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We are currently seeking a Kindergarten Lead Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year!
We are also always interested in connecting with subject area specialists and substitute directors for the 2025/2026 school year and beyond.
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Kindergarten Lead Teacher (Directly Below)
Preschool Assistant Teacher Job Description
If you are interested in becoming a substitute director for the Forager School, please email us at info@forager.school for required qualifications and further information.
Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Start Date: Mid-July 2026 (Flexible)
Salary: $70,000 - $85,000+, depending on experience
Employment Type: Full-Time, Academic Year
Benefits: Paid time off during school-wide breaks, holidays, and 10 paid sick days; professional development stipend; retirement program participation; gym membership; 50% employee coverage in our health and dental plan; relocation/housing support
For the 2026-27 school year, Forager Elementary will serve students in Kindergarten through 4th Grade, and we are seeking a Kindergarten Lead Teacher to welcome and lead our incoming cohort. Our 2026-27 Kindergarten cohort will consist of 5-8 students, with plans for this role to loop and serve a mixed class of K-1 in future years. This teacher will also collaborate with the Director around shared projects and mixed-age learning experiences across grades K-4. Our ideal candidate is a thoughtful educator who thrives in dynamic, collaborative environments, brings structure without rigidity, and understands how to nurture each child’s growth - academically, emotionally, and socially.
Key Responsibilities:
Create a structured, responsive, and engaging classroom that supports independence, curiosity, and social-emotional growth
Lead Kindergarten instruction and program design, with an emphasis on early literacy and foundational math skills
Support students with the transition from Preschool to Kindergarten
Differentiate instruction to meet a range of developmental and academic needs
Prepare classroom materials and help document student learning and progress
Design hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity and foster a love of learning
Participate in training related to core curriculum programs
Integrate outdoor and nature-based learning, using the local environment as an extension of the classroom
Collaborate with the Director and teaching team on interdisciplinary and mixed-age learning experiences
Qualifications:
Experience teaching Kindergarten and/or 1st grade, especially early literacy and reading instruction
Strong understanding of early childhood development and foundational learning
Collaborative, reflective, and flexible mindset
Passion for progressive, mixed-age, and nature-based education
Up-to-date immunization records, clean driving record, and ability to pass a criminal background check upon hire
We recognize that joining a small coastal community involves transitions beyond the classroom. Because housing in our area is often shared through local networks rather than public listings, we work closely with new teachers to help navigate local options. We look forward to connecting with educators who are excited to teach with purpose and help shape a growing school community!
To Apply:
Reach out with a short letter of interest to info@forager.school. We’d love to hear from you!
Assistant Teacher for a Preschool on the Sonoma/Mendocino Coast
Salary: $21/hr+ (depending on experience)
Employment Type: Full-Time or Part-Time
Benefits: Sick days, paid holidays, professional development to support career growth (ECE credits, conferences, workshops, skills training, etc.)
Location: Gualala, California
Start Date: Flexible
Seeking an Assistant Teacher for a vibrant, creative, mixed-age preschool on the California coast in the Sea Ranch/Gualala area. The Forager School is a play-based preschool for kids ages 2 to 5. We prioritize a love of learning, creative problem-solving, outdoor exploration, and social-emotional learning. Located in a rural setting, our school is well integrated with the outdoors and fosters an appreciation and understanding of the natural environment.
The Assistant Teacher will collaborate with the Preschool Director to build a learning environment for 8 to 12 students. Our ideal candidate is creative, flexible, self-motivated, highly collaborative, and values strong relationships. Additionally, s/he is familiar with Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and Montessori approaches, and is excited to partner with the Preschool Director to develop a curriculum that encourages children to be active participants in their own education. This position will report to the Preschool Director. Passion for education and a love of children are a given!
In this role, you would:
Provide nurturing care and maintain a safe and supportive learning environment for young children.
Assist the Preschool Director in carrying out lesson plans by preparing and setting up classroom activities and leading portions of the daily program.
Collaborate in curriculum development and field trip programming based on students’ developmental stages and interests. Attend regular meetings with the Preschool Director to discuss curriculum plans and development observations.
Support teaching key skills including social-emotional and interpersonal skills, sharing, self-awareness, self-confidence, emotional intelligence, and relationship building.
Maintain an open line of communication with parents and provide constructive feedback on a regular or as-needed basis under the guidance of the Preschool Director. Participate in parent-teacher conferences.
Supervise and engage with children on field trips and drive the school vehicle as needed.
Assist in keeping the classroom clean and orderly throughout the day, and assist with setup and cleanup at the beginning/end of each day.
Help children use the bathroom and assist with nap-time diapering.
Support the Preschool Director with administrative tasks as necessary.
Work with diverse populations of children and adults from a wide variety of backgrounds.
Requirements:
At least one (1) year of experience working with children ages 2 to 5 years old, preferably in a childcare setting.
Completed or currently in the process of earning a minimum of six (6) ECE credits. Candidates interested in obtaining director level credentials are encouraged to apply.
Bilingual candidates (Spanish and English) encouraged to apply.
Up-to-date immunization records
Submit to a criminal background check upon hire.
Clean driving record and ability to drive a school vehicle.
To Apply:
Apply through the button below or send an email to info@forager.school.
In lieu of a cover letter, please provide brief answers to the following prompts:
Describe an inspiring lesson for preschool aged children that you have organized and taught.
Describe a previous experience where you worked in collaboration with another teacher in a learning environment, and what you learned from this experience.
SEASONAL STAFF
Overview
The Forager School is seeking seasonal educators and camp staff to join our summer programming team for four weeks across both our preschool and Adventure Camp programs.
Seasonal staff at Forager value child-led, nature-based learning. Ideal candidates bring experience working with children, a collaborative spirit, and a strong respect for Pre-K through 5th grade developmental stages. Responsibilities include supporting daily programming, supervising safety in outdoor exploration, assisting with local field trips, and helping cultivate a warm, inclusive community for children and families.
This is a hands-on, physically active role well suited for caring adults looking to expand their teaching practice. Educators passionate about environmental education, and local naturalists eager to share their knowledge with young learners. Seasonal positions offer a meaningful opportunity to work closely with an experienced teaching team while spending summer days immersed in the forests, rivers, and coastal landscapes of the Mendocino Coast.
Youth & High School Opportunities
The Forager School is excited to support motivated youth and high school students who are seeking a meaningful summer learning experience. Depending on a student’s age, experience, and interests, participation may count toward community service hours, internships, or paid positions for those with prior childcare and/or summer camp experience.
Youth staff receive hands-on training, mentorship from experienced educators, and a valuable introduction to the fields of outdoor education and early childhood education. This pathway is ideal for students who are curious about education, environmental studies, child development, or community-based work.
We provide certificates of completion, letters of recommendation, and work closely with each participant to align the experience with their individual learning goals.
Application Process
To apply, please submit a résumé, a brief paragraph introducing yourself and outlining your interest in the opportunity, along with the contact information for two references to info@forager.school.