Upper Elementary Educator (Grades 5–6)

At Green Adventure Project School, our classroom doesn’t have four walls.
It has trails, fire circles, muddy boots, and big questions.
We’re looking for a 5th/6th grade educator who believes learning should be:

• hands-on
• inquiry-driven
• deeply connected to the natural world

If you’ve ever thought, “There has to be a different way to do school…”
This might be it.

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*About GAP School

At Green Adventure Project School, learning doesn’t happen between four walls.

It happens around a fire. On a trail. In deep conversation. In moments of challenge, discovery, and joy.

Our mission is simple and bold:
to provide hands-on learning and transformative experiences that develop responsible citizens and foster a lifelong commitment to stewardship and sustainability.

We are an outdoor, inquiry-based school serving grades K–8. Our learners spend their days asking questions, solving real problems, collaborating across ages, and building meaningful connections (with each other and the natural world).

We are looking for an educator who is ready to do school differently.

The Role

We are hiring a 5th & 6th Grade Educator to lead a mixed-age cohort of upper elementary learners. This is not a traditional classroom teaching role.

You will guide learners through:

• Inquiry-driven, project-based learning experiences
• Integrated academic work aligned with Virginia SOLs and NGSS
• Daily outdoor learning in all seasons
• Social-emotional growth and community building
• Long-term projects that culminate in real-world presentations

You will not be handed a script. You will be trusted to design meaningful learning.

Who You Are

You might be a great fit if you:

• Believe learning should be active, meaningful, and connected to the real world
• Are energized by middle school minds, their curiosity, humor, intensity, and growth
• Feel comfortable saying, “I don’t know, let’s figure it out together”
• Can balance academic rigor with flexibility and responsiveness
• Value relationships first, knowing they are the foundation for all learning
• Are excited by the idea of teaching outside in all seasons
• Are reflective, collaborative, and always growing in your practice

This role is especially well-suited for educators who are:

• Burnt out on traditional systems and ready for something more aligned
• Passionate about inquiry, PBL, or experiential education
• Looking to be part of a small, mission-driven team where their voice matters

What You’ll To Design & Facilitate Learning

• Create and implement inquiry-based, interdisciplinary units
• Align learning with VA SOLs while maintaining a student-centered approach
• Support learners in question generation, research, and project development
• Differentiate instruction to meet a wide range of learners

Build Community

• Cultivate a strong, inclusive classroom culture
• Guide learners in developing collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Support social-emotional growth through daily interactions and intentional practices

Embrace Outdoor Learning

• Teach and learn outside daily, adapting to weather and environment
• Help learners develop confidence, resilience, and connection to nature

Collaborate & Reflect

• Work closely with fellow educators to plan, reflect, and grow
• Contribute to school-wide experiences like Community Days and shared projects
• Engage in ongoing professional development and feedback cycles

Essential Skills & experience

• Teaching experience (upper elementary or middle school preferred)
• Orton-Gillingham training
• Understanding of lesson design, assessment, and learning progressions
• Ability to align curriculum with Virginia SOLs
• Strong communication and group management skills
• Creativity, adaptability, and a sense of humor
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and supporting diverse learners

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain safe, organized, and welcoming learning environments
• Support daily school routines (arrival, departure, transitions)
• Communicate effectively with families and team members
• Model curiosity, respect, and care for the natural world
• Uphold GAP’s philosophy:
• show instead of tell, ask instead of answer, and lead with wonder

Why GAP?

• Small class sizes and meaningful relationships
• Autonomy and creativity in curriculum design
• A deeply supportive, collaborative team
• The opportunity to reimagine what school can be
• A community that believes: We can do hard things.

Equal Opportunity

Green Adventure Project School is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.