Montessori Substitute Teacher-Temporary
About the Organization
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is a non-profit environmental education organization founded in 1966. With a mission to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world, this respected community leader, located in Holderness, New Hampshire has brought visitors nearer to nature since 1966. Open meadows, mature forests, and marsh boardwalks connect interactive natural history exhibits where native animals reside: black bears, mountain lions, foxes, river otters, bobcats, and more. New Hampshire is famous for its picturesque lakes and mountains, and Squam Lake is a gem among many. Our Lake Cruise tours provide a scenic and comfortable viewpoint of its amazingly clear water, rocky shores, celebrated islands, historic homes, scenic mountain views, and remarkable wildlife.
Blue Heron School is a Montessori program for preschool and kindergarten, which incorporates the nature preschool philosophy and includes significant time outdoors. It is a part of the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness NH www.nhnature.org. The mission of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world. Through spectacular live animal exhibits, natural science education programs, an informal public garden, and lake cruises, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center has brought people nearer to nature since 1966.
About the Job
Employment Title: Blue Heron School Substitute Teacher
Supervisor Title: Blue Heron School Director(s)
Employment Classification: Non-exempt
Employment Type: Full-time, temporary 90-day position
Average Hours Worked: 40 hours Weekly, 80 hours Bi-Weekly
Position Term: Begins August 18, 2025, and ends December 19, 2025
Compensation Rate: $17.00 per hour
Supplemental Benefits: A complimentary 8-person SLNSC membership, discounts on retail purchases, educational programs, Lake Cruise tickets, and professional development support. A complete summary of benefits can be provided upon request. Temporary and seasonal positions are not eligible for paid time off (PTO) or benefits.
About Blue Heron School: Blue Heron School is a Montessori program for preschool and kindergarten that incorporates the nature preschool philosophy, with a significant emphasis on outdoor time. It is a part of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (SLNSC) in Holderness, NH. We strive to engage the mind, hands, and heart of each child to nurture resilient nature explorers, confident learners, and empathetic citizens.
The mission of SLNSC is to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world. Through spectacular live animal exhibits, natural science education programs, an informal public garden, and lake cruises, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center has brought people nearer to nature since 1966.
Position Summary
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (SLNSC) seeks a Substitute teacher for a temporary ninety-day position to cover a leave of absence. The Substitute Teacher supports the work of the lead and associate teachers in their interactions with children. They will start to develop their knowledge of the Montessori educational philosophy and the nature preschool approach. They observe and support the children and their classroom routines.
Role & Responsibilities
- Follow the direction of the lead and associate teacher when performing classroom duties
- Consistently interact with children in a kind, firm, and positive manner, in response to all behaviors
- Share child and classroom observations and recordkeeping with the lead teacher
- Help to prepare the classroom and activities each morning
- Help guide children to care for themselves, follow ground rules, and participate in activities indoors and outside
- Guide children to other areas of the Science Center with the teacher, naturalists, and volunteers
- Help with daily cleaning, organizing, and restocking after the school day has ended
- Participate in planning and executing activities
- Make materials as needed
- Observe and record children’s behavior and activities using the classroom’s shared recordkeeping system to record children’s behavior and progress
- Begin understanding and implementation of Montessori philosophy, nature preschool education, and the Positive Discipline approach to helping children learn to manage their behavior
- Participate in weekly and monthly staff meetings to resolve classroom issues and to plan activities and events
Education and Mandatory Requirements
- Must be eighteen years of age or older.
- A high school diploma or equivalency is required.
- An Associate's or Bachelor's Degree, or working towards one, is appreciated.
- Must be able to pass a background check as required by the NH Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS), the Child Care Licensing Unit (CCLU).
- Details for background checks for Child Care Personnel can be found here: https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/childcare-parenting-childbirth/child-care-licensing/background-checks-child-care
Application Process:
- To be considered for this role, qualified candidates must email Bonnie Baker, HR/Finance Manager, a resume and a cover letter of interest at bonnie.baker@nhnature.org.
- All applicants must submit a cover letter and professional resume to be considered.
- Candidate submissions without a cover letter will be asked to provide a cover letter.
- A completed SLNSC employment application will be required before the first interview.
- Applicants will receive an acknowledgment email within two days of submitting their credentials.
- Candidates will be selected for interviews within five to ten business days, and the interview process consists of a series of interviews with our hiring committee.
- Telephone inquiries are not permitted due to the high volume of applicants.