Organization
Job Posted
July 5, 2026
Job status
Job Category
Job Type
Job Duration
Job Compensation Type
Remote
No
Website
Contact Name
Alexandria Beyer
Contact Email
programs@orcaskaleidoscope.com
Contact Phone
Deadline to Apply
Location
Eastsound, WA
United States
Summary
About the Role
Are you passionate about nature-based education and creating transformative learning experiences for young children? The Forest School Lead Teacher at Kaleidoscope will co-lead our nature-based preschool classroom, immersing children in the beauty of Orcas Island while fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and responsive learning environment. This role is perfect for someone who thrives outdoors, embraces child-led learning, and is committed to sustainability, equity, and early childhood best practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead outdoor learning: Plan and facilitate daily nature-based activities, ensuring alignment with our Outdoor Nature-Based (ONB) curriculum and early childhood best practices (e.g., project-based and emergent curriculum).
- Embody our philosophy and Foundational Principles, including:
- Nature immersion and flow learning (child/interest-led, informed by nature).
- Inquiry-based teaching and documentation of emergent curriculum.
- Place-based education, compassion scaffolding, and positive reinforcement.
- A student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1, allowing opportunity for individual empowerment, group bonding, and authentic play.
- Collaborate and communicate: Work closely with families, co-teachers, and specialists to maintain open communication and respect cultural diversity.
- Document progress: Track children’s development using Emergent Curriculum Observations (ECO) and Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG) to inform future planning and ensure consistency in pedagogical implementation.
- Ensure safety and compliance: Maintain a safe, professional, and inclusive classroom culture while adhering to state and national early education regulations.
- Lead with joy: Bring your unique gifts, talents, and expertise to inspire both children and colleagues, while remaining rooted in our shared values of resiliency, teamwork, and nature-connectedness.
Ideal Candidate - We’re looking for someone who:
- Has experience in early childhood education or outdoor learning.
- Thrives outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Has strong behavior management skills employed through compassion scaffolding and co-regulation techniques.
- Embraces child-led learning, collaboration, and continuous growth.
- Values authentic play, moderate risk-taking, and sense of belonging for all.
Compensation Information
Why This Role is Special
This isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to shape young minds in one of the most breathtaking places on Earth. You’ll work in a supportive, team-oriented environment where your creativity and passion are valued. Plus, you’ll enjoy:
- $22–$25/hour starting wage (DOE), with clear pathways to earn more.
- Health insurance, retirement benefits, and professional development.
Provided housing (with rent to be paid by the employee)—so you can fully immerse yourself in the Orcas Island lifestyle.
Our Commitment to You
We believe that great educators deserve support, respect, and opportunities to grow. This role is designed to give you the freedom to innovate, the tools to succeed, and the space to make a lasting impact on both children and the community.Ready to join us?
If you’re excited about this opportunity to teach, learn, and grow in nature’s classroom, we’d love to hear from you! Let’s create something beautiful together.