Outdoor schools, Nature schools, Forest schools

Full-time teaching position

Hiring: Primary Teacher / Educator at Nature-Based School
School: Wildhearts PEC Forest School | Instagram
Location: 2590 County Road 15, near Picton, Prince Edward County ON

Are you passionate about working with 6-10 year olds?  Do you long to weave your love of outdoor learning, interdisciplinary teaching and community building into a newly emerging nature-based school set on a 700 acre family farm?

Have you reimagined what learning looks like and desire to build it with our dynamic learning community?

Do you love emergent, agile learning set in nature? Then, this may be the role for you ...

FULL TIME PRIMARY EDUCATOR ROLE

Our ideal candidate has a love for the natural world, is committed to the values of Waldorf and Forest School education, and is enthusiastic about both teaching and learning. The ideal candidate should be aligned with and embody values that represent preserving childhood and deepening the relationship of children to the natural world.

We are dedicated to educating the whole child through a nature-based, artistic, developmentally-aware and inclusive approach. We seek an educator who shares these goals and who is dedicated to the healthy development of each child.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

The ideal candidate will have passion for holistic, nature-based education. Our Nature Based School's mission is to instil a sense a wonder and curiosity in our students, leading to a deepening interest in the world around them, reverance for nature, respect for each other and finding purpose in their actions. Our teachers lead with integrity, respecting each student and inspiring them, igniting a fire and guiding them on their path towards a love of learning and meaning making.

Our Holistic Grade School program is rooted in a Holistic Education framework that engages the whole child to develop their emotional, psychological, physical, social, spiritual, and cognitive needs within an integrated learning format. Inspired by the cycles of the seasons and the richness of farm life, our programming, “A Year on the Farm”, takes children on a captivating journey of discovery, exploration and hands-on learning. Our school uses a  ‘blended’ education model, combining holistic-inspired programming with Forest School principles, Inquiry-based learning, and place-based education. Our teachers use an adaptable framework that enrich and support the student’s individual learning style. Our teachers strive to ensure that our students feel supported, encouraged, valued and acknowledged for each of their unique gifts while building a sense of ‘community’ and ‘respect’ within the group.

In addition, the following qualities would be required:

• One of the following: Ontario College of Teachers certification, Waldorf teacher certificate, or Bachelor of Education (Ontario)
• A background in Forest and Nature school is an asset
• Ideally minimum 3-5 years experience teaching 6-10 year olds
• A strong interest and experience in developing outdoor learning experiences that connect the curriculum to the natural world.
• Experience with curriculum development across subjects.
• Solid understanding of child development
• Modeling a positive attitude about all weather (wind, rain, sleet, snow, heat etc) while supporting children outdoors
• Current police check, vulnerable sector check
• Current standard First Aid certification
• Be flexible and adaptable to new situations
• Musical and artistic abilities are an asset (ie - storytelling, puppetry, music, handwork etc.)
• Understands the importance of cultivating and nurturing a loving environment where children are free to connect with themselves, others and nature

Role description and responsibilities:

• Create a consistently warm, calm and loving environment for the children throughout the day
• Develop and deliver holistic programming for both indoor and outdoor learning experiences
• Plan in partnership with our Program Director and supplementary teachers
• Document learning and play throughout the day/week/seasons.
• Build strong relationships and open communication with parents, other educators and community guests.
• Attend and partake in regular weekly meetings, planning sessions and dreaming for our growing school!
• Assist and support in seasonal festival events (ex. Lantern Walk, Mayfest,
  Forest Family Days, etc.)
• Attend training days and Professional Development throughout the school year as scheduled.
• Support with afterschool programming as needed.
• Assist with planning summer camp programming and teaching during scheduled camp weeks.
• Be part of a growing school community!

FURTHER DETAILS:

• Compensation determined based on qualifications and experience.
• Position for 2025-2026 school year

ABOUT US:

Wildhearts: A Prince Edward County Nature School at Ground Learning, established in 2022, offers full time and part time programs for students from Kindergarten to Grade 5. We are located on Edwin County Farms, a 700-acre organically-managed, regenerative farm in the northern part of Prince Edward County.

Programming runs Monday-Friday from 9am-3:30pm.

Located at: 2590 County Road 15, Picton, Prince Edward County ON

** Interested applicants can email us at: wildheartspec@gmail.com

Please provide a resume and a one-page cover letter sharing your interest in our school and what holistic, nature-based education means to you. Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

We thank all candidates for their submissions; however, we will only contact candidates we feel are the best suited for this position.

Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you! **