Position Overview

We are looking for a thoughtful and passionate Nature & Outdoor Learning Specialist who will work alongside teachers to meaningfully integrate outdoor learning and environmental exploration into the life of the school.
At AHIS, the goal is not simply for students to learn about nature, but to learn with nature. Natural environments are used as spaces for exploration, observation, inquiry, creativity, and resilience-building.
Rather than treating outdoor education as a separate subject, this role centers on partnering with teachers to design learning experiences where the natural world becomes an active context for discovery, scientific thinking, and systems awareness.
A central focus of this role is helping students develop a relationship with the living systems around them. Students should come to understand that they are part of interconnected ecological systems, and that curiosity, care, and responsibility toward the natural world are essential parts of learning.
Nature education at AHIS includes ecological observation, environmental stewardship, systems thinking, practical outdoor competencies, and reflection on humanity’s relationship with the natural world.

Key Responsibilities

Outdoor Learning Integration & Teacher Partnership

Work alongside teachers to integrate outdoor learning meaningfully into classroom experiences.
This includes:

• Co-planning learning experiences where natural environments support inquiry and exploration

• Helping teachers design activities where nature deepens observation, investigation, and systems thinking

• Modeling and facilitating outdoor learning experiences in collaboration with classroom teachers

• Supporting teachers in using natural environments as extensions of the classroom

• Helping build teacher confidence in facilitating outdoor learning and nature-based exploration

Program Development & Environmental Stewardship

Develop and support the school’s nature and outdoor learning program.
This may include:

• Supporting teachers in designing regular outdoor learning experiences using local environments such as forest, beach, farm, and campus grounds as learning spaces

• Supporting projects such as gardening, food growing, composting systems, or habitat development

• Encouraging student observation and inquiry into ecological systems

• Collaborating with relevant partners, community members, and specialists to manage and maintain forest areas used for learning, ensuring these environments remain safe, sustainable, and ecologically responsible

• Helping students understand environmental responsibility and stewardship

Student Learning

Support students in developing thoughtful relationships with the natural world by helping them:

• Observe ecological patterns and relationships in nature

• Ask questions and investigate natural systems through inquiry

• Develop practical outdoor competencies and confidence in natural environments

• Practice responsible risk-taking and environmental care

• Reflect on the interconnectedness of living systems

• Build resilience, patience, and adaptability through outdoor experiences

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Strong interest in nature-based learning, environmental education, or outdoor education

• Experience facilitating outdoor learning with children

• Knowledge of ecological systems and environmental stewardship

• Comfortable guiding students in outdoor environments

• Enjoys helping children explore, observe, and experiment in nature

• Collaborative and excited to partner with teachers across disciplines

• Curious, reflective, and enthusiastic about experiential learning

• Excited to help build a new school from the ground up

What Makes This Role Unique at AHIS

• Nature is treated as a core learning environment, not an occasional field trip

• Students regularly learn in forests, natural landscapes, and outdoor environments

• Outdoor experiences are integrated with science, inquiry, and creative exploration

• The specialist collaborates closely with school partners, as well as teachers across grade levels and disciplines

• The role helps shape the school’s nature-based learning philosophy and program from the beginning