Outdoor, Place-Based Teacher

Outdoor Place-Based School Teacher (Ages 4-8) 

Location: Elk Creek, VA (47-acre organic farm with indoor & outdoor classroom) 
Position Type: Part-time to Full-time (Flexible, with growth potential)
Compensation: Donation-based, & tuition funded + performance-based pay (more students/donations = higher earnings). Additional income opportunities available for entrepreneurial-minded educators.

About Us:

We are a small, nature-immersive school serving children ages 4-7 in a hands-on, outdoor learning environment. Our approach is rooted in place-based education, fostering curiosity, creativity, and a deep connection to the natural world. Classes are kept intentionally small to ensure personalized attention. A cozy schoolroom is available for supplemental learning needs, but most of our days are spent exploring the farm, forests, and streams of our 47-acre organic farm.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking passionate, self-motivated teachers (or a teaching couple) who thrive in flexible, nature-rich settings. This is more than a teaching role—it’s a lifestyle opportunity with multiple avenues for growth, including:

• Community Engagement: Host field days and open-house events to attract new families and grow your class.
• Tiny Home Living: Bring or build your own tiny home on a selected section of the farm.
• Entrepreneurial Ventures: Develop additional classes/workshops at our organic cafe & event space, grow/raise food or create artisan goods for the organic café & country store, or create new streams of income.

Responsibilities:

• Lead small, mixed-age classes (4-7 years old) in an outdoor, place-based curriculum.
• Morning drop off and afternoon pickup, long walk to school for nature observation and reflection.
• Design engaging, nature-inspired lessons that align with child-led and experiential learning.
• Foster a warm, inclusive environment for children and families.
• Organize occasional community events (field days, farm explorations) to engage prospective families.
• Utilize opportunities with the farm team to integrate sustainable living and agriculture into learning.

Ideal Candidate:

• Experience in early childhood education, outdoor education, or a related field.
• Comfortable teaching in all weather and adapting lessons to nature’s classroom.
• Entrepreneurial spirit—interested in growing the school.
• Someone who is looking for a long term, 5+ year commitment

Perks & Benefits:

• Live on the Farm: Option to park or build a tiny home in a serene, natural setting.
• Income Potential: Base pay from tuition + ability to earn more by donations and expanding class offerings.
• Creative Freedom: Design your own field days, workshops, and community events.
• Farm-to-Table Access: Fresh organic food from the land and organic café discounts & farm income potential.
• Legacy Opportunity: Ownership potential, grow your farm business, or educational retreat center.

Join us in reimagining education—where learning grows wild and possibilities bloom!