Outdoor education and forest school teaching jobs

Nourish Curiosity. Foster Connection. Prepare children for the future.

Hiring: Educator, Primary Pod Senior Class (grades 3-8)
Forest School: Hundred Acre Wood Forest Preschool | Instagram
Location: Heathcote/Grey County, Blue Mountains near Collingwood & Owen Sound, Ontario

• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Salary: $29.00-$35.00 per hour (commensurate with experience)
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, approximately 35-40 hours/week
• Start Date: September 2026

About Hundred Acre Wood

At Hundred Acre Wood (HAW), we believe childhood should be filled with wonder, questions, friendships, adventures, and meaningful work.Nestled within the forests of Grey County, HAW is a non-profit nature-based educational community serving children from toddlerhood through adolescence. Our Primary Pod is a unique educational program for children aged 6–13 that blends nature immersion, inquiry-based learning, academic skill development, project work, and whole-child growth.

We don't believe children learn best by sitting still all day. We believe they learn by asking questions, taking risks, building resilience, climbing trees, creating art, solving problems, caring for one another, exploring the natural world, and engaging in meaningful academic work connected to real life.

We're looking for an Educator who shares that vision.

The Opportunity

As a Primary Pod Educator, you will become a mentor, facilitator, guide, and trusted adult in the lives of children. You will work with a team of 2 passionate primary pod educators and report to the program supervisor. With the guidance of a scope and sequence and curriculums for reference, you will help learners navigate their own educational journey through inquiry, observation, project-based learning, academic instruction, and authentic relationships. You will support a multi-age community of learners through developmental stages ranging from Embodied Explorers (typically ages 6–8) to Emerging Investigators (8–10) and Systems Thinkers (10–13), adapting your approach to meet each child where they are. Every day looks a little different. One morning may involve a literacy lesson beneath the trees. Another might involve facilitating a student-led research project, supporting conflict resolution, leading a hike, building a woodworking project in the Tinker Shed, or helping a learner set personal goals for the term.

What You'll Do

Build Meaningful Relationships

• Develop deep, authentic connections with students and their families
• Get to know each learner's strengths, interests, challenges, and aspirations
• Create an environment where every child feels seen, valued, and capable
• Facilitate weekly one-on-one mentor meetings with core learners

Facilitate Inquiry & Learning

• Guide child-led investigations and project work
• Design learning experiences inspired by student interests, seasons, community, and place
• Support literacy, numeracy, research, critical thinking, and communication skills
• Integrate Ontario curriculum expectations into authentic learning experiences
• Encourage creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning

Support Whole-Child Development

• Foster emotional regulation, resilience, independence, and self-awareness
• Coach children through social challenges and conflict resolution
• Create opportunities for leadership, collaboration, and responsibility
• Support children in setting and achieving meaningful learning goals

Embrace Outdoor Learning

• Facilitate daily learning outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions
• Lead hikes, explorations, field studies, and place-based learning experiences
• Cultivate environmental stewardship and ecological literacy
• Support healthy risk-taking and physical competency

Observe, Document & Communicate

• Document student learning through observations, portfolios, and pedagogical documentation
• Prepare developmental observation reports twice annually
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences and family meetings
• Maintain strong communication with families through a collaborative partnership approach

Contribute to the Community

• Collaborate closely with fellow educators
• Support community events, celebrations, and field trips
• Help maintain beautiful, welcoming, and organized learning environments
• Occasionally support other HAW programs as needed

The Educator We're Looking For

You might be a great fit if you:

• Are innovative and passionate about this alternative learning environment
• See children as capable, competent, and naturally curious
• Value relationships as the foundation of learning
• Are energized by working outdoors year-round
• Can balance structure with flexibility
• Love asking questions more than giving answers
• Believe learning happens everywhere
• Are comfortable facilitating both academic work and muddy adventures
• Can adapt quickly when plans change
• Enjoy collaborating with families and colleagues

Qualifications Required

• Post-secondary education in Education or a related field
• Experience working with school-aged children in an outdoor and/or alternative setting
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Valid driver's licence and reliable transportation

Assets

• Outdoor Education training
• Forest School experience
• Experience with inquiry-based or emergent curriculum
• Familiarity with Waldorf, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Democratic Education, or alternative educational models
• Leadership or mentorship experience

Why Work at HAW?

At Hundred Acre Wood, you'll find more than a job. You'll join a team of thoughtful educators committed to creating meaningful childhood experiences and a learning environment where both children and adults continue to grow. You'll spend your days in nature, build lasting relationships, contribute to a vibrant educational community, and help shape an innovative model of learning that values curiosity, connection, responsibility, and joy. Furthermore, you’ll receive a competitive salary, access to extended health benefits, staff discounts, and staff snacks. We encourage and support professional development, hosting 4-5 PD days per year. Unlimited Vitamin D. If you're looking for work that is meaningful, challenging, creative, and deeply rewarding, we'd love to hear from you.

If you would like to apply, please email your resume and cover letter to: hr@haw.ca 

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