Kindergarten Teacher

Nature School of York is seeking a warm, dependable, and creative Kindergarten Teacher to lead a small class of just eight students. This is an immediate opening with an established kindergarten class.

At NSY, childhood is honored. Our students learn through meaningful academics, hands-on experiences, outdoor exploration, creative play, and strong relationships with their teachers and peers. Our wooded 10-acre campus serves as an extension of the classroom, and our days are intentionally screen-free.

Our kindergarten program provides a gentle bridge into elementary learning. The ideal teacher will balance age-appropriate academic instruction with movement, exploration, creativity, and plenty of time outdoors.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Kindergarten Teacher will:

• Create a safe, warm, and welcoming classroom community.
• Build trusting relationships with each of the eight students and their families.
• Plan and teach engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons in early literacy, writing, math, science, social studies, and nature studies.
• Use hands-on activities, play, movement, cooking, art, and outdoor exploration to support learning.
• Help children develop independence, emotional regulation, communication skills, and respect for personal and community boundaries.
• Differentiate instruction for children with a range of abilities, learning needs, and developmental levels.
• Observe and document student growth through portfolios and other authentic assessments rather than traditional grades.
• Communicate regularly and warmly with families.
• Collaborate with NSY teachers, specialists, and administrators.
• Provide consistent, dependable, on-site attendance and supervision.
• Participate in monthly staff meetings and two school community events during the year.

SCHEDULE

• Monday through Thursday, approximately 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
• One Friday staff meeting per month
• School-year position

COMPENSATION

• $32,000–$34,000 annual salary, depending on experience and qualifications
• Choice of a 10- or 12-month pay schedule
• Four paid personal days
• $500 annual classroom and outdoor-gear stipend
• Paid school breaks included within the salaried school-year calendar
• Please note that NSY does not currently offer employer-sponsored health insurance.
• Discounted tuition for students enrolled at NSY

THE RIGHT PERSON FOR NSY

We would love to meet someone who:

• Genuinely enjoys kindergarten-aged children and understands their developmental needs.
• Is kind, calm, playful, flexible, and confident with classroom leadership.
• Values relationship-based teaching and sees behavior as communication.
• Can provide clear, consistent expectations while remaining compassionate.
• Enjoys spending substantial time outdoors in changing weather.
• Is comfortable getting muddy, walking through the woods, exploring the creek, and learning alongside children.
• Is dependable, organized, communicative, and able to work collaboratively.
• Can support children with varying attention, behavioral, sensory, and learning needs.
• Wants the freedom to teach creatively without relying on screens, scripted lessons, or constant standardized testing.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience teaching or working with early elementary-aged children is required.
• A degree in elementary education, early childhood education, child development, or a related field is preferred.
• Pennsylvania teaching certification is welcomed but not required.
• Must be willing and able to obtain all required Pennsylvania school-employee clearances.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification is preferred or must be obtained upon hire.
• Must be able to safely supervise children throughout an active outdoor campus.

ABOUT NATURE SCHOOL OF YORK

Nature School of York is a small nonprofit school located on a rural, wooded campus in Seven Valleys, Pennsylvania. We serve students through nature-based, relationship-focused, mixed-age education. We value curiosity, connection, creativity, community, and respect for the natural world.

Our teachers have the freedom to know their students deeply, follow meaningful learning opportunities, and create lessons that make childhood and teaching feel joyful.

TO APPLY

Please submit:

• Your résumé
• A brief cover letter introducing yourself
• A short explanation of why nature-based, relationship-centered education appeals to you

We are looking to fill this position as soon as possible, but we will take the time necessary to find the right person for our students and school community.