Lead Teacher (3rd-5th)
About the role
High Rockies Community School, 2026–27 Full-time, Hiring 3 positions. Reports to: Executive Director (formal line); Instructional Anchor (day-to-day coaching). Location: Alma Campus. Status: Full-time Exempt.
Teach with purpose. Lead with heart. Grow in the mountains. At HRCS, Lead Teachers are more than content experts — they are facilitators of wonder, mentors for fellow educators, and co-creators of a school that learns from and with the land. This full-time role is ideal for licensed teachers who bring strong instructional skills, a reflective mindset, and a deep commitment to community-based, interdisciplinary learning. As HRCS grows to two campuses, Lead Teachers remain the core instructional leaders at their site — now working alongside the Instructional Anchor on cross-site consistency and collaborating with peers at the other campus on Fridays and during summer onboarding.
Responsibilities
- Instructional Leadership: Lead a multi-age cohort of approximately 16 full-time students (plus up to 3 part-time homeschool enrichment students) in one of the following grade bands: K–2, 3–5, or 6–8; design and deliver interdisciplinary, standards-aligned learning experiences — with lessons that are primarily taught outdoors for more than 50% of the school day; prepare and guide students in maintaining a year-long portfolio of their learning, and facilitate quarterly Learning Journey meetings with families to share growth, goals, and celebrations; differentiate instruction to meet diverse student needs, including IEPs, 504s, and ALPs, in close partnership with the Special Services Coordinator and SPED Teacher in Residence.
- Family & Community Partnership: Build meaningful relationships with families through consistent communication, celebrations of learning, and end-of-quarter reporting; complete home visits and participate in community engagement efforts, including leading or supporting summer events.
- Mentorship & Cross-Site Collaboration: Serve as a mentor and collaborative partner to Teachers in Residence, and support Assistant Teachers/Interns as part of a cohesive instructional team; participate in coaching cycles with the Instructional Anchor, regular staff planning, and professional learning; collaborate with Lead Teachers at the other campus to keep scope, routines, and expectations consistent across sites — primarily using Fridays and the summer onboarding week as the windows for cross-site planning.
- Outdoor & Interdisciplinary Learning: Facilitate and support outdoor learning, fieldwork, interdisciplinary projects, and service-learning initiatives rooted in our community and ecosystem.
Requirements
- Holds a valid Colorado teaching license.
- Brings experience and enthusiasm for multi-age, outdoor, and project-based learning.
- Skilled in designing differentiated instruction and using student work to guide next steps.
- Excited to lead students in developing learning portfolios that reflect curiosity, effort, and growth.
- Enjoys mentoring others and co-creating in a supportive, reflective teaching team.
- Comfortable collaborating across sites and holding shared instructional practices consistent as HRCS grows.
- Believes that every child — and every educator — can thrive in a community rooted in relationships, rigor, and the Rockies.
Benefits
- Colorado HWFA paid sick leave
- FAMLI paid family and medical leave
- PERA retirement
- Paid time off (PTO)
- ICHRA contribution toward health insurance
- Most Fridays off
Pay
$48,601–$67,806/year (as placed on the HRCS teacher salary schedule)
Schedule
Exempt, salaried role aligned to the 159-day teacher calendar, with one required Friday per month reserved for full-day professional development and team planning. Occasional evening events, home visits and summer engagement expectations also included. Includes planning time, shared professional development, and leadership opportunities. Contributes to school-wide decision-making and the continued growth of HRCS’s instructional model across both campuses.