ECC Outdoor Classroom Teacher at Sinai Akiba Academy

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionSalary: $23.00 - $30.00 Per HourThe Douglas Family ECC Outdoor Classroom Teacher is a dynamic and innovative educator responsible for creating and leading a developmentally appropriate curriculum in an outdoor learning environment. This role requires a strong background in early childhood education, with specialized skills in curriculum development tailored to outdoor settings. The ideal candidate will possess a high level of physical stamina and enthusiasm for outdoor activities, ensuring that all learning experiences are engaging, safe, and conducive to child growth and development. The Outdoor Classroom Teacher will work primarily in an outdoor setting, with exposure to various weather conditions and natural elements. Physical stamina and comfort with outdoor activities are essential for success in this role. This is a part-time, non-exempt position.Sinai Akiba Academy is a preeminent private Jewish day school in Los Angeles, serving students in Early Childhood through Grade 8. Sinai Akiba Academy is undergirded by our school mission to engage students in the joy and discipline of learning, and nurture a community of ethical, critical thinkers who, shaped by our evolving Jewish tradition, walk through the world with confidence and humility.Our core values ofKehillah Kedoshah(Sacred Community);Talmud Torah(Academic Excellence);Derech Eretz(Kindness, Empathy, & Respect);Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof(Ethical Responsibility);Avodat Halev(Soulful Intention), andAhavat Yisrael(Love for Israel) serve as a commitment with the students, families and community members that we serve to energize the present, explore the past, and embrace the future.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESPlan and coordinate with the Outdoor Classroom Coordinator to incorporate appropriate, challenging curriculum for individual, small, and large group activities that promote learning in the areas of social-emotional, language, cognitive, physical, and self-help development and motivate children's enthusiasm for active participation in the learning process.Create and document effective lesson plans and conduct age-appropriate group lessonsHelp teachers plan or spontaneously extend their classroom activities to the outdoorsProvide a curriculum and organize centers for outdoor and science education with activities and materials that are rotated for a variety of experiencesDetermine the organization of each play area and ensure that a variety of new, age-appropriate opportunities are continually available.Oversee the teachers by assigning them specific responsibilities and monitoring that they are engaging in active learning (not just supervision)Guide and mobilize the children by making sure they are aware of activities available, helping them problem-solve, self-monitor, and practice self-controlEnsure that outdoor time is unique,fun, safe, and age-appropriate for the studentProvide a science curriculum that is fun, safe, and age-appropriateFacilitate play and learning rather than directing the childrens play, intruding on their play, or judging their ideasObserve how the children are engaging with the materials and scaffold the learning accordinglySteward and support teachers pedagogy and practices, including:Work with the Outdoor Classroom Coordinator to train teachers in active outdoor learning methods and responsibilitiesGet feedback from supervisors and teachers regarding science and outdoor activities that are/would be beneficialDevelop new ideas (centers, games, procedures, etc.) to make the outdoor periods productive and fun for studentsWork with teachers to develop regular routines with students (e.g., what happens when students arrive, when outdoor time is over, and returning equipment, etc.).Assign specific locations for each teacher in the play areas, and help create and coordinate the use of outdoor areasWork with supervisors on conflict resolution techniques for use with studentsProvide feedback to classroom teachers/advisors when specific children or groups are experiencing difficulty during outdoor ed/playtimeMaintain, monitor, and replenish DFECC teaching materialsUtilize the Outdoor Classroom bulletin board to make the outdoor learning visible by providing pictures and documentation that is regularly rotatedCommunicate verbally with children and verbally and digitally (email & SeeSaw) with parents, Staffulty, administrators, and colleagues about curriculum, childrens progress, and child developmentMaintain a sensitive, cooperative, and flexible demeanor in interactions with others, including colleagues, families, and childrenDemonstrate professionalism through reliability, punctuality, and participation in meetings and professional development opportunitiesMaintain personal integrity and a respectful attitude in professional relationshipsKeep current in contemporary pedagogical thinking, strategies, and techniques by reading professional journals and attending professional conferences, workshops, and coursesCoordinate efforts of assistant teachers, interns, student teachers, and other adults in the classroomAttend all meetings, including professional development, team meetings, age-level meetings, and meetings with parentsProvide for the physical safety of children through anticipation and removal of hazards, visual observation of children active or at rest, and appropriately responding to, documenting, and communicating about injuriesHelp to coordinate and be present during our Early Risers (early drop-off) program on the playgroundPrepared to spend the entire shift outdoorsAbility to move through the DFECC Playground, readily available to support planned or unplanned student group activitiesLearn, use, and apply technology as required by the School to enhance learning, provide feedback to students and parents, and engage with colleagues. Technology includes but is not limited to Jagnet, Google Workspace, Paylocity, and any other school-approved software.Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or Head of School in support of the schools missionPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSAbility to lift and move objects of up to 30 pounds.Substantial time spent standing, kneeling, walking, bending, stooping, squatting, and moving up and down stairs. Responsibilities include moving quickly with children. The position also requires being able to set up and move classroom equipment, including large items such as children's desks and chairs may require setting and resetting.QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTSBachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a minimum of 12 ECC unitsProven experience in early childhood education, with a focus on curriculum development for outdoor settingsAbility to work on campus Monday - Friday 7:30AM - 12:30PMStrong physical fitness and enthusiasm for engaging in outdoor activitiesDemonstrated ability to create a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environmentExcellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with children, parents, and colleagues effectivelyKnowledge of safety regulations and risk management practices in outdoor environmentsHourly Rate Range: $23.00 $30.00In the spirit of pay transparency we share the hourly rate range for this position: $23.00 - $30.00. Hourly rate is exclusive of fringe benefits, retirement plan employer contributions or potential stipends (for eligible employees). Pay ranges at SAA are reasonable estimates of what the School anticipates paying for a role but are not guaranteed. If hired at SAA, your final hourly rate will be determined by factors such as skills, education, experience, job level, part-time status and number of months of work per academic year. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity with our current employees as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the full hourly rate range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical for SAA in order to allow for future and continued hourly rate growth.Applicants may submit their resume for consideration to Lisa Rosenbloom at [email protected] Akiba Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and strictly prohibits any type of harassment or discrimination in regards to race, religion, age, color, sex, disability status, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender expression, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and/or local laws.