp operations, ensuring a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment
- Supervise and mentor camp staff
- Implement and refine camp curriculum
- Manage camper and family relations
- Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and safety standards
- Coordinate with school administration on logistics and resources
During School Year (Flexible, Part-time, Remote)
- Develop and enhance camp curriculum aligned with our play-based, nature-focused Quaker school
- Meet curriculum deadlines from January - May as outlined by the Director and School Board
- Recruit, hire, and train camp staff
- Manage camper enrollment and communication with families
- Ensure all regulatory requirements and certifications are met
- Plan and prepare camp materials and resources
- Collaborate with school leadership on program development and marketing strategies
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Education, Recreation, or related field
- Minimum 3 years experience in camp/teacher leadership roles
- Strong understanding of child development and play-based learning
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Familiarity with relevant health and safety regulations for childcare programs
- First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
Desired Qualities
- Passion for outdoor education and nature-based activities
- Alignment with Quaker values and educational philosophy
- Creativity and innovation in program development
- Strong leadership and problem-solving skills
This position offers the opportunity to expand our beloved preschool's impact into the summer months, providing children ages 3 through 5 (with potential expansion to older age groups in the future) with an enriching, nature-focused camp experience.
If interested, please send your resume and cover letter to Amanda Marchesani, Director of the Friends Neighborhood Nature School at:.
Preschool Nature Teacher
Friends Neighborhood Nature School seeks an experienced, energetic, nature oriented, Preschool Teacher who appreciates and enjoys the gifts and talents young children ages 2.5 to 5 years old bring to their educational experience. The ideal candidate will have a background in early childhood education as well as strong classroom management skills. Expertise in developing an engaging, developmentally appropriate learning environment is also required. Teachers should be prepared to spend the bulk of their time outdoors and demonstrate a passion for using nature as a context for child centered experiences. The ideal candidate will value and promote child led activities as well as demonstrate strong communication and collaborative skills in a team environment.
Responsibilities
- Under the direction of the Head Teacher and Assistant Director implement engaging nature-based lesson plans that promote early childhood education and foster a love for the outdoors.
- Manage classroom dynamics effectively, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for preschool children.
- Communicate with families about student progress and classroom activities.
- Facilitate hands-on learning experiences that encourage exploration and discovery in nature.
- Collaborate with colleagues to enhance curriculum development and support children's individual learning needs.
Friends Neighborhood Nature School is an equal opportunity employer and a member of the Quaker Schools, Friends’ Council On Education.
Qualified Applicants interested in either the Full-Time or a Part-Time role should submit a cover letter and resume to Amanda Marchesani, Director of the Friends Neighborhood Nature School at:
Please include “Assistant Teacher Position” in the subject line.
Substitutes
We are excited to invite enthusiastic individuals to join our team as Substitute Teachers! In this vital role, you will support our dedicated educators in fostering a nurturing, play-based learning environment where children can explore, discover, and thrive. If you have a passion for working with young children and are committed to nurturing their growth and development, we encourage you to apply. Become part of our mission to inspire lifelong learners and immerse yourself in a community that values collaboration, creativity, and the joy of learning. Your contribution can make a lasting difference in the lives of our students!