The Pathfinder School is seeking extended-day teachers who can work collaboratively in our independent environment while adhering to the high expectations of the program. Our extended day program hosts children ages 3-13.

Extended-day teachers welcome students to a playful, relaxed environment after a full day of school. Candidates must be able to supervise students indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. The candidate must maintain a caring atmosphere by building positive relationships with students and families.

Requirements:

*Adhere to child care licensing requirements 

*Respect for young children and a passion for their social, emotional, and intellectual development.

*Follow the requirements outlined in Michigan Child Care Licensing Rules

*Prior childcare/classroom experience preferred

*Demonstrate knowledge of child development

*Demonstrate knowledge of developmentally appropriate classroom management and conflict resolution with 3–14-year-old children

*Commitment to creative projects and integration of the outdoors.
*Demonstrated ability to collaborate with other teachers and plan student activities.
*Can embrace the distinction of independent schooling and operationalize the mission of The Pathfinder School.
*Respect for parenting and inherent partnership between school and home.
*High School Education (or higher)
*Commitment to ongoing professional development.
*Successful clearance of FBI background checks, and iCHAT (State Police).

This position follows the school calendar posted on The Pathfinder School's website. Workdays/hours would follow the student calendar from late August-early June, 2:00 PM-5:00 PM, two weeks off at the holidays and spring break along with other holiday breaks.

Job Type: Part-time, Contract

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Schedule: After school/Evening shift 

• Monday to Friday

• 2-5pm

• Opportunities to work day camps throughout the year (during conferences) 

Work Location: In person

Please fill out an application (linked below) if you are interested. I would love to hear from you! 

Extended Day Teacher Application If you have any questions email Jesy  jgreilick@thepathfinderschool.org

The Pathfinder School is a Prek-8th grade school. Unlike most schools, our school sits on 22 acres of land that includes gardens, dense woods, trails, Cedar Lake beachfront, and grassy fields. The school buildings consist of 8 separate, cottage-like buildings.

This position supports the upkeep of our facilities and grounds year-round. Duties are assigned by the Maintenace and Grounds Director. The candidate must be able to pass a background check and fulfill manual labor duties that may require heavy lifting such as snow shoveling, leaf blowing, moving classroom furniture, etc.

Duties may include things like:

-Haul water to water coolers at various locations on campus
-Assist with refuse disposal as needed
-Remove, wash, and install pre filters to classroom air purifiers
-Leaf blow sidewalks, garden areas, and parking lots
-Coordinate with teachers on classroom needs (furniture, chairs, bookcases, etc.)
-Assist teachers with moving classrooms (beginning of each school year)
-Snow removal on stairs, decks, sidewalks, and roofs
-Distribute salt in the parking lots, sidewalks, decks, and stairs.
-Building maintenance
-Interior and exterior painting
-Light plumbing details (toilet handles, floats, faucets, clogged drains)
-Assist with beachfront operations (install & remove swim lines, swim raft, summer camp gear)
-Assist with dock maintenance (decking repair, powerwashing, staining)
-Move picnic tables to various locations several times each year
-Assist Maintenance Director as needed

• Fall: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (flexible between 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Winter: Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $20.00 per hour

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

We are always seeking qualified substitute teachers to join our community. Please complete the form below to express interest.

Position Overview
Pathfinder School, a Pre-K through 8th grade independent school in Traverse City, Michigan, seeks a dedicated and flexible Guest Teacher to lead an upper elementary classroom for the second half of the 2026–2027 school year. This is a temporary, full-time position.

This role is ideal for an experienced educator who values nature-based and experiential learning, and who is excited to help establish a strong classroom foundation at the start of the academic year.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as Upper Elementary Homeroom Teacher during the assignment period

• Plan and deliver instruction in:

  • Language Arts 

  • Mathematics

  • Social Studies

• Maintain established classroom routines, expectations, and culture in collaboration with the teacher on maternity leave

• Incorporate outdoor, nature-based, and experiential learning approaches consistent with Pathfinder School’s mission

• Foster a nurturing, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment

• Communicate effectively with colleagues, school leadership, and families as needed

Qualifications

• Teaching experience at the upper elementary level

• Strong understanding of literacy development and math instruction

• Interest in or experience with nature-based and experiential education

• Ability to step into an established program and maintain classroom culture and expectations

• Flexibility, collaboration skills, and a student-centered mindset

Compensation
Compensation will be based on experience.

Additional Opportunity
There is a possibility to extend this role into a full-year Permanent Teacher position, depending on school needs and candidate interest.

Application Instructions
Please submit the following materials:

• A letter of interest outlining your experience and your interest in nature-based, experiential learning

• A current resume

• A list of three professional references

This position offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to a vibrant learning community and meaningfully shape learning for upper elementary students.