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Children's Nature Academy: Teacher

Universities of Wisconsin · Eau Claire, WI

Posted Sep 9, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a child whose behavior challenged you. What did you try, and what worked?

What they are checking: Whether they look for the cause behind behavior and respond with patience rather than punishment.

This role mentors new teachers and university students. Tell me about a time you helped someone new grow in the classroom.

What they are checking: Whether they can model and coach practice, not just do the work themselves.

Tell me about a day when your plan fell apart. What did you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stay flexible and calm with young children when things do not go as planned.

What would you do

The Children's Nature Academy has a nature focus. How would you plan a week of outdoor learning for preschoolers in a Wisconsin winter?

What they are checking: Whether they can make nature-based learning work in real weather while keeping children safe and engaged.

A parent is upset at pickup because their child came home with a scraped knee and nobody told them. How do you handle that conversation?

What they are checking: Whether they can own a communication miss calmly and rebuild a parent's trust.

How would you work with a family and a specialist on a child who may have a developmental delay?

What they are checking: Whether they can share concerns with families sensitively and collaborate as part of a team.

About the work

How do you take an established curriculum and plan daily activities that fit the specific children in your room?

What they are checking: Whether they can follow a framework and still adapt to each child's development and interests.

How do you document a child's development so it is useful for an individualized plan and for families?

What they are checking: Whether they observe and record carefully, since good notes drive good plans in an accredited program.

What do you do to keep children safe during transitions, like moving from inside to the outdoor classroom?

What they are checking: Whether they know transitions are when supervision breaks down and plan headcounts and roles for them.

What does a five star accredited program expect of you that a less rigorous center might not?

What they are checking: Whether they understand YoungStar and accreditation standards and are ready to work to them every day.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Universities of Wisconsin.

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title: Children's Nature Academy: Teacher Job Category: Academic Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Early Childhood Education Teacher Job Duties: Multiple academic staff positions are available in the Children's Nature Academy. The official title for this assignment is Early Childhood Education Teacher with a working title of Teacher. The expected hourly hiring salary will be based on qualifications and experience. Key Job Responsibilities: • Plans and facilitates classroom programming and schedules daily classroom activities for an early childhood education facility according to established curriculums • Evaluates individualized and developmental educational plans for children in collaboration with other stakeholders, as needed • Maintains and documents effective communication with internal and external stakeholders to relay pertinent information and provide updates of child activities per established guidelines and regulations • Mentors new teachers and students • Maintains the safety and physical well-being of children in a designated classroom Department: The unit of the UWEC Children's Nature Academy is an Accredited, 5 Star, Early Childhood program that strives to support children and families. The program is licensed for 180 children, ages 6 weeks through 12 years of age. The program has 14 classrooms, and 21 staff members. It is open to UWEC students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community. Required Qualifications: • A bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a Related Field (consistent with the requirements of the current program accreditation • Current cpr/first aid • A registry certificate from the Wisconsin Early Childhood Registry. DUTIES: • Lesson planning and assessment • Maintaining required paperwork • Maintaining learning environment in keeping with the standards of accreditation and licensing • Managing children's behaviors through positive guidance that is developmentally appropriate • Working collaboratively with teachers throughout the facility • Facilitating learning through curriculum, including nature experiences. • Mentoring UWEC and CVTC student assistants, practicum students, interns, and other adult learners. • Communicating with families, staff and administration. Preferred Qualifications: Preferred qualifications include a bachelor's degree, coursework in Early Child Development, knowledge of accreditation and childcare licensing, ability to work with multiple personalities in a supportive role, flexibility to work with multiple age groups. How to Apply: Applications are submitted electronically. Please follow instructions found on the following UW-Eau Claire Website: http://wisconsin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UW_Comprehensives . You must create an account and login before you can apply. Please be sure you have included the following in PDF format : • Cover letter • Resume/curriculum vita • Names and contact information for three references. Contact Information: Please direct requests for additional information to: Lisa Coen coenlm@uwec.edu Special Notes: INSTITUTIONAL OVERVIEW UW-Eau Claire, an institution of approximately 9,000 students and 1,200 faculty and staff, is consistently recognized as a top comprehensive university in the Midwest and is widely known as a leader in faculty-undergraduate research and study abroad. We strive for excellence in liberal education and select graduate and professional programs through commitment to teaching and learning and dedication to our core values of diversity, sustainability, leadership, and innovation. To learn more about UWEC, visit  https://www.uwec.edu/human-resources/employment-opportunities/ . The City of Eau Claire, situated at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers, is at the center of a metropolitan area of approximately 100,000 people located 90 miles east of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The area features beautiful parks and trails, strong public schools, a vibrant arts scene and local food culture, and abundant recreational opportunities. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The university reserves the right to contact additional references with notice given to the candidates at an appropriate time in the process. Employment will require a background check. Employment will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding past conduct related to sexual violence and sexual harassment. The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7). The UW-Eau Claire Police Department is dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure environment for learning and working. Although crime at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is limited, the University Police want students, faculty and staff to be aware of crime on campus and the area surrounding the campus. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is a federal law that requires colleges and universities to disclose annual information about campus crime. Visit  Campus Security and Fire Report . Also visit our  Campus Security Authority (CSA) policy. UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

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