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Kindergarten Lead Teacher at Progressive Microschool on the Coast (The Forager School) at The Forager School Print Application Deadline 6/30/2026 11:55 PM Pacific Date Posted 2/18/2026 Contact Christine Kan 415-932-9069 Number of Openings 1 Salary Pay Range 70,000 - 85,000+ Annually Add'l Salary Info

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. Length of Work Year Academic Year Employment Type Full Time Website https://www.forager.school To Apply Reach out with your resume and a short letter of interest to info@forager.school. We'd love to hear from you! Start Date Mid - July, 2026 (flexible) Job Summary Job Summary Forager Elementary is a progressive, mixed-age microschool on the wild and beautiful Sonoma-Mendocino Coast. Rooted in hands-on, experiential learning, our program invites children to cultivate wonder, think critically, and explore deeply. We blend strong academic foundations in literacy, math, and science with interdisciplinary, inquiry-based learning that supports curiosity, confidence, and growth. 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 Requirements / 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
• A California Multiple Subject Credential is not required.

We welcome experienced educators from all schools, including independent, progressive, or alternative school settings.

Requirements / 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
• A California Multiple Subject Credential is not required.

We welcome experienced educators from all schools, including independent, progressive, or alternative school settings. Comments and Other Information

ABOUT FORAGER ELEMENTARY

Forager Elementary launched in September 2025 with a small inaugural cohort, building on the strong foundation of The Forager School preschool, a beloved hub in our coastal community. Our school is grounded in the belief that children learn best through meaningful connection - with one another, their teachers, and the world around them. Students are viewed as co-collaborators in their education, encouraged to ask questions, take initiative, and develop a sense of responsibility for their learning and community. Learning at Forager Elementary balances strong academic foundations with autonomy, creativity, and care for the whole child. Students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally, and are recognized as capable contributors and leaders within the school community. They have meaningful ownership of their school experience, with choice and agency woven into daily learning, and share responsibility for the care and function of the school as they explore real-world questions together. As a growing school, we value collaboration, reflection, and the shared work of building something meaningful alongside families and educators. We also 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! Comments and Other Information

ABOUT FORAGER ELEMENTARY

Forager Elementary launched in September 2025 with a small inaugural cohort, building on the strong foundation of The Forager School preschool, a beloved hub in our coastal community. Our school is grounded in the belief that children learn best through meaningful connection - with one another, their teachers, and the world around them. Students are viewed as co-collaborators in their education, encouraged to ask questions, take initiative, and develop a sense of responsibility for their learning and community. Learning at Forager Elementary balances strong academic foundations with autonomy, creativity, and care for the whole child. Students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally, and are recognized as capable contributors and leaders within the school community. They have meaningful ownership of their school experience, with choice and agency woven into daily learning, and share responsibility for the care and function of the school as they explore real-world questions together. As a growing school, we value collaboration, reflection, and the shared work of building something meaningful alongside families and educators. We also 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! CalSTRS Links Not all postings qualify for CalSTRS. Informational Only. CalSTRS Info for New Educators

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