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Outdoor, Place-Based Teacher

Holler Creek School of Appalachian Ecology

Elk Creek, Virginia

Job Type Permanent
Salary $15 - $30 per hour
Benefits Regular bonuses
Deadline May 05, 2025
Experience 0 - 1 years

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

Location: Elk Creek, VA (47-acre organic farm with outdoor classrooms, tiny home potential, and farm-to-table café)
Position Type: Part-time to Full-time (Flexible, with growth potential)
Compensation: Donation-based tuition funding + 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 4-8 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/family) 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:

  • 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 event space, grow/raise food for the on-site organic café & country store, or create new streams of income.
  • Community Engagement: Host field days and open-house events to attract new families and grow your class.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead small, mixed-age classes (4-8 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 outdoor 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.
  • History or knowledge of working with special needs children.

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.
  • Legacy Opportunity: Grow a school program, farm business, or educational retreat center.

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

HOW TO APPLY

If you’re ready for a one-of-a-kind teaching opportunity, local or willing to relocate, send your resume and a brief letter of interest explaining your vision for this role to: hollercreekinfo@gmail.com 

 

When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.

Category Environmental Education
Tags Nature Center