Science/Outdoor Educator

Position Overview

St. Michael’s Episcopal School is seeking a passionate and innovative educator to teach Lower School Outdoor Education and Fifth-Grade Science for the 2026-2027 (10 month position) school year. This part-time position includes teaching outdoor education to students in grades 3-5 (6 classes/week) and science to two sections of fifth grade (4 classes/week). This educator will inspire curiosity and foster a love of science and the outdoors by integrating hands-on, nature-based instruction into the curriculum. The ideal candidate will skillfully align outdoor learning experiences with vertically aligned academic standards in collaboration with lower and middle school science programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and deliver engaging, outdoor education instruction for elementary students (grades 3–5)
• Coordinate outdoor studies in grades 3-5 with K-2 curriculum and expectations set by outdoor education teacher
• Apply state learning standards (e.g., science standards, literacy integration, and cross-curricular benchmarks) to fifth graders’ classroom and outdoor lessons
• Develop and implement inquiry-based, hands-on lessons that use outdoor environments to meet required academic outcomes
• Translate grade-level standards into meaningful outdoor investigations, experiments, and projects
• Use backward design to plan lessons that align learning objectives, activities, and assessments with state standards
• Facilitate outdoor learning experiences such as nature walks, ecological studies, gardening, and environmental stewardship projects
• In fifth grade science, assess student progress toward mastery of material using a variety of tools, including performance-based assessments, projects, and observations
• Maintain accurate records of student achievement and mastery
• Ensure student safety and establish clear expectations for behavior during outdoor instruction

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Science, Environmental Education, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
• Valid state teaching certification in Elementary Education preferred but not required
• Experience teaching elementary science and/or outdoor education
• Strong classroom and outdoor classroom management skills
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Experience aligning experiential or project-based learning with academic standards
• Passion for environmental education and sustainability
• Ability to design interdisciplinary units 
• Experience with school gardens, outdoor classrooms, or environmental programming
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills

Working Conditions

• Combination of indoor and outdoor instruction in varying weather conditions
• Active supervision of students in dynamic outdoor environments
• Occasional field trips and extended outdoor learning experiences

At St. Michael’s Episcopal School, we are committed to fostering a warm and welcoming environment where every member of our community feels valued and supported. If you are a dedicated educator ready to inspire young minds and contribute to a vibrant school community, we encourage you to apply.

Our Mission: St. Michael’s Episcopal School nurtures the spirit, ignites the mind, and celebrates childhood in a community of love, affirmation, and belonging that fosters educational excellence. St M also actively instills the values of kindness, respect, acceptance, integrity, responsibility, resilience, and compassion. 

Located on a unique 70-acre campus, the K-8 co-educational community is small enough (400 students and 60+ faculty-staff) for everyone to know one another, and large enough to provide rich curricular and co-curricular opportunities. Its student-teacher ratio is 10:1, and average class size is 18 to 19 students. Students hail from 27 different zip codes. Founded in 1957, St. Michael’s is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) and a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). St. Michael’s values diversity as an important element of serving its mission and thus considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.