Overview
Step out of the fluorescent lights of a school building and into the sunlight of the prairie grassland. Imagine your classroom beneath the cottonwoods, where the scent of wet earth and the rustle of wind in the grass guide your day.
At the Nature School Coop Homeschool Enrichment Program we believe that childhood learning and teaching belongs outdoors. We are a growing community of educators, caregivers, and children co-creating a learning journey that's alive, relational, and rooted in the rhythms of the land. Here, puddles are for jumping, sticks spark stories, and risk is something we support with intention, skill, and trust.
We're inviting childhood educators who are ready to leave behind rigid routines and compliance checklists for a forest school program more nourishing, for you and for the children. With smaller ratios, slower days, and the natural world as both co-teacher and curriculum, you'll guide children as they develop their own sense of agency, curiosity, and safety. You'll learn alongside them, tracking animals, navigating feelings, climbing trees, and tuning into the wisdom of the seasons. We're better educators out here. And you will be too!
The role
We are seeking a Co-lead Nature Educator to join our team at Hentzell Park in Denver, CO. This is a part-time position perfect for a compassionate and resilient individual who is excited to help lead our students on a journey of discovery. The ideal candidate will thrive in all weather conditions and share our commitment to a holistic, student-centered approach to education.
The base position is 2 days a week, Tuesday and Thursday, 7:30a to 4:00p. Each day has a different cohort at the same location with the same lead teacher. Both cohorts serve students ages 5 to 12.
- Facilitation: Co-lead engaging Forest School sessions for children aged 5 to 12, working closely with the Lead Educator.
- Safety Management: Maintain a high level of situational awareness, consistently performing risk-benefit analysis to ensure the safety and well-being of all students throughout the day.
- Curriculum & Planning: Assist in the collaborative development of emergent curriculum and lesson plans that align with the interests of our students and the rhythms of the seasons.
Required Skills
- Experience: 1-3 years of experience working with children ages 5 to 12, preferably in an outdoor, educational, or childcare setting.
- Current CPR/First Aid certification or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification. Candidates without current WFA are welcome to apply; we will cover the cost of training for the right hire.
Preferred Skills
- Familiarity with the Denver prairie grassland ecosystem is a strong asset.
- A degree in Childhood Education, Environmental Science, or a related field
- Experience teaching in a similar outdoor, educational, or childcare setting.
Who We're Looking For
Compassionate & Patient: You possess an innate sense of humor, kindness, and an understanding of children's unique needs.
Resilient & Adaptable: You are a self-starter who is comfortable with a high degree of autonomy and can endure Colorado's fall and winter weather conditions outdoors.
Mission-Driven: You have a passion for social and ecological justice and are eager to contribute to a program built on principles of equity, respect, and land acknowledgment.
Communication: You have strong communication skills and enjoy building relationships with students, parents, and fellow educators.
Compensation & Schedule
Compensation: This is a part-time position with a competitive hourly wage of $20 to $25 per hour, depending on experience. Schedule: One teaching 2 days per week, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7:30a to 4:00p.
Job Type: Part-time
Benefits:
- High level of professional involvement with all curriculum development implementation
- Professional development assistance (WFA certification covered)
- Optional 401K enrollment
Schedule:
Work Location: In person, Hentzell Park, Denver, CO
- Possible health stipend available
Pay: $23.50 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
