Forest Based K-1 Microschool Lead Teacher

THE VILLAGE NEST; Eliot (ME); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Competitive salary

Employee discounts

Job summary

THE VILLAGE NEST in Eliot, Maine is seeking a Lead Teacher for a forest-based K-1 microschool. The ideal candidate will design and implement a play-based curriculum while leading outdoor learning experiences for young children. Candidates should have 3+ years of relevant teaching experience and a strong understanding of child development. A Bachelor’s degree in Education is preferred. This role emphasizes building community with families and establishing a safe, inclusive learning environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience teaching or working with early elementary-aged children (K–1).
• Ability to lead a small group with confidence, warmth, and flexibility.
• Experience with outdoor education or forest school is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a play-based curriculum aligned with K–1 goals.
• Lead daily learning experiences primarily outdoors.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with students and families.

Skills

Child development knowledge

Play-based learning

Excellent communication skills

Leadership in early education

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field

Job description

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Competitive salary
• Employee discounts

About Our Microschool

Our forest-based microschool is a small, learner-centered K–1 program rooted in outdoor education, play-based learning, and developmental appropriateness. We believe children learn best through meaningful experiences, curiosity, and strong relationships—with each other, with educators, and with the natural world. Our program prioritizes joy, wonder, emotional growth, and foundational academic skills in a supportive, nature-rich environment.

Position Overview

The Lead Teacher designs and facilitates a developmentally appropriate, forest-based learning experience for a mixed-age group of kindergarten and first-grade students. This role is responsible for ensuring that children are supported in meeting the Maine State Learning and Development Milestones and that learning is documented to parents and through individual student portfolios for state development credit.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum & Instruction

• Design and implement an emergent, play-based, and inquiry-driven curriculum aligned with K–1 developmental and academic goals
• Integrate literacy, numeracy, science, and social-emotional learning into outdoor, hands-on experiences
• Use observation and documentation to assess student growth and guide instruction
• Differentiate learning experiences to meet the needs of individual students

Assessment, Documentation & Portfolios

• Maintain individual student portfolios, particularly for children ages 6 and older
• Document learning using work samples, photographs, narrative observations, and milestone alignment
• Prepare and manage documentation required for Maine state development credit
• Communicate assessment progress and portfolio outcomes with families

Outdoor & Forest School Leadership

• Lead daily learning experiences primarily outdoors in varied weather conditions
• Establish and maintain safety protocols, routines, and risk-aware practices
• Foster respect for nature, stewardship, and ecological awareness
• Model curiosity, resilience, and problem-solving in outdoor settings

Classroom & Community Culture

• Build strong, trusting relationships with students and families
• Create a warm, inclusive, and emotionally safe learning environment
• Support social development, conflict resolution, and self-regulation skills
• Communicate regularly with families through conferences, documentation, and updates

Program Collaboration & Operations

• Collaborate with assistants, co-teachers, or program directors as needed
• Participate in planning meetings, professional development, and program events
• Support daily logistics such as attendance, supplies, and transitions
• Maintain required documentation and licensing or program standards (if applicable)

Qualifications

Required

• 3+ years of experience teaching or working with early elementary-aged children (K–1)
• Strong understanding of child development and play-based learning
• Demonstrated ability to align instruction with state learning standards or milestones
• Comfort working outdoors year-round in a forest or natural setting
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to lead a small group with confidence, warmth, and flexibility

Preferred

• Valid Maine Teacher’s License (preferred but not required)
• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, Environmental Education, or related field
• Experience with forest school, outdoor education, Reggio-inspired, Montessori, or progressive education models
• First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is joyful, adaptable, and deeply committed to honoring childhood. They value curiosity over compliance, understand that learning is not confined to four walls, and see nature as a co‑teacher. They are confident translating rich, outdoor learning experiences into meaningful documentation aligned with Maine expectations and thrive in small, relationship‑driven learning environments. They are comfortable with muddy boots, big questions, and the unpredictability of working with young children outdoors.