Outdoor Montessori Lead Teacher - Nature-Based Learning

Job Description Job Description Lead Teacher Freedom Montessori Academy Position Summary The Lead Teacher at Freedom Montessori Academy is responsible for implementing lessons that our company creates to foster a peaceful, engaging, and inspiring Montessori learning environment where children develop academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. The Lead Teacher serves as a guide, mentor, and leader, fostering each child's natural curiosity while encouraging independence, responsibility, and a lifelong love of learning. Working collaboratively with families, assistants, and fellow educators, the Lead Teacher upholds the Academy's mission of providing meaningful, hands-on education that connects students with nature, their community, and one another. This is a farm environment, and educators are outside. This is a nature program. The teacher must love the outdoors and be inspired to integrate aspects of learning into the outdoor environment. We will train the right candidate. Our students are home-educated, and we are their tutors. Essential Responsibilities Prepare and maintain a beautiful, organized Montessori classroom that encourages independence and exploration. Guide students using Montessori philosophy and developmentally appropriate practices. Observe each child's growth and adapt lessons to meet individual learning needs. Develop engaging lessons in language, mathematics, science, cultural studies, practical life, and sensorial education. We will train you. Integrate outdoor and nature-based learning experiences into the daily curriculum. Foster a classroom culture built on kindness, respect, responsibility, and collaboration. Support students in developing leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills. Maintain accurate student records, observations, and progress reports. We use an online system to make this easy. Communicate regularly with parents regarding student growth and development. Participate in parent conferences, school events, open houses, and community outreach. Supervise classroom assistants and volunteers while providing guidance and support. Ensure a safe, healthy, and inclusive learning environment. Maintain classroom materials and prepare new learning activities as needed. Participate in ongoing professional development and staff meetings. Model professionalism, integrity, and lifelong learning. Nature-Based Learning Freedom Montessori Academy values meaningful experiences in nature. The Lead Teacher will: Incorporate outdoor learning into weekly instruction. Encourage environmental stewardship through gardening, animal care, and sustainability projects. Horses and chickens on site. Knowledge of animals is a plus. Guide students in observing and appreciating the natural world. Support hands-on agricultural and environmental learning experiences. Community Engagement As a Benefit Corporation, Freedom Montessori Academy is committed to strengthening the community through service and education. The Lead Teacher will: Encourage student participation in community service projects. Teach gratitude, empathy, and civic responsibility. Support fundraising activities that benefit local organizations and those who serve others. Help create educational opportunities that are accessible to the surrounding community. Qualifications Montessori Credential (AMI, AMS, or MACTE-accredited program preferred) or willingness to obtain certification. Other forms of Nature-based learning are valued Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field preferred. Experience working in a Montessori classroom is a plus. Strong classroom management and organizational skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Passion for child-centered education. Ability to work collaboratively with staff and families. CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain). Successful completion of required background screening. Preferred Qualities Passion for outdoor education and environmental stewardship. Experience with mixed-age classrooms. Creativity, flexibility, and initiative. Strong observation skills. Positive attitude and growth mindset. Commitment to respect for all learners. Ability to inspire curiosity and joyful learning. #J-18808-Ljbffr Freedom Montessori Academy