Outdoor Education Instructor

Are you passionate about the environment, teaching, and being in nature? Nature’s Classroom New England is looking for dynamic and dedicated educators to join our Spring 2024 team! This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who love the outdoors, enjoy working with children, and are considering a career in education, recreation, or conservation.

Who we are

As the largest outdoor and environmental education program in the northeastern US, we focus 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.

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 by clicking this link! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dI7MLfwGXnANBACDZU3bWGYCn3J7P3L9nAQZO0bZsjk/edit

*No prior experience in teaching these classes? Don’t worry. We start the spring season with a week of paid staff training!

As put by a former staff member 

“I love working for Nature’s Classroom because 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, Lead Instructor, Fall ’21-Fall ’23”

Our locations

Groton, MA; Yarmouth Port, MA; Great Barrington, MA; Ivoryton, CT; Lakeside, CT

Work schedule

Instructors work from Monday to Friday each week of the spring season. The season starts with a week of paid staff training. The start and end dates vary slightly by location, but most locations begin between mid-March and early April and end in early June.

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. COVID vaccination is highly recommended.

Salary, housing, and meals

Outdoor Education Instructors earn $615 per week. We provide shared accommodations for the season. Meals are provided by the dining hall when schools are on-site. As housing is shared, please note that emotional support animals are not allowed.