Lead Teacher– Forager School (Gualala, CA) at California Private Teachers - Mendocino County
Job Summary
Job Summary
California Private Teachers is proud to partner with The Forager School in the search for a Founding Lead Teacher for a growing microschool on the Sonoma-Mendocino Coast. This is a unique opportunity to co-create a school from the ground up — shaping curriculum, classroom culture, and daily learning experiences for a small, mixed-age cohort. You’ll work closely with a full-time assistant teacher, a team of rotating specialists, the school’s leadership, and a supportive network of families, local experts, and community partners. As the Founding Lead Teacher, you will play a key role in launching and leading our elementary program. You’ll design and deliver a hands-on, interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates literacy, math, science, and the arts, all grounded in nature and project-based learning. This full-time, year-round position includes opportunities for leadership and school development as enrollment grows.
Requirements / Qualifications
* Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field (Master’s preferred) * Minimum of five years teaching experience, preferably with young learners and individualized instruction * Strong background in alternative and progressive education, with a creative and adaptable approach * Must reside in or be willing to commute to Gualala, CA for in-person instruction Ideal Qualifications * Classroom experience with elementary-aged children * Background in project-based or progressive education * Passion for STEAM, nature-based learning, and creativity * Ability to differentiate instruction in a mixed-age setting * Familiarity with evidence-based instructional practices * Clear background check and current immunizations
Required Documents: To apply, please email your application materials to ashley@californiaprivateteachers.com with the subject line: "Forager School Teacher Position." Your application should include: * Brief responses (1–2 paragraphs each) to the following questions: *Tell us about a lesson that didn’t go as planned — how did you adapt? *Share an interdisciplinary project you’re proud of. What would you tweak next time? * Resume * Copy of teaching credential (if applicable) * Transcript (unofficial) * Letter of introduction * Letters of recommendation (if available) * Three professional references
Requirements / Qualifications
* Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field (Master’s preferred) * Minimum of five years teaching experience, preferably with young learners and individualized instruction * Strong background in alternative and progressive education, with a creative and adaptable approach * Must reside in or be willing to commute to Gualala, CA for in-person instruction Ideal Qualifications * Classroom experience with elementary-aged children * Background in project-based or progressive education * Passion for STEAM, nature-based learning, and creativity * Ability to differentiate instruction in a mixed-age setting * Familiarity with evidence-based instructional practices * Clear background check and current immunizations
Required Documents: To apply, please email your application materials to ashley@californiaprivateteachers.com with the subject line: "Forager School Teacher Position." Your application should include: * Brief responses (1–2 paragraphs each) to the following questions: *Tell us about a lesson that didn’t go as planned — how did you adapt? *Share an interdisciplinary project you’re proud of. What would you tweak next time? * Resume * Copy of teaching credential (if applicable) * Transcript (unofficial) * Letter of introduction * Letters of recommendation (if available) * Three professional references
Comments and Other Information
Responsibilities and Requirements:
Requirements:
Passion for progressive, nature-based, and project-based education
Experience teaching core elementary subjects (literacy, math, science)
Comfort with mixed-age classrooms and differentiated instruction
Commitment to whole-child development — academic, social, and emotional
Creative, collaborative, and growth-oriented mindset
Ability to lead with both structure and flexibility, grounded in warmth and curiosity
Key Responsibilities
Design and lead an inquiry-based, STEAM-aligned curriculum for a mixed-age classroom
Promote social-emotional learning and a strong classroom community
Guide outdoor learning, fieldwork, and community-based projects
Collaborate with assistant and specialist teachers; help grow enrollment and programming
Partner with the preschool director to support transitions and shared staff development
Build relationships with families and local mentors to enrich the learning experience
Support admissions, scheduling, and program development alongside the administrative team
Comments and Other Information
Responsibilities and Requirements:
Requirements:
Passion for progressive, nature-based, and project-based education
Experience teaching core elementary subjects (literacy, math, science)
Comfort with mixed-age classrooms and differentiated instruction
Commitment to whole-child development — academic, social, and emotional
Creative, collaborative, and growth-oriented mindset
Ability to lead with both structure and flexibility, grounded in warmth and curiosity
Key Responsibilities
Design and lead an inquiry-based, STEAM-aligned curriculum for a mixed-age classroom
Promote social-emotional learning and a strong classroom community
Guide outdoor learning, fieldwork, and community-based projects
Collaborate with assistant and specialist teachers; help grow enrollment and programming
Partner with the preschool director to support transitions and shared staff development
Build relationships with families and local mentors to enrich the learning experience
Support admissions, scheduling, and program development alongside the administrative team