Lark Skola is looking for an Elementary Teacher to join our community of dedicated and passionate educators.  We are a not-for-profit independent elementary school with a downtown Whitefish campus and a forest campus in Haskill Basin.  Our educational philosophy is built upon four pillars: community, self, nature, and school and therefore prioritize learning out in our community and in nature just as much as in the classroom.  The position is full time and pay is competitive.  

This position works closely with the curriculum director, lead and assistant teachers and outdoor educator to provide an outstanding educational experience with a blended learning model.  The teacher is responsible for developing and presenting a curriculum that meets the developmental needs of each child and maintains a healthy and positive social climate.  They will maintain a guiding relationship with each individual child while successfully responding to the evolving needs of the whole classroom.  They must be confident teaching in a non-traditional classroom setting and flexible enough to adapt easily to the changes that arise.  Candidates should also be capable and comfortable taking short hikes, spending time outside year round and working in tandem with the Outdoor Educator.  The teacher is also responsible for incorporating families into school life through regular communication, parent meetings and conferences.   

Primary Duties:

• Develop and present curriculum in accordance with Lark Skola’s educational pillars.

• Maintain the safety, security and well-being of each child during the hours of supervision 

• Assess and respond to the evolving needs of each child and the classroom as a whole

• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• Solid foundation in child development 

• Ability to work successfully as part of an educational team 

• Experience in developing and/or implementing curriculum for a new K-3  program 

• Emphasizes a holistic and hands on learning approach geared at addressing the children’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs

• Comfort and experience working and teaching in the outdoors

• Physically able to participate in short hikes and other outdoor activities

• Prioritizes outdoor play, movement and physical activity, artistic and creative activities

• Willingness to integrate elements from several different educational programs 

• Provide parent education through parent meetings, class letters, parent conferences and consultations as requested.  

• Follow all professional expectations and responsibilities as outlined in the contract, e.g. faculty meeting attendance, evaluation procedures, and peer mentoring meetings.

• Develop professionally through reading, conferences and workshops 

• Manage a classroom in an organized, peaceful, rhythmic manner

• Work within budget to purchase materials needed to implement a  program

• Reports to the ED through weekly, collaborative staff meetings 

• Ability and desire to take ownership of a living and evolving curriculum as we grow

• Take responsibility and care of the teaching space- aligning the space with the curricular focus (Creating and modifying project walls throughout the year, organization of materials, light cleaning duties as shared by staff, etc).

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Degree preferred)

• Must have or be eligible for a Montana teaching license qualified to teach elementary education.

• Child/Infant First Aid/CPR certification

• Experience in a classroom setting