Lead Teacher
High Rockies Community School, 2026–27 · Full-time
Reports to: Executive Director (formal line); Instructional Anchor (day-to-day coaching)
Location: Assigned to one campus — Sacramento Creek Ranch or Alma
Status: Full-time · Exempt
Compensation: $48,601–$67,806/year (as placed on the HRCS teacher salary schedule)
Benefits: Full-time employees receive Colorado HWFA paid sick leave, FAMLI paid family and medical leave, PERA retirement, paid time off (PTO), an ICHRA contribution toward health insurance, and most Fridays off.
Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Teach with purpose. Lead with heart. Grow in the mountains.
At HRCS, Lead Teachers are more than content experts — they are facilitators of wonder, mentors for fellow educators, and co-creators of a school that learns from and with the land. This full-time role is ideal for licensed teachers who bring strong instructional skills, a reflective mindset, and a deep commitment to community-based, interdisciplinary learning. As HRCS grows to two campuses, Lead Teachers remain the core instructional leaders at their site — now working alongside the Instructional Anchor on cross-site consistency and collaborating with peers at the other campus on Fridays and during summer onboarding.
What You’ll Do
Instructional Leadership
● Lead a multi-age cohort of approximately 16 full-time students (plus up to 3 part-time homeschool enrichment students) in one of the following grade bands: K–2, 3–5, or 6–8
● Design and deliver interdisciplinary, standards-aligned learning experiences — with lessons that are primarily taught outdoors for more than 50% of the school day
● Prepare and guide students in maintaining a year-long portfolio of their learning, and facilitate quarterly Learning Journey meetings with families to share growth, goals, and celebrations
● Differentiate instruction to meet diverse student needs, including IEPs, 504s, and ALPs, in close partnership with the Special Services Coordinator and SPED Teacher in Residence
Family & Community Partnership
● Build meaningful relationships with families through consistent communication, celebrations of learning, and end-of-quarter reporting
● Complete home visits and participate in community engagement efforts, including leading or supporting summer events
Mentorship & Cross-Site Collaboration
● Serve as a mentor and collaborative partner to Teachers in Residence, and support Assistant Teachers/Interns as part of a cohesive instructional team
● Participate in coaching cycles with the Instructional Anchor, regular staff planning, and professional learning
● Collaborate with Lead Teachers at the other campus to keep scope, routines, and expectations consistent across sites — primarily using Fridays and the summer onboarding week as the windows for cross-site planning
Outdoor & Interdisciplinary Learning
● Facilitate and support outdoor learning, fieldwork, interdisciplinary projects, and service-learning initiatives rooted in our community and ecosystem
Schedule & Structure
● Exempt, salaried role aligned to the 159-day teacher calendar, with one required Friday per month reserved for full-day professional development and team planning. Occasional evening events, home visits and summer engagement expectations also included.
● Includes planning time, shared professional development, and leadership opportunities
● Contributes to school-wide decision-making and the continued growth of HRCS’s instructional model across both campuses
We’re Looking for Someone Who…
● Holds a valid Colorado teaching license
● Brings experience and enthusiasm for multi-age, outdoor, and project-based learning
● Is skilled in designing differentiated instruction and using student work to guide next steps
● Is excited to lead students in developing learning portfolios that reflect curiosity, effort, and growth
● Enjoys mentoring others and co-creating in a supportive, reflective teaching team
● Is comfortable collaborating across sites and holding shared instructional practices consistent as HRCS grows
● Believes that every child — and every educator — can thrive in a community rooted in relationships, rigor, and the Rockies
How to Apply
● To apply, send a letter of interest, resume, and references to [email protected].
Employment Eligibility, Licensure & Background Checks
● Employment is contingent on a satisfactory criminal background check and CBI/FBI fingerprint-based screening, consistent with C.R.S. § 22-32-109.7 and § 22-30.5-110.7 (charter schools).
● The selected candidate must hold and maintain a valid Colorado teaching license or certification, and must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States (Form I-9).
● HRCS employees are mandatory reporters of suspected child abuse or neglect under C.R.S. § 19-3-304.
Equal Opportunity & Reasonable Accommodation
High Rockies Community School is an equal opportunity employer. HRCS does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
HRCS complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable Colorado law and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities during the application process and employment. To request an accommodation, contact the Executive Director at [email protected].
Physical & Essential Function Requirements
● This role requires the ability to stand, walk, and move about indoor and outdoor learning environments for extended periods; work outdoors and lead fieldwork in varying mountain weather; occasionally lift and carry up to 25 lbs; and respond quickly in emergencies. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Additional Terms
● Classification: Exempt, full-time, under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
● Employment with HRCS is at-will and may be ended by either the employee or the school at any time, with or without cause or notice, consistent with applicable law and any written agreement.
● This posting describes the general nature and level of work and is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities; duties may be added, removed, or changed at any time, and other duties may be assigned.
Pay: $48,601.00 - $67,806.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
