Elementary Educator

Overview

A New Leaf School of Nashville is a vibrant, child-centered learning community dedicated to nature-based and project-based education. Our approach integrates hands-on, experiential learning with an emphasis on environmental stewardship, creativity, and critical thinking. We foster a love of learning by encouraging curiosity, collaboration, and exploration.

We are seeking a passionate and dynamic teacher to join our Elementary teaching team for the 2026-2027 school year, with the potential to begin teaching with us in the winter of 2026. The ideal candidate is an innovative educator with a growth mindset who is excited to teach in an outdoor and project-oriented environment while inspiring students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Responsibilities:

Instructional Design and Delivery:

• Create and implement engaging lesson plans that integrate nature-based and project-based approaches with academic standards.
• Foster an interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes literacy, numeracy, science, and the arts.
• Competence in addressing Tennessee Standards and ensuring academic progress for students.
• Adapt teaching strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Deliver lessons and utilize assessment tools from Wilson Reading’s Fundations Curriculum and Dimensions Math Curriculum in order to provide foundational skills in reading and math as well as monitor student learning.

Outdoor and Experiential Learning:

• Lead students in outdoor educational activities, including nature walks, gardening, and ecological studies.
• Incorporate hands-on, real-world projects that encourage problem-solving, collaboration, and inquiry.
• Willingness and capability to transfer skills and experiences from indoor classroom environments to outdoor settings.

Classroom Environment:

• Cultivate a positive, inclusive, and respectful classroom culture.
• Utilize restorative practices to support social-emotional learning and conflict resolution.
• Dedication to fostering a sense of community and healthy relationship development among all participants.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with fellow teachers and staff to develop and refine the curriculum.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, including coordination with other grade-level teachers and farm educators.
• Communicate regularly with families to provide updates on student progress and share classroom experiences.

Professional Development:

• Stay current with best practices in nature-based and project-based education through ongoing professional learning.
• Contribute to the school community by participating in events, meetings, and collaborative projects.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in early childhood education (K-2) or elementary education.
• Active Tennessee Teaching License with an endorsement in Elementary Education.
• Demonstrated experience in elementary education, preferably with a focus on experiential or outdoor learning.
• Passion for environmental education and project-based pedagogy.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to be flexible, creative, and energetic in a dynamic learning environment.
• Minimum of one year of experience teaching early elementary grades.
• Proficiency in project-based teaching, demonstrating examples of past projects and a strong passion for this approach.
• Familiarity with the Reggio Emilia approach to education.
• Physical stamina for outdoor activities such as hiking on uneven terrain and tolerance for insect bites and ticks, coupled with a genuine love for wildlife.
• Interest in gardening and enthusiasm for integrating animals like goats, chickens, and native species into the curriculum through project-based learning.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Experience in documenting learning through photographs and written reflections (e.g., albums, portfolios, books).
• Excellent organizational abilities.
• A commitment to promoting a naturalistic lifestyle and advocating for environmental conservation at both local and global levels.
• Schedule: 8am to 4pm
• Living in Nashville or the surrounding area to reliably commute to school on time, or planning to relocate before starting work is required.

What We Offer:

Yearly renewable position from July 27, 2026 to May 31, 2027. Teachers are given priority if they would like work during our summer camp programming.

Benefits:

• Paid planning time weekly
• Paid time off: about 28 days
• Paid In-Service days: 22 days
• Paid personal time: 40 hours
• Paid sick time: 40 hours
• Accident at work medical coverage.
• A supportive and collaborative teaching community.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A beautiful outdoor campus designed to inspire and engage learners.
• Pay is based on education and experience.

How to Apply: To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to admin@anewleafschool.org

Join us in cultivating curiosity, wonder, and a lifelong love of learning at A New Leaf School of Nashville!

Job Type: Full-time

Expected hours: 40 per week

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person

Pay: $960.00 - $1,080.00 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person