Outdoor Educator (Kindergarten)

Outdoor Educator (Kindergarten)

JobID:

4052

Position Type:

Teaching

• Elementary School

Date Posted:

5/8/2026

Location:

Outer Range

Date Available:

08/12/2026

Closing Date:

05/15/2026

Position Title:

Outdoor Educator

• Kindergarten Exempt

Site:

Outer Range

Direct Supervisor:

Principal Contracted Length Term:

Teacher

• 178 Days

Salary Schedule:

Teacher (range $50,016

• $79,886 based on 25/26 salary schedules, education and experience)

Start Date:

August 12, 2026 (position may be limited term for the 26/27 school year)

WELCOME TO OUTER RANGE.

This is not an ordinary "teacher" role, and this is not an ordinary school. Outer Range is a public outdoor school that believes the young people in our community have boundless potential. Our noble purpose is for all members of our community (adults too) to be radically seen and supported through meaningful relationships and transformational experiences. Learning experiences are designed (we do not follow a prescribed curriculum) to engage students in an extensive process, putting their inquiry, problem solving, and communication skills into action. Educators have the opportunity to intentionally teach interconnected ideas and give meaningful feedback to support growth. With nature as our classroom, we are constantly inspired by our place and transformed by the stories we gather from one another. Outer Range is a small, public, outdoor school grounded in joyful, shared experiences created to awaken and inspire. We serve PreK-5th grade on a 6-acre campus along the Uncompahgre River, where learning is rooted in place, relationships, and meaningful work. We are a connected team that designs learning together, reflects often, and isn't afraid to try something new, revise it, and try again. About This Role This is not a traditional kindergarten classroom. Our youngest learners spend much of their day outdoors, building foundational skills through play, exploration, storytelling, and connection. You will help design experiences that grow literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills in ways that feel real, integrated, and developmentally aligned. You will: Create a play-rich, relationship-centered environment where students feel safe, seen, and capable Build strong foundations in early literacy and math through hands-on, meaningful experiences Support students in developing independence, regulation, and belonging Work within a mixed-age, collaborative model where all adults share responsibility for all students Partner closely with families to build trust and connection early in a child's school experience What Makes Outer Range Different Small, connected team, co-designing, co-teaching, and problem solving alongside thoughtful educators Outdoor, place-based learning

• the river, land, and community are part of your classroom Iterative by design
• we reflect often and evolve our program together Whole-child focus
• academic, social, emotional, and physical needs are all part of the work Real experiences
• students learn through projects, play, and meaningful work, not isolated tasks We're Looking For Someone Who… Deeply understands and values early childhood development and play-based learning Can build clear routines and structures that support safety, independence, and joy Sees behavior as communication and responds with care, consistency, and skill Is comfortable designing learning without a scripted curriculum Values relationships with students, families, and colleagues Can balance creativity with clarity and follow-through Is energized by working in a dynamic, evolving school environment Experience That Helps Early childhood or elementary teaching experience Background in play-based, inquiry-based, or experiential learning Experience supporting social-emotional development and regulation Comfort teaching outdoors in varied weather conditions Education & Licensure Bachelor's Degree required Colorado Teaching License (or ability to obtain within one year) Why You Might Love It Here You'll work with a team that is thoughtful, grounded, and deeply committed to kids You'll have space to design meaningful learning, not just deliver curriculum You'll be part of a school that prioritizes joy, connection, and real experiences You'll receive a gear stipend to support outdoor teaching You'll grow alongside a team that values reflection, feedback, and continuous improvement A Small Ask If you apply, we'd love a cover letter that reflects who you are.

As a fun challenge, include the words "pillow" and "raccoon." This is a place for educators who believe kindergarten should feel like childhood—full of wonder, connection, and meaningful growth.

BENEFIT SUMMARY

At Outer Range, a gear stipend is provided to ensure that all employees are prepared to teach in variable weather conditions. At MCSD, we care about our employees and their loved ones. Our benefits package consist of the following items: a variety of health insurance plans with employer contribution, including dental and vision insurance, Telehealth, a $50,000 life insurance policy with optional additional coverage, PERA retirement contribution, supplemental insurance options including pet insurance, no match tax shelter account options including 401K, 457(b), 403 (b) and Roth, before tax deductions and flexible spending options, paid leave options and holidays based upon the position, Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Added perks:

Great people to work with, professional development, advancement opportunities, and multiple wellness programs with incentives.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements indicated below are examples of the physical aspects that this position classification must perform in carrying out essential job functions: Work is performed in a standard classroom setting with some work being performed at various District properties and off-site locations. Heavy lifting, bending, stooping, sitting, standing for long periods of time may be required. Persons performing service in this position classification will exert 5 to 25 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy conditions caused by weather may occasionally be experienced. Perceiving the nature of sound, near and far vision, depth perception, providing oral information, the manual dexterity to operate business related equipment, and handling and working with various materials and objects are important aspects of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.