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Nature-Based Elementary Teacher Employment Type: Full-time, Hourly, Year-Round (Summers optional) Regular hours: 30-35 hours per week Regularly scheduled hours will be 8am-4pm, Monday through Thursday Regular hours include 5 hours of planning/prep (additional hours paid at hourly rate) This position may require occasional night and/or weekend hours (~1x/month) for events Additional hours may be available/requested for before and after school program or Friday program. Position Start Date: September 1, 2026 Location: Roots and Wings Forest School, 35320 550th Ave, New York Mills MN 56567 Overview Roots and Wings Forest School is a nature-based private school and youth enrichment organization in New York Mills, MN serving children ages 3-12 through year round education and experiences in the great outdoors. As a registered 501(c)3 non-profit, our mission is to awaken and cultivate a deeper connection to nature and self, and to ignite a lifelong love of learning, by guiding children through place-based, child-centered education and experiences in the great outdoors. Our organization started five years ago, and has grown rapidly. We expect to continue to grow and offer additional grades, programs and community events in the coming years. This is an exciting opportunity for a forward-thinking individual to join a growing non-profit with a vision to provide nature-based education and opportunities for all. To learn more about our programs, please visit our website www.rwfsmn.org and review our Facebook page www.facebook.com/rwfsmn Job Description: This position will serve as a lead teacher in our mixed-age cohort for learners in grades 2-4. Flexibility to work with learners ages 3+ and up to grade 6 is preferred. The Lead Guide role includes: Facilitate an environment that empowers learners to explore, think critically, and grow Lesson planning and implementation based on each individual learner, while referring and aligning to selected curriculums, personal ideas, and state standards. Foster independence and accountability through self-paced work, goal setting, and personalized learning plans. Model a growth mindset and maintain a positive, respectful classroom culture. Build relationships with families and children through daily interactions and professional yet friendly communication. Monitor student progress, encouraging growth, recording observations, and completing student assessments. Maintain accurate student records and provide progress updates to families. Instill a daily rhythm for learners. Prepare and maintain an organized and inviting classroom environment that supports focused learning Guide conflict resolution and promote social-emotional growth through restorative practices. Daily set-up, break-down, and cleaning of indoor and outdoor classroom spaces. Driving our 14-passenger bus for student transportation, field trips etc. Potential to open or close classrooms for the day, early morning or early evening hours Collaborate with fellow staff to align with our organization?s goals, values, and vision. This is a new position with the capacity to expand and shift as our organization grows. Qualifications This position requires a blend of qualifications including knowledge of elementary education as well as nature-based pedagogy. Candidates should possess curiosity, if not deep understanding, of our local ecosystem with a commitment to helping our learners develop place-based natural knowledge through inquiry and play. A positive, child-centered approach to classroom management aligns with our organization?s values. Our ideal candidate will: Be passionate about educating children in a nature-based environment. Embrace alternative education models. Honor our learners as individuals capable of risk-taking, problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, inquiry, and self-awareness. Be self-motivated and self-directed with the flexibility to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team. Have leadership abilities and excellent interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills. Feel comfortable and confident about meeting the needs of children outdoors in all seasons - physically able to hike, carry gear, and carry a small child if needed (50 lbs). Preferred Experience and Education: Possess a bachelor?s degree in elementary education, outdoor education, or related field (current MN teaching license is an asset, but not required) Prior experience working with children between ages 5-12 Knowledge of human behavior, individual differences in ability, personality, and interest, as well as principles of learning and motivation is an asset. Maintain current First Aid/CPR certification Must pass background check before start of employment Skills and Attributes Dedicated to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and joyful learning environment. Adaptable, patient, and responsive to each child?s unique learning journey and needs Exceptional communication skills for engaging with children, families, and colleagues. Proactive planner with strong organizational skills to design and manage learning experiences and classroom activities on daily, weekly, monthly, and annual bases. Proficient in creating and maintaining a purposeful, structured, and engaging learning environment. Strong work ethic with a self-starter mindset and excellent time management to support professional growth. Knowledge of and passion for nature and place-based learning including local ecosystems, flora, and fauna. Salary $19.45-$22.95/hr based on education and experience Benefits 7 Paid Holidays 10 Days PTO based on avg hours worked Sick and Safe Time (1 hr earned per 30 hrs worked) Access to MN Paid Leave Program $200 Yearly Outdoor Gear Reimbursement 401k with 3% employer match 10% Employee discount for any children attending How to Apply This job description offers guidelines for this position, not hard and fast rules. If you meet 75% of the qualifications listed, we encourage you to apply! A love of nature and passion for working with youth in a unique learning environment are our highest priorities. Please send your resume, cover letter describing your interest in the position, and three references to our Executive Director, Leona Cichy, at leona@rwfsmn.org . If hired, you will complete a background check and fingerprinting before the start of employment. Roots and Wings Forest School does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, students and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, staff, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors. Position will remain open until we find the right fit. Roots and Wings Forest School 35320 550th Ave New York Mills MN 56567 218-325-0234