Nearby Nature is seeking a 0.7 FTE high school Science, Natural Resources CTE (or Outdoor Recreation), and Health instructor to join our unique teaching team for the upcoming school year. Our instructor will teach classes for Network Charter School, where we are contracted to provide classroom instruction.
- About Nearby Nature: Nearby Nature is a non-profit nature education group that has worked for more than 30 years to foster connections between people and nature in our community. Our staff and volunteers lead school and youth programs as well as park stewardship projects. We also teach classes for the Network Charter School, maintain a Learnscape Garden and Outdoor Classroom, and serve as the City of Eugene’s official Host in Alton Baker Park. For more information see nearbynature.org.
- About Network Charter School: NCS is a public charter school serving grades 9–12. NCS teachers provide instruction both at the school’s Main Site in south Eugene and at satellite locations, including Nearby Nature’s Yurt in Alton Baker Park. NCS provides hands-on, relational, and inclusive learning through small class sizes and a collaborative model of education. For more information see networkcharterschool.net.
Locations: In person teaching happens at Nearby Nature’s Yurt in Alton Baker Park (622 Day Island Road, Eugene, Oregon) and NCS Main Site (2550 Portland Street, Eugene, Oregon)
Position Overview:
- Nearby Nature is seeking a student-centered, collaborative educator to join our team as an NCS Teacher. This teacher is responsible for designing and delivering integrated Science, Natural Resources CTE/Outdoor Recreation, and Health instruction while supporting the academic, social, and emotional growth of a diverse student population. Course offerings vary quarterly and currently include Survival, Fishing, Disk Golf, Health (Nutrition and Drug Awareness). We are seeking an educator who sees teaching as a vehicle for equity, empowerment, and creative connection and who will thrive in a flexible, student-centered environment that emphasizes whole-youth learning, social-emotional growth, and community-based education.
Qualifications:
- Valid Oregon Teaching License with a secondary endorsement, Charter School Registry, or CTE License preferred (with Natural Resources and/or Science Endorsements).
- Experience teaching Natural Resources, Outdoor Skills, and Health at the high school level, preferably in alternative, charter, or non-traditional educational settings.
- Demonstrated ability to teach integrated and interdisciplinary curriculum.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills with students, families, colleagues, and community partners.
- Demonstrated flexibility, creativity, and commitment to serving diverse and historically underserved student populations.
- Commitment to embody the missions, visions, and values of Nearby Nature and Network Charter School through professional practice and interactions within the school community.
- Willingness to teach outdoors in all seasons/all weather.
- Must pass a background check.
Responsibilities:
- Design and deliver engaging and integrated instruction.
- Align curriculum, instruction, and assessment with Oregon state standards and learning objectives.
- Utilize trauma-informed, equity-centered, and restorative practices to create inclusive learning environments.
- Develop and implement meaningful, relevant, and engaging curriculum for students with diverse learning needs, backgrounds, and experiences.
- Foster strong relationships with students and families while supporting student engagement, belonging, and academic success.
- Attend/chaperone occasional all-school events.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary staff, community partners, and support personnel to provide comprehensive educational experiences.
- Contribute positively to a professional culture focused on growth, reflection, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Support the mission of Network Charter School by providing authentic, student-centered learning opportunities that prepare students for success beyond high school.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Salary of $43,910 for 0.7 FTE school year teaching position
- Additional compensation at $31/hour for substitute teaching, fall professional development days, and occasional other non-salaried work
- Up to 3% matching contribution to a Simple IRA
- Dental/Vision/Health insurance available
- Paid time off in addition to school holidays
To Apply:
At Nearby Nature, individuals with varied backgrounds, life experiences, and abilities are valued and encouraged to thrive. We are excited to train – as well as learn from – all new staff members. Not all qualifications listed here are hard and fast requirements. Your experiences can include both paid and unpaid work, all of which help build competence, knowledge, and skills. Applying gives you the opportunity to be considered.
- Email [email protected] with your resume, references, and a cover letter as separate PDFs. Use NCS Job Application in the subject line.
- Cover letter should clearly address the qualifications relevant to the position, experience working with diverse learners, alignment with the missions and visions of Nearby Nature and NCS, and why you are interested in joining the Nearby Nature/NCS community.
- Start Date: September 2026 for School Year 2026–2027.
- Deadline for applications July 22, 2026.
Questions?
Email [email protected] or see nearbynature.org for information about Nearby Nature. See networkcharterschool.net for information about Network Charter School. No phone calls please.
Nature is committed to fair and impartial treatment of employees, job applicants, contractors, and agents of Nearby Nature, and to maintaining a discrimination and harassment-free work environment. Nearby Nature’s policy is not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age (within statutory limits), race, religion, color, gender, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other protected status with respect to hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, recruitment, termination, salary level, or other forms of compensation, or any other term or condition of employment.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $43,910.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- High School Teaching: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Teaching Certification (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
