Nature Preschool Extern - Boston Outdoor Preschool Network

NOTE: You must have an approved resume from the Career Center before you can apply for this externship. See the Application Procedure section below! 

Type: Applied Externship (without Project Component)

Organization:
Boston Outdoor Preschool Network (BOPN) is a nonprofit organization focused on nature-based early education. We operate toddler and preschool programs in Boston, Milton, Malden, and Sudbury. We bring families together in community and give children a joyfully muddy childhood under the loving guidance of dedicated teachers. Our goals are to promote children’s physical and mental health, encourage environmental stewardship, and develop habits of mind such as curiosity, initiative, persistence, creativity, problem-solving, and responsibility.

Industry: Education

Openings: 5

Role and Responsibilities:

Externs will assist with teaching children ages 15 months - 5 years under the supervision of experienced Lead Teachers.

• Nurture the spirit and curiosity of each child while promoting respect and building community. Use a nature-based and play-based approach.
• Assist the Lead Teacher(s) in being responsible for the children’s health and safety. This includes helping children stay comfortable in various weather conditions and managing risk in an outdoor setting
• Gracefully and professionally communicate with teachers, parents, and the wider community
• Submit a reflection at the end of your externship (due December 21st)

Additional information:

• Priority is given to applicants who can extern 20 - 30 hours/week for the full 3 weeks
• It is the externs' responsibility to find housing in or near our program locations.
• We encourage externs to apply for summer or school-year employment opportunities
• Background checks are required

Qualifications:

• Juniors or Seniors
• Strong interest in learning about nature-based early childhood education
• Curious about the natural world and able to convey a sense of awe and wonder to the children
• Embrace a wide variety of weather conditions as unique and interesting, part of the ebb and flow of the natural rhythm and seasonal changes
• Stamina to teach young children outdoors in various winter weather conditions, including cold rain
• Able to carry class supplies
• Able to hike across varied terrain while carrying supplies

Location and Timing:

• In-person: Boston, Malden, Milton, or Sudbury (please let us know which BOPN location you prefer)
• Three weeks, 12/2/2025 - 12/19/2025, Monday-Friday, 20-35 hours/week depending on location placement
• Four of our locations are accessible via public transit. Outdoor winter clothing is essential. 
  • Arnold Arboretum (Boston)
  • Franklin Park Zoo (Boston)
  • Pine Banks Park (Malden/Melrose)
  • Eustis Estate (Milton)
  • Forbes House Museum (Milton)
  • Wolbach Farm (Sudbury)

Other Information:

• Unpaid
• No housing is available from the site host.
• Seniors are welcome to apply for a Fellowship for the school year 2026 - 2027. Our Fellowships are entry-level nature preschool teaching positions with housing provided.

Hosts: Sarah Besse '12, Sarah.Besse@bopn.org and Sarah Ring, sarah.ring@bopn.org 

Application Procedure:

• NOTE: Your resume must be approved by a career coach before you will be permitted to submit your application via Handshake. To meet with a career coach, schedule through Handshake or stop by for drop-in coaching with a Student Career Assistant.