Lead Teacher, Roots & Wings Program

The Community Ecology Institute (CEI) seeks experienced Lead Teachers to join our Roots and Wings program—an immersive environmental education program serving homeschooled children through hands-on, nature-based learning. Teachers guide children’s learning and engagement with the natural environment, as well as facilitate and scaffold their learning. We are looking for candidates who can work with our cohorts in the 5-7 and 8-10 age groups.

At CEI, we believe children thrive in environments that nurture curiosity, creativity, independence, and meaningful connection to both people and the natural world. Our program takes place almost entirely outdoors on CEI’s six-acre Freetown Farm, where students engage in experiential learning that supports whole-child development and fosters environmental stewardship.

We are excited to collaborate with educators who share our commitment to child-centered learning and view nature as a powerful classroom for growth, discovery, and community building.

About the Role

Lead Teachers guide students’ learning and engagement with the natural environment while designing and facilitating meaningful, developmentally appropriate experiences. This role requires a thoughtful, responsive educator who can balance structure with exploration and follow children’s natural curiosity to inspire learning.

The ideal candidate has a background in elementary education, strong classroom leadership skills, and experience with experiential or nature-based curriculum. Candidates should be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and facilitate hands-on, nature-based lessons and activities that are developmentally appropriate
• Collaborate with colleagues on planning and program development
• Model and implement developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, and equitable teaching practices and classroom management techniques
• Nurture student development through academic and social-emotional support
• Build strong, respectful relationships with families and caregivers
• Provide regular updates on student experiences and classroom activities through monthly newsletters
• Supervise and mentor assistant teachers

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Environmental Science, Recreation, Natural Sciences, Psychology, Social Work, Museum Studies, or related fields
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working with children in an educational setting
• Demonstrated interest in and enthusiasm for nature-based learning
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• CPR certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
• Ability to pass a criminal background check
• Ability to meet the physical demands of teaching in indoor and outdoor environments

Preferred

• Experience implementing alternative education models like Forest School, Montessori, Waldorf, Tinkergarten, or Reggio Emilia
• Additional training or certifications in nature-based education, e.g., Association for Nature-Based Education

Schedule & Compensation

This part-time position operates seasonally from September through May, requiring an additional four weeks of preparation before the program and one week of wrap-up afterward. The 2026-2027 program year begins on September 14; however, the target start date for this role is August 17.

• $25,750 Annual Salary
• 26 instructional hours per week; Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
• Team members must attend bi-weekly meetings
• Additional hours as needed for developing curriculum, planning activities, purchasing supplies, and drafting monthly newsletters

Benefits

• Generous paid time off
• Employer-shared health insurance
• Professional development support
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Optional participation in CEI’s benefits package

To Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume by July 19

About Community Ecology Institute

The Community Ecology Institute cultivates communities where people and nature thrive together. Through environmental education, regenerative agriculture, and community engagement, CEI creates opportunities for people of all ages to connect with the natural world, deepen their sense of belonging, and contribute to healthier, more resilient communities.