Substitute Teacher: Nature-Based Program

MAEOE; Simpsonville (MD); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Roots & Wings is seeking a dependable Substitute Teacher to support our teaching team when regular staff are absent. The role emphasizes safe, engaging, and nurturing days for children, following classroom routines and curriculum plans, with a focus on outdoor, nature-based learning.

The ideal candidate enjoys learning alongside children, is adaptable to changing plans, and can support social-emotional development and curious exploration in an outdoor setting.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children in school, childcare, camp, or related settings.
• Dependability and flexibility in shifting classroom coverage.
• Strong communication and collaboration with teaching teams and families.
• Ability to actively supervise and engage children throughout the day.

Responsibilities

• Follow Lead Teacher’s plans, routines, and classroom expectations.
• Provide attentive supervision and responsive support throughout the day.
• Build positive, respectful relationships with children.
• Support children’s social-emotional development, independence, communication, and problem-solving.
• Facilitate planned activities while remaining responsive to children’s interests.
• Assist with classroom preparation, materials, and maintaining organized learning spaces.
• Share meaningful observations with the classroom teaching team.
• Maintain active supervision and follow safety procedures.
• Communicate concerns promptly with Lead Teacher or Program Director.

Skills

Dependability

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Outdoor learning support

Adaptability

Observation & documentation

Education

Education/Child development coursework or degree

CPR/First Aid certification (preferred)

Job description

About Roots & Wings

Roots & Wings is a nature-based learning community where children build strong roots through connection, relationships, and community while developing their wings through exploration, curiosity, and independence.

Our program emphasizes hands‑on learning, outdoor exploration, play, meaningful relationships, and connection with the natural world.

We are seeking a dependable, flexible, and enthusiastic Substitute Teacher to support our teaching team when regular staff members are absent or additional classroom coverage is needed.

Position Summary

The Substitute Teacher steps into an established classroom and helps provide a safe, engaging, and nurturing day for children. This includes following classroom routines and curriculum plans, supporting children’s exploration and relationships, and working collaboratively with the teaching team.

The ideal candidate is comfortable outdoors, adaptable when plans change, and genuinely enjoys learning alongside children.

Key Responsibilities

• Classroom & Curriculum
  • Follow the Lead Teacher’s plans, routines, and classroom expectations.
  • Provide attentive supervision and responsive support throughout the school day.
  • Build positive, respectful relationships with children.
  • Support children’s social-emotional development, independence, communication, and problem‑solving.
  • Facilitate planned activities while remaining responsive to children’s interests and emerging opportunities for learning.
  • Assist with classroom preparation, materials, and maintaining organized learning spaces.
  • Share meaningful observations with the classroom teaching team.
• Outdoor & Nature‑Based Learning
  • Participate fully in outdoor learning and exploration in a variety of weather conditions.
  • Support nature walks, outdoor play, gardening, investigations, art, science, and other hands‑on experiences.
  • Encourage children to observe, question, experiment, and develop a connection with the natural world.
  • Help children navigate outdoor environments with curiosity, confidence, and respect.
• Safety & Professional Practice
  • Maintain active supervision and follow all program safety, emergency, attendance, and ratio procedures.
  • Support safe transitions between classrooms, outdoor spaces, and field locations.
  • Respond calmly and appropriately to children’s behavioral and emotional needs.
  • Communicate concerns promptly with the Lead Teacher or Program Director.
  • Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
  • Follow program policies and requirements.
• Team & Community
  • Work collaboratively and respectfully with teachers and program staff.
  • Adapt to different classroom environments and teaching styles.
  • Communicate professionally with families when appropriate.
  • Contribute to a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community for children, families, and colleagues.
  • Be willing to learn, receive feedback, and contribute ideas

Qualifications

• Required
  • Experience working with children in a school, childcare, camp, educational, or related setting.
  • Dependability and flexibility.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to actively supervise and engage with children throughout the day.
  • Comfort working both indoors and outdoors.
  • Commitment to creating an inclusive environment where every child and family feels welcome.
  • Ability to meet the physical and environmental demands of an active outdoor program.
• Preferred
  • Elementary, Middle, and/or High education experience.
  • Coursework or a degree in education, child development, environmental education, or a related field.
  • Experience with nature‑based, outdoor, forest school, Reggio Emilia, Montessori, or play‑based education.
  • CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain certification.

We are looking for someone who is:

Curious — eager to learn alongside children.
Adaptable — comfortable when the day’s plans change.
Patient and responsive — able to meet children where they are.
Playful — willing to explore, create, and get involved.
Grounded — able to remain calm and attentive in an active environment.
Collaborative — values the knowledge and contributions of fellow educators.
Outdoors-oriented — comfortable with mud, rain, changing temperatures, and the everyday realities of nature‑based learning.

Physical & Environmental Expectations

This is an active position that involves significant time outdoors. The Substitute Teacher should be prepared to walk on uneven terrain, participate in active play and exploration, and frequently sit, stand, bend, kneel, and move throughout the day.

The position requires working in changing weather conditions and supporting children in a variety of natural environments.