Traveling Outdoor Education Instructor

Are you driven by a love for education, outdoor adventure, and the environment? We are seeking dynamic and dedicated educators to join our Nature on Wheels team for the spring season. This is a perfect opportunity for individuals who thrive outside, enjoy teaching, and are excited to travel. Housing is included, and we welcome applicants from across the nation.

Who we are

As the largest outdoor and environmental education program in the northeastern US, we focus on experiential education with an emphasis on science, nature, and social-emotional learning. We facilitate fun and engaging outdoor learning opportunities for thousands of elementary and middle school students at schools across New England and eastern New York.

A day in the life

Each morning you’ll drive to a different school and be greeted by excited K-8th graders, who are looking forward to a day of outdoor fun and learning! As a Traveling Outdoor Education Instructor, you’ll have the chance to impact young lives positively every day. Your primary responsibility will be to guide a group of 12-16 students through engaging and hands-on outdoor activities designed to stimulate critical thinking and explore the connections between the natural and human-made world. You’ll delve into topics like team building, field journaling, sustainability, animal tracking, and ecology.

No prior experience in teaching these classes? Don’t worry. We kickstart the season with a week of paid staff training!

As put by a former staff member 

“I loved getting to work with such a diversity of students in so many different areas throughout New England and New York. One of the best parts of the job was traveling with my awesome fellow staff members and getting to explore every town after getting off work, including trips to the beach, hiking parts of the Appalachian trail, and trying out new restaurants!”

Work schedule

Instructors work with students from Monday to Friday throughout the spring season. Some Sunday travel is also required. Our paid staff training starts in early April, and the spring season ends in early June.

Qualifications

We’re seeking individuals who are enthusiastic about daily travel, love working outdoors, and have a knack for engaging with elementary and middle school students. A positive attitude and the ability to work effectively in a team are highly valued. Applicants must possess a reliable vehicle to commute to different locations across New England and eastern New York. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required. COVID vaccination is highly recommended.

Salary and benefits

Traveling Outdoor Education Instructors earn $615 per week along with mileage reimbursement and carpooling perks for work-related travel. Shared accommodation is included. We also arrange for hotels, Airbnb, or rooms at Nature’s Classroom’s residential sites when working with schools located far from your home base. As housing is shared, please note that emotional support animals are not allowed.