Lead Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

We are seeking a passionate, collaborative, and experienced Lead Teacher to join our team at The Amherst Preschool, a Reggio Emilia–inspired early childhood program rooted in nature, inquiry, and child-led learning. The Lead Teacher will create a warm, engaging classroom environment where children are viewed as capable, competent, and full of potential. This position involves guiding curriculum development, fostering meaningful relationships with children and families, and working closely with a supportive teaching team to create thoughtful, responsive learning experiences both indoors and outdoors.

The ideal candidate is reflective, organized, nurturing, and excited about emergent curriculum and spending significant time outside with children in all seasons.

• Develop and implement emergent, play-based curriculum inspired by children’s interests and inquiries
• Create a safe, engaging, and inclusive classroom environment
• Lead classroom routines and support children’s social-emotional development
• Observe, document, and reflect on children’s learning through photos, notes, and displays
• Collaborate with co-teachers and administration to plan meaningful learning experiences
• Build strong relationships and communicate regularly with families
• Support outdoor learning experiences in all seasons and weather conditions
• Maintain classroom organization, materials, and cleanliness
• Ensure compliance with all licensing and safety requirements
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and school events

• Must be qualified as a Lead Teacher according to New Hampshire state licensing requirements
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Previous experience working in early childhood education
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Must pass required background checks and meet all state licensing requirements
• Knowledge of or interest in the Reggio Emilia philosophy and nature-based education

• Experience leading a classroom
• Experience in outdoor education or recreation, professionally or personally
• Training in the Reggio approach or previous experience at a Reggio-inspired school

• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Retirement Plan
• Child Care Discount
• Professional Development
• Outdoor gear stipend
• A community of like-minded educators and families

Let’s Grow Outside NH is a network of three Reggio-inspired forest schools in Southern New Hampshire dedicated to honoring childhood through nature, play, inquiry, and meaningful relationships.

The Amherst Preschool opened in 2009 and provides children with enriching, child-led experiences on a beautiful 23-acre campus. The school offers a full-time, year-round program designed for working families who value outdoor exploration, creativity, and unstructured play as essential parts of childhood.

Joppa Farm and Forest School opened in 2020 on the campus of Joppa Hill Educational Farm in Bedford. JFFS offers part-time, multi-age programming for children ages 3–5. Children spend their days exploring 190 acres of forests, fields, and fairy houses while building meaningful connections to the natural world and the farm community around them.

Ponemah Forest School will open in Fall 2026 at Hampshire Hills in Milford. Ponemah will offer part-time preschool and kindergarten programming that prioritizes outdoor play, exploration, and connection to nature. Children will also engage in enriching indoor experiences within thoughtfully curated environments designed to inspire inquiry, discovery, creativity, and joy.

Learn more on our website: letsgrowoutsidenh.com