Internship in Nature-based Early Education (Spring 2023)

We aspire to create a world where nature education is accessible to all families, regardless of socio-economic status. Thus, in September 2022 BOPN launched a collaboration with a Boston public school located near the Arnold Arboretum to provide consistent outdoor play and nature-connection for their three K1 (4-year-old) classes. This work is part of a growing “Forest Days” movement to get public school children out into nature. Each K1 class spends one joyful morning each week exploring nature with guidance from BOPN educators, classroom teachers, and family volunteers.  We seek an intern to support Forest Days! Learn more at www.bopn.org/partnerships.

To assist in providing outdoor education for prekindergarten children from a local elementary school under the supervision of experienced early childhood and outdoor educators.

·     1 – 3 mornings per week from March through June (earlier start date possible)

·     Interns may choose Monday, Tuesday, and/or Wednesday mornings from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Arnold Arboretum (Boston, MA)

·     Nurture the spirit and curiosity of each child while promoting respect and building community. Use a nature-based and play-based approach.

·     Assist the teachers to apply aspects of the Boston Public Schools curriculum in an outdoor setting, incorporating environmental education and nature-connection. In addition, help to develop emergent curriculum based on the children’s interests and the seasons.

·     Assist the teachers to be responsible for the health and safety of each child. This includes helping children stay comfortable in rainy weather and addressing conflict.

·     Gracefully and professionally communicate with teachers, staff, children, and parent volunteers.

·     Attend occasional professional development events.

·     Other duties as assigned

·     Strong interest in nature-based early childhood education

·     Curiosity about the natural world and ability to convey a sense of awe and wonder to the children

·     Excited to teach outdoors in all kinds of weather

·     Eager to implement anti-bias education

·     Preferred: bilingual in Spanish

Email your resume and cover letter to Sarah.Besse@bopn.org.

·     BOPN is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

·     References and background record checks are required.

·     Feel free to inquire about summer opportunities at BOPN.