Adolescent Lead Teacher

School description

Oak Forest Academy is an adolescent Montessori Microschool that works directly in a beautiful old growth oak forest nestled within the northern suburbs of St Paul and Minneapolis, MN.  This independent microschool operates as an intentional learning community where students engage in major projects, interdisciplinary studies, and a sustained relationship with a 10-acre Oak forest that functions as both classroom and responsibility. OFA opened in the fall of 2025 to a small cohort of students, ages 13-15. The school schedule is four days per week actively engaged at school and one day a week actively engaged at home and/or involved in enriching experiences. We are seeking a trained Montessori adolescent guide to join our team and help shape the school into its potential as a land-based adolescent Montessori school in a suburban location.  We anticipate a dozen students in the ‘26-27 school year.  For more information, please visit www.OFAmontessori.com. 

Position Overview

Oak Forest Academy seeks an enthusiastic Adolescent Montessori guide. This position begins no later than August 2026. The ideal candidate has personal expertise in either the humanities or math and the sciences, appreciates teaching in an outdoor environment, and is an intellectually curious, relational teacher who values academic rigor, student autonomy, and interdisciplinary learning.  This is a full-time, in person position.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction & Curriculum

• Work with other faculty to design and facilitate high school curriculum.
• Serve as lead teacher for a cohort of students, Mondays through Thursdays.

Place-Based & Experiential Learning

• Integrate the deciduous forest as a living classroom—using observation, seasonal change, ecological relationships, and stewardship practices as inspiration for curricular subjects.
• Support outdoor seminars, field journaling, reflective writing, and interdisciplinary forest-based projects.

Student Development & Community

• Foster a community culture rooted in respect, curiosity, reflection, responsibility, and collaboration.
• Support adolescent learners in developing focus, resilience, and mature independent thinking.
• Serve as a mentor and guide, building strong relationships with students and honoring their developmental needs.
• Provide meaningful, narrative-based assessments.

Collaboration & School Life

• Collaborate closely with fellow faculty to guide integrated thematic units and quarterly projects.
• Participate in faculty meetings, student presentations, and community events as appropriate.
• Communicate clearly and thoughtfully with administration and families regarding student progress and growth.

Qualifications

Required

• Montessori Adolescent training, preferably AMI
• Comfort teaching in both indoor and outdoor environments across seasons.
• Bachelor’s degree
• MN teaching licence (or willing to obtain) 
• Experience working with a neurodivergent student population

Preferred

• If math/science specialty: Math Institute training 
• Previous teaching experience in Montessori environments

Compensation

• The full time salary for this position is $50,000-70,000 annually, depending on experience and education.