Zoo School Elementary Teacher (Kindergarten)
Collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew in San Antonio
Choosing where to grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the place you choose to work at will support and guide you. With a diversity of passionate people, San Antonio Zoo is a place where you can collaborate with others securing a future for wildlife.
The Impact You’ll Make in this Role
The Kindergarten Teacher is responsible for designing and delivering a high-quality, nature-based elementary program at Zoo School. This role blends strong instructional practices with experiential, outdoor learning to support the whole child. Zoo School Elementary currently serves Kindergarten and 1st grade students and is expanding as part of a growing K–5 program.
As a Zoo School Elementary Teacher, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people in San Antonio. Here, you will make an impact by:
Instruction and Curriculum:
- Plan and deliver engaging, TEKS-aligned instruction in literacy, math, and interdisciplinary content areas guided by mission, principles and practices for quality elementary programs and the San Antonio Zoo
- Design inquiry-based lessons that integrate student interests with academic learning goals
- Utilize a mix of whole group, small group, and hands-on learning experiences
- Incorporate outdoor, place-based learning opportunities into daily instruction
- Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners
- Model and promote stewardship of the natural world
- Support Zoo-wide initiatives and maintain a strong commitment to the San Antonio Zoo mission
Teaching and Evaluating:
- Monitor student progress through observation, documentation, and formative assessments
- Use data to guide instruction and support individual student growth
- Maintain student records and contribute to progress reporting and conferences
Assure compliance with all relevant governmental rules and regulations. Be aware of and responsive to best practices within the education profession.
Creating Community
- Create a safe, engaging, and inclusive classroom environment that fosters curiosity, independence, and confidence
- Support student social-emotional development alongside academic growth
- Facilitate smooth transitions between indoor and outdoor learning environments
Collaborate with fellow teachers and leadership to develop and refine the Zoo School Elementary model - Contribute to curriculum development aligned with the school’s nature-based philosophy
- Support the expansion of the program into additional elementary grade levels
Participate in team meetings, professional development, and school initiatives - Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress and classroom experiences
- Build strong, positive relationships with families and caregivers
- Support family involvement in school events and learning experiences
Key Highlights:
- Passion for nature-based and experiential learning
- Ability to balance play-based learning with academic rigor
- Flexible, creative, and growth-minded
- Strong leadership and initiative
Your Skills and Expertise
To set you up for success in this role from day one, the San Antonio Zoo recommends the following skills/qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Early Childhood, Elementary Education, or related field
- Teaching certification preferred (or willingness to obtain)
- Experience teaching PreK, Kindergarten or early elementary students
- At least 2 years of experience working with young children in early childhood (ages 3–5) or elementary classroom settings
- Knowledge of TEKS and/or and standards-based planning
- Experience with inquiry-based, project-based, or nature-based learning preferred
- Strong classroom management and organizational skills
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Comfort working outdoors in various weather conditions
- Knowledge of, aptitude for, and enthusiasm for learning basic natural history/ecology concepts
- Must be available Monday through Friday, with the ability to occasionally work weekends, holidays and after-hour assignments
- Successful candidates must complete a pre-employment drug screening, background check, and TB test.
San Antonio Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. San Antonio Zoo will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
