Now Hiring: 

Lead Teacher, Branches (5th & 6th grade)

Solid Ground School | Athens, OH | Full-time, starting August 2025

Solid Ground School is seeking a dynamic, compassionate educator to join our close-knit teaching team!

We are a small, progressive, independent school located on a beautiful farm and forest property just outside Athens, Ohio. Our learning community centers social-emotional growth, deep connection to nature and place, project-based learning, and collaborative decision-making.

🌿 The Opportunity

You’ll lead our Branches class (combined 5th and 6th grades) of approximately 14 students, developing meaningful, inquiry-based curricular projects that integrate academics, nature, and community. With support from a collaborative team, you’ll have creative freedom to design projects and learning experiences that honor student curiosity, academic growth, and social connection.

We Offer:

• A warm, supportive, and respectful team environment

• Strong opportunities for creativity and curriculum development

• Close relationships with students (small class sizes, two-year loops)

• A highly supportive parent and family community

• Time outdoors daily on a richly varied farm and forest property

• Retirement matching up to 3% (SIMPLE IRA)

• Summers off, with opportunities for paid curriculum work

• A values-aligned environment committed to progressive education and authentic learning

We Are Looking For:

• A passionate educator with a Bachelor’s degree (education focus strongly preferred)

• Experience teaching in a classroom in the middle grades

• Classroom management experience grounded in relational and restorative practices

• A collaborator who thrives in a small, dynamic team environment

• A creative curriculum developer who enjoys inquiry- and place-based learning and has knowledge of the outdoor environment

• A kind, student-centered teacher with positive regard for all children

• Someone able to walk hills and stairs throughout the day, carry a 15-pound safety backpack, and work comfortably in a sensory-rich environment full of happy children and the outdoors

Compensation:

Annual salary: $43,000 with Retirement matching up to 3% (SIMPLE IRA).  No health benefits provided

Start Date:

Full-time starting August 2025
Optional flexible training and paid planning work available summer 2025

To Apply:

Please send a resume, a cover letter, and the names of 3 professional references to Christin Butler at hiring@solidgroundschool.com by Sunday, May 25.  We will begin interviews during the week of May 27, 2025.

Solid Ground School is an equal opportunity employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected status.