What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Teacher - Outdoor Classroom position at The Grove Community School?
Join Our Team as an Outdoor Classroom Assistant at The Grove Community School
Are you passionate about nature, hands-on learning, and supporting young children in an authentic Montessori environment? The Grove Community School is seeking a caring, energetic, and dependable Outdoor Classroom Assistant to join our team. In this unique role, you'll help create meaningful outdoor learning experiences while supporting children under the guidance of an experienced lead teacher.
About Us
At The Grove Community School, we believe some of the most meaningful learning happens outdoors. As an AMS-verified Montessori school, we provide an authentic Montessori education that nurtures each child's independence, curiosity, and love of learning. Our beautiful campus offers wooded trails, gardens, open spaces, and natural play areas where children explore science, practical life, environmental stewardship, and social-emotional growth through daily outdoor experiences.
Our outdoor classroom is an extension of our Montessori environment, not simply recess. Children spend significant time outdoors engaged in purposeful work, exploration, gardening, nature study, practical life activities, and collaborative projects that foster confidence, resilience, and a deep connection with the natural world.
Position Overview
As an Outdoor Classroom Assistant, you will help create a safe, engaging, and peaceful outdoor learning environment while supporting the lead teacher in implementing Montessori principles in nature. You will assist with supervising children, preparing outdoor materials and learning spaces, maintaining the environment, and encouraging independence and respectful interactions.
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working outside in all seasons, loves helping children discover the natural world, and is excited to grow within an authentic Montessori community.
Hours: 8-hour shift 8:30-4:30, Monday through Friday
Start Date: August 11th
Salary: Based on a 227-day work schedule, including 8 weeks of summer camp. This is a year-round position.
Key Responsibilities
Outdoor Classroom Support: Assist the lead teacher in maintaining a calm, organized, and engaging outdoor Montessori environment.
Prepared Environment: Help set up, organize, clean, and care for outdoor learning materials, gardens, tools, and natural spaces to ensure they are safe, inviting, and purposeful.
Student Guidance: Support children as they develop independence, confidence, problem-solving skills, and respect for others and the environment.
Observation: Observe children's work, interests, and developmental progress, sharing observations with the lead teacher as appropriate.
Nature-Based Learning: Assist with gardening, nature studies, practical life activities, outdoor projects, and seasonal learning experiences.
Safety: Help ensure children's safety while encouraging appropriate risk-taking, exploration, and stewardship of the environment.
Collaboration: Work closely with the lead teacher and school team to create a consistent, joyful, and child-centered experience.
Professional Growth: Participate in Montessori and outdoor education training opportunities and continue developing professionally.
Qualifications
Experience: Experience working with children is required. Experience in a Montessori school, outdoor education, nature-based programs, or environmental education is strongly preferred.
Skills:
- Enjoys working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
- Kind, patient, dependable, and energetic
- Organized and able to take initiative
- Comfortable supervising active children outdoors
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Passion for nature, hands-on learning, and child development
Why Join The Grove?
At The Grove, you'll become part of a close-knit community that believes children learn best through meaningful experiences, strong relationships, and daily connection with the natural world. We value collaboration, professional growth, and creating joyful learning environments where both children and educators thrive.
If you're excited about combining Montessori education with outdoor learning and helping children develop confidence, independence, and a lifelong appreciation for nature, we'd love to meet you.
Pay: $14.00 - $17.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $14 - $17