Outdoor Elementary Science Teacher & Forest Kindergarten Assistant Teacher

The Pathfinder School
Traverse City, Michigan
Full-Time | 2026–2027 School Year (can also be implemented as two half-time positions)

The Pathfinder School, an independent school in Traverse City, Michigan, seeks a full-time Elementary Science Teacher & Forest Kindergarten Assistant Teacher for the 2026–27 academic year.

About The Pathfinder School

The Pathfinder School’s mission is to ensure that each student builds a foundation of intellectual skill and self-assurance through immersion in rigorous learning environments that require creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, initiative, and responsibility.

With class sizes capped at 16 students per grade level, Pathfinder teachers cultivate meaningful relationships and engage students through inquiry-driven instruction. We seek educators who value questioning, thoughtful discourse, and the pursuit of understanding over rote delivery of content.

Position Overview

Pathfinder School is seeking a passionate and dedicated Forest Kindergarten Assistant Teacher/Outdoor Elementary Science Teacher  to join our nature-based early childhood program for the 2026–27 school year. This full-time role (that can also be divided into two half-time positions)  offers a unique opportunity to work alongside and be mentored by a veteran educator who pioneered Forest Kindergarten programs at multiple schools and is widely recognized as an expert in outdoor and nature-based Kindergarten education. This position will also create the opportunity to create an Outdoor Elementary Science program. The 22-acre Pathfinder School campus features access to Cedar Lake and woodlands.

This position is ideal for an educator who loves the outdoors, believes deeply in experiential, play-based learning. This opportunity is an exceptional pathway for professional development and leadership succession as eventual full-time Forest Kindergarten Teacher or outdoor science educator. Kindergarten duties will take place in the a.m. hours, and Elementary Science instruction in the p.m. hours.

Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

The Forest Kindergarten Assistant Teacher will:

• Work closely with and be supervised by the Lead Forest Kindergarten Teacher
• Provide one on one instruction in early literacy and math within designated learning huts located in the woods
• Support children during extended periods of outdoor free play and guided exploration
• Assist in implementing outdoor education projects, seasonal studies, and nature-based learning experiences
• Help maintain a safe, engaging, and respectful learning environment outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
• Support students’ social-emotional development through collaborative play and problem-solving
• Contribute to classroom preparation, organization, and daily routines
• Engage in ongoing professional learning and mentorship with an eye toward future leadership

The Outdoor Elementary Science Teacher will:

• Work in collaboration with the Division Head in designing outdoor science units
• Focus on hands-on learning exploration
• Create clear scientific observation skills
• Explore seasonal cycles
• Incorporate project-based learning i.e. gardening, water studies,environmental stewardship, etc.
• Teach scientific measurement systems

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• One-page statement of educational philosophy

Materials should be emailed to Interim Head of School Ben Hebebrand at bhebeberand@thepathfinderschool.org.

Application Deadline: March 27, 2026.
The Pathfinder School reserves the right to make a hiring decision prior to this deadline.

The Pathfinder School is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who will contribute to a diverse and inclusive school community.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• A strong passion for outdoor, nature-based education and working with young children
• Experience or background in early childhood education, Kindergarten, or related fields
• Familiarity with or interest in early literacy and foundational math instruction
• Comfort working outdoors year-round and supporting children in all seasons
• Strong collaboration skills and a willingness to learn from an experienced mentor
• A growth mindset and interest in eventually stepping into a Lead Teaching role in Kindergarten or other Teaching Roles 
• Initiative in creating an outdoor Elementary Science program
  

About The Pathfinder School

Established in 1972, The Pathfinder School is a non-sectarian independent day school, which enrolls 110 students from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. Located just north of Traverse City, Michigan on a 22-acre wooded campus nestled between the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay and Cedar Lake, the school provides a natural workshop for project-based and experiential learning both in and out of the classroom. Pathfinder is characterized by its warm and caring atmosphere, small classes and a highly skilled and dedicated instructional staff. The school is committed to engaged, relevant and active learning, the pursuit of academic and creative excellence and a fundamental respect for the integrity and diversity of children. The Pathfinder School serves the Grand Traverse area as an ISACS accredited independent elementary and middle school.

Connections working at The Pathfinder School