Farm Raised Program Teacher (Grades KG–6) / Main Lesson Teacher

Farm Raised Program Teacher (Grades KG–6) / Main Lesson Teacher Location: The Ecology Center (TEC), San Juan Capistrano, CA Position Type: Full-Time, Salaried (classification determined by duties and applicable law) Reports To: Education Director Program Group Size: 12–16 children Ages: 5–12 (Kindergarten–6th grade) Compensation $70,500 - 75,300 Starting Salary: $70,500 annually, Benefits TEC offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being, stability, and long-term sustainability of our educators, including: Medical coverage options for eligible full-time employees 401(k) retirement plan with employer participation Paid time off, including school breaks, aligned with the Farm Raised program calendar Professional growth opportunities within a collaborative, values-aligned community Meaningful work in a regenerative farm setting alongside mission-driven colleagues Benefits details are shared during the interview process. Job Summary Farm Raised is The Ecology Center’s homeschooling enrichment program for children in grades KG–6, guided by the belief that the farm can become the classroom for the next generation of change-makers. Children learn through meaningful work, seasonal rhythms, and collaboration within a living farm eco-village. Under the guidance of village teachers, farmers, chefs, parents, and artisans, learning unfolds through hands-on engagement with the land and community. Work Schedule Primary on-site instruction: Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Friday: Prep, planning, assessment, and site stewardship (typically on-site; hours coordinated with the Education Director) Occasional evenings/weekends: Limited and planned in advance for all-program events, festivals, workshops, and community learning experiences as part of the educational program (not routine weekly scheduling) Essential Functions and ResponsibilitiesTeaching and Curriculum Lead daily Main Lesson instruction in an outdoor, farm-based learning environment. Design and deliver integrated curriculum inspired by seasonal farming, permaculture ethics, and regenerative agroecology. Create and maintain predictable daily/weekly rhythms that support focus, warmth, and engagement for multiage learners. Use professional judgment to differentiate instruction and support varied learning needs across ages 5–12. Track learning progress (as appropriate to the program model) and communicate student growth with families. Community Collaboration Collaborate with farmers, chefs, artisans, and fellow educators as a village teaching team to align learning with real farm/community work. Model child-honoring and earth-honoring practices, shared responsibility, and safe tool/material use. Support programmatic planning for farm-wide community learning events (educational design, coordination, and student/family experience). Safety, Supervision, and Compliance Maintain active supervision of students and uphold program safety procedures in outdoor environments. Follow all TEC policies related to child safety, incident reporting, and visitor/community engagement. Required Qualifications Experience serving as a Main Lesson Teacher or equivalent integrated teaching role for elementary-aged children. Comfort teaching outdoors in variable weather conditions and on uneven terrain. Working knowledge of hands-on horticulture/agriculture and/or outdoor experiential education. Strong interpersonal skills with children, families, and cross-functional colleagues. Commitment to working from The Ecology Center’s values. Preferred Qualifications Waldorf teaching background and/or formal Waldorf training. California Teaching Credential and/or Waldorf Certification (plus). Familiarity with permaculture principles. Appreciation for homeschooling/unschooling/worldschooling approaches (e.g., concepts reflected in Free to Learn by Peter Gray). Bilingual English/Spanish (plus). Language and Communication Skills Ability to read, interpret, and apply policies, procedures, and applicable guidance. Ability to clearly communicate expectations, learning plans, and safety information to families and colleagues. Ability to write professional communications and maintain basic program documentation. Technical Skills Confidence using: Word processing and spreadsheet tools Email, calendars, and messaging Video conferencing Basic data entry and digital check-in tools / guest relations platforms Physical Demands and Work Environment This position regularly requires: Standing/walking for extended periods; moving throughout farm areas on uneven ground Frequent outdoor work in sun, heat, cold, wind, light rain, and dust Lifting/carrying typical program materials (up to 30 lbs), with or without reasonable accommodation Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Pre-Employment and Ongoing Requirements Conditional offer + Background screening: As permitted by law, employment is contingent upon successful completion of required pre-employment screening(s). For roles working with children, this includes a fingerprint-based background check submitted through California DOJ Live Scan (and FBI check if required for the position/program). Current/maintainable CPR/First Aid certification (preferred; may be required within a set timeframe after hire). Equal Employment Opportunity and At-Will Employment The Ecology Center is an equal opportunity employer. Employment is at-will, meaning either the employee or TEC may end employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law. How to Apply Please submit a resume and a brief letter describing your teaching background and what draws you to Farm Raised. Selected candidates will be invited into a conversational interview process aligned with the relational nature of our work. Submit resumes and letters here: Additional Duties This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time, with or without notice, based on program needs, operational requirements, and organizational priorities. Employees are expected to perform other related duties as assigned, consistent with their role and applicable law. Pay: $70,500.00 - $75,300.00 per year Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Work Location: In person