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!
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 |