Academic Interventionist: Forest School

Wauhatchie Forest School offers families a holistic, nature-based approach to education through programs that foster collaboration, curiosity, creativity, connection, and a profound sense of belonging – empowering learners to become compassionate leaders and active contributors to a vibrant community and a sustainable world. This nature-immersive school promotes place-based educational experiences outdoors that foster holistic growth, a love of learning, and a deep connection to the natural world. We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Academic Interventionist to inspire and guide our students while fostering a positive and dynamic academic learning experience.

Position Overview

Wauhatchie Forest School is seeking a passionate Academic Interventionist to join our team for the 2026–2027 school year. This part-time role is designed to provide targeted support in literacy and/or math to students in grades K-5 who are performing below grade level or need individualized academic enrichment. As a key member of our community, you will collaborate with lead teachers, the Director of Education, and families to implement personalized, nature-integrated learning plans while embracing the outdoor, play-based ethos of our forest school.

We are committed to fostering curiosity, resilience, and a deep connection to nature through play-based learning. If you are an experienced educator who thrives in outdoor settings and is dedicated to helping every student succeed, we encourage you to apply.

Academic Interventionist Responsibilities

• Assess student academic skills using formal and informal tools aligned with school philosophy

• Design and implement tailored interventions in literacy and/or math

• Provide 1:1 or small group instruction outdoors in a variety of natural settings

• Collaborate with classroom educators to align intervention with the broader curriculum

• Maintain accurate records of student progress and communicate regularly with staff and families

• Participate in LSP meetings 2-3 times each school year

• Participate in team meetings, professional development, and school community events

• Adapt teaching strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles, sensory needs, and emotional regulation

• Embrace outdoor conditions in all seasons and model resilience and curiosity in nature

• Adapt to the dynamic needs of students and the school community, including seasonal changes and program adjustments.

Skills and Abilities

• Deep knowledge of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, including structured literacy programs.

• Familiar with Response to Intervention (RTI), Orton-Gillingham approaches, and data-driven instruction.

• Ability to teach abstract concepts using hands-on, nature-based materials (e.g., manipulatives, outdoor elements) to ground learning in tangible experiences.

• Capable of quickly adapting lessons based on student needs and engagement levels.

• Ability to keep 1-3 learners at a time highly engaged and moving at the class’s instructional pace.

• Ability to analyze student scores, isolate specific skill deficits, and group students based on data.

• Thorough understanding of how Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions function within the school system.

• Maintain a calm, encouraging demeanor with students who require significant repetition to master skills.

• Utilization of positive behavior interventions and supports to manage avoidance behaviors like frustration or shutting down.

• Create a low-stakes environment where struggling students feel safe making mistakes.

• Translate complex educational data into warm, actionable updates and home-support strategies for families.

• Collaborate with the classroom teacher and Director of Education to provide data for potential student referrals and accommodations.

• Manage logistics to pull students for intervention without disrupting core academic time 

• Maintain accurate logs of student participation, intervention minutes, and weekly progress.

Other:

• Deep appreciation for and connection to nature

• Highly relational and effective collaborator and communicator

• Understand and incorporate Forest School Best Practices into learning experiences

• Able to teach for extended periods of time outdoors in all weather which may include moderate physical challenges, with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Demonstrate commitment to Wauhatchie Forest School and other staff members as a positive team player.

• Participation in staff meetings, professional development, and school events. 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, childhood development, special education, or related field. Master’s preferred.

• Certification: Valid teaching license with an elementary education endorsement. Additional endorsement in reading intervention, special education, or a related field is a plus.

• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of teaching experience is preferred. 

• Skills: Strong understanding of child development, instructional best practices, emergent education practices, and classroom management. Experience in and passion for outdoor, experiential, or forest school education is a plus. Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills. Passion for fostering a love of learning and student success.

• Environment: Ability to teach outdoors in all weather conditions, including moderate physical activity (e.g., walking, bending, carrying materials)

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references through the SmartRecruiter portal. 

Wauhatchie Forest School  is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.