Outdoor Education Instructor

Who we are

As the largest outdoor and environmental education program in the northeastern US, Outdoor Classorom focuses on place-based education with an emphasis on science, nature, and social-emotional learning. We facilitate exciting outdoor learning experiences for elementary and middle school students who visit us for overnight field trips. Each spring and fall, we host hundreds of schools at our seven beautiful sites located across New England.

A day in the life

As an Outdoor Education Instructor, you will have the joy of being welcomed each morning by eager 4th to 8th graders ready for a day of outdoor exploration and learning. Your main responsibility will be leading groups of 12-14 students through their day and evening activities. Our lessons are hands-on and aim to foster critical thinking while uncovering the connections between the natural and human-made world. Favorite staff-led activities include team-building exercises (low ropes), aquatic biology, wood carving, outdoor cooking, and night hikes. You can check out our full list of activity options!

*No prior experience in teaching these classes? Don't worry! We start the fall season with 1.5 weeks of paid staff training

As put by a former staff member 

"I’m encouraged to use my unique skills and interests in my teaching. I work alongside instructors who are just as passionate as I am, and it’s so rewarding to have a positive and educational impact on so many students every week. The beautiful locations, amazing leadership, and plain old fun have kept me coming back season after season.”       

- Shelby F., Fall ’21-Spring ’25

Our locations

Freedom, NH; Ocean Park, ME; Yarmouth Port, MA; Groton, MA; Great Barrington, MA; Ivoryton, CT; and Lakeside, CT

Work schedule

Instructors work from Monday to Friday. The season starts with 1.5 weeks of paid staff training. End dates vary slightly by location. Staff training starts August 31 and the season ends either in late October or mid-November.

Qualifications

Successful candidates will have a strong desire to work outdoors and enjoy working with elementary and middle school students. A positive attitude and the ability to work effectively in a team are highly valued. Given the nature of the role, you should be comfortable walking 3 to 5 miles per day with students and working long days (breakfast through evening programs, with some breaks during the day). A Bachelor’s degree is preferred, but not required.