Teaching Assistant, Roots & Wings Program

About the Role:

The Community Ecology Institute (CEI) seeks experienced Teaching Assistants to join our Roots and Wings program—an immersive environmental education program serving homeschooled children through hands-on, nature-based learning. Teaching Assistants act to support instruction and curriculum application, as well as to support and actively engage with the children in the Roots and Wings program. We are looking for candidates who can work with our cohorts in the 5-7 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. The ideal candidate has a background in elementary education and experience with experiential or nature-based curriculum.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist Lead Teacher in executing inquiry-based, hands-on outdoor lessons and activities environmental education
• Supervise children during non-instructional times like free play and lunch
• Help set up, break down, and manage learning materials, tools, and activity stations in natural environments
• Substitute for the Lead Teacher when they are absent.
• Acts as a point of contact for parents during drop-off and pick-up
• Assist Lead Teacher with monthly newsletter
• Guide students in emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and peer cooperation.
• Support students with basic needs including sun protection, hydration, appropriate clothing layers
• Enforce boundary limits and safe handling protocols for outdoor tools or natural elements

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Environmental Science, Recreation, Natural Sciences, Psychology, Social Work, Museum Studies, or related fields
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with children in an educational or outdoor camp 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 hike on uneven terrain, work outdoors in varying weather conditions

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.

• $17,400 to $18,120 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 and CEI all staff meetings

Benefits:

• Generous paid time off
• Employer-shared health insurance
• Professional development support
• 401(k) with 3% employer matching
• Optional participation in CEI’s benefits package

To Apply:

Submit a cover letter and resume via Idealist 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.