Teacher Job Description
Woodsong Forest School Mission:
Woodsong Forest School nurtures the growth of the whole child through play-based learning in the natural world.
Position Overview:
Woodsong Forest School seeks to hire Forest School Teachers to foster and facilitate curiosity and enthusiasm of children in an outdoor environment. Teaching this multi-age class in the forest includes observing and assessing class interests, planning and implementing interdisciplinary lessons that captivate and engage students, facilitating child centered learning, and creatively documenting growth to showcase the progress of the students.
We are looking for an educator to co-lead an elementary community of learners, along with another teacher, in a forest and farm-based learning environment with a cabin classroom for morning learning.
● Location: Cleveland, TN
● Dates: August 2026-May 2027
● Position: Co-Lead Upper Elementary Forest School Teacher
● Hours: M-F, 9:00 am- 3:30 pm
● Salary: $38,000-$42,000 per year
Qualifications:
● Education: Degree in Elementary Education and Montessori certification (preferred)
● Experience: Experience leading mixed age learners, experience implementing an alternative education model such as the Montessori method.
● Successful completion of CPR/First Aid training, background checks, and clearances.
Responsibilities:
● Working with teaching team to develop and plan learning experiences (lessons) that are interdisciplinary and built upon student interest and related environmental/outdoor topics.
● Implementing a variety of activities and instructional methods to motivate and stimulate children’s curiosity and abilities.
● Working together to meet the emotional, social, and physical needs of each child
● Maintaining daily open communication with parents, with a weekly email sent out to full-day students, and a Google class site maintained.
● Writing and distributing accident and incident reports
● Designing portfolio-based assessments in Transparent Classroom
● Overseeing daily site assessment of the outdoor site(s) before each session, making sure all hazards are properly assessed and amended to provide safe environment for children.
● Working with the director and teaching team to assist with site development that will enhance learning activities for the children (classroom organization, forest site ideas, etc.).
Additional Teacher Requirements
● Attendance at all planned WFS events
● Attendance at all WFS staff meetings
● Be a positive team player in the Woodsong staff community
Desired Skills and Abilities:
● Montessori Certification or experience teaching in a Montessori School
● Ability and desire to encourage experiences that are inquiry-based and child-centered
● Deep appreciation for and connection to nature
● Highly relational and effective collaborator and communicator
Working Conditions:
● Physical Ability: Teaching involves extended periods of time in the outdoors in all weather, with hiking and moderate physical challenges.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $38,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Ability to Commute:
- Mc Donald, TN 37353 (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
- Mc Donald, TN 37353: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
