K-8 Environmental Learning & Outdoor Educator

K-8 Environmental Learning & Outdoor EducatorFalk Laboratory School, a co-educational K-8 laboratory school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh, seeks a full-time, experienced K-8 Environmental Learning & Outdoor Education Teacher, beginning August 15th, 2026. We are seeking an educator who sees the natural world not as a subject to be taught, but as a living system to be studied, cared for, and improved through the work of children - through inquiry, action, and project-based learning.Position OverviewWe seek a dynamic, innovative educator to design and lead a K-8 environmental learning program that transforms our natural area, Falk Woods, and the greater Pittsburgh region into a living laboratory for inquiry, stewardship, and real-world problem solving.Building on a beloved 20-year legacy, this role will reimagine and modernize a future-facing model of environmental educational learning through:1. Place-based and outdoor learning2. High-quality Project-Based Learning (PBL)3. Ecological action research, such as Citizen Science4. Authentic partnerships with local organizations and universities5. Commitment to progressive and constructivist education6. Positioning the school as a regional and national leader in environmental PBLStudents will not simply learn about the environment - they will investigate, contribute, and take action.Vision for the ProgramThe Environmental Learning & Outdoor Education program is envisioned as:1. A core pillar of our progressive laboratory school model2. A pathway to building reverence for our natural world3. A space for developing mindfulness and reflective practices4. A K-8 vertically aligned experience grounded in developmental practice5. A bridge between campus ecology, the greater Pittsburgh area, and beyond6. A hub for student voice, agency, and real-world impactThrough partnerships and real-world inquiry, students will engage in:1. Ecological action research2. Authentic problem-solving3. Community-based environmental stewardship4. Mindful observation, sketching, and journaling5. Quiet wonderCore Responsibilities1. Program Design & Instruction (K-8)1. Design and implement a developmentally progressive K-8 environmental curriculum that contributes to the school's identity as a demonstration site for progressive education2. Personalize instruction and assessment utilizing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) tenets and Grading for Equity principles3. Utilize Falk Woods as an outdoor classroom and research site4. Facilitate hands-on, inquiry-driven, and project-based learning experiences5. Collaborative, interdisciplinary integration of environmental learning2. Project-Based Learning & Real-World Application1. Design and facilitate high-quality Project-Based Learning (PBL) experiences (example: Buck Institute for Education - PBLWorks)2. Engage students in authentic ecological research. Support students in:3. Designing investigations4. Collecting and analyzing data5. Drawing conclusions that inform real-world decisions6. Partner with organizations (example: Citizen Science) to create authentic, real-world projects in which students:7. Investigate compelling environmental questions8. Engage in sustained inquiry9. Collaborate with experts and community partners10. Connect with scientists, researchers, and environmental leaders11. Produce work with real audiences and real impact. Examples may include:12. Biodiversity studies informing local conservation efforts13. Water or soil quality monitoring tied to community needs14. Habitat restoration and land-use design projects15. Student-designed environmental action campaigns16. Position students as: researchers, stewards, problem-solvers, advocates3. Stewardship & Land Management1. Lead students in the active stewardship of the scho l's natural spaces2. Develop long-term projects such as:3. Habitat restoration4. Trail design and maintenance5. Biodiversity monitoring6. Support faculty in utilizing outdoor spaces as extensions of the classroom7. Collaborate with facilities and local experts to sustain a healthy ecosystem4. Culture, Safety, and Risk Management1. Establish clear routines and expectations for outdoor learning2. Ensure safety in all on-campus and off-campus experiences3. Model and teach responsibility, stewardship, and community careDesired QualificationsA Bachelor's degree is required. A Master's degree, or demonstrated progress toward a master's degree in teacher education or a related field, is preferred. Broad experience is advantageous, as collaboration across disciplines and grade levels is a valued practice at Falk. Highly creative work experience in elementary education is considered an asset.Experience & BackgroundBackground in environmental science, ecology, outdoor education, or related fieldExperience with Project-Based Learning (PBL) design and facilitationExperience workin

Created: 2026-05-02