K-8 Environmental Learning & Outdoor Educator at University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

K-8 Environmental Learning & Outdoor Educator

Falk Laboratory School, a co-educational K-8 laboratory school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh, seeks a full-time, experienced K-8 Environmental Learning & Outdoor Education Teacher, beginning August 15th, 2026. We are seeking an educator who sees the natural world not as a subject to be taught, but as a living system to be studied, cared for, and improved through the work of children - through inquiry, action, and project-based learning.

Position Overview

We seek a dynamic, innovative educator to design and lead a K-8 environmental learning program that transforms our natural area, Falk Woods, and the greater Pittsburgh region into a living laboratory for inquiry, stewardship, and real-world problem solving.

Building on a beloved 20-year legacy, this role will reimagine and modernize a future-facing model of environmental educational learning through:

• Place-based and outdoor learning

• High-quality Project-Based Learning (PBL)

• Ecological action research, such as Citizen Science

• Authentic partnerships with local organizations and universities

• Commitment to progressive and constructivist education

• Positioning the school as a regional and national leader in environmental PBL

Students will not simply learn about the environment - they will investigate, contribute, and take action.

Vision for the Program

The Environmental Learning & Outdoor Education program is envisioned as:

• A core pillar of our progressive laboratory school model

• A pathway to building reverence for our natural world

• A space for developing mindfulness and reflective practices

• A K-8 vertically aligned experience grounded in developmental practice

• A bridge between campus ecology, the greater Pittsburgh area, and beyond

• A hub for student voice, agency, and real-world impact

Through partnerships and real-world inquiry, students will engage in:

• Ecological action research

• Authentic problem-solving

• Community-based environmental stewardship

• Mindful observation, sketching, and journaling

• Quiet wonder

Core Responsibilities

1. Program Design & Instruction (K-8)

• Design and implement a developmentally progressive K-8 environmental curriculum that contributes to the school's identity as a demonstration site for progressive education

• Personalize instruction and assessment utilizing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) tenets and Grading for Equity principles

• Utilize Falk Woods as an outdoor classroom and research site

• Facilitate hands-on, inquiry-driven, and project-based learning experiences

• Collaborative, interdisciplinary integration of environmental learning

2. Project-Based Learning & Real-World Application

• Design and facilitate high-quality Project-Based Learning (PBL) experiences (example: Buck Institute for Education - PBLWorks)

• Engage students in authentic ecological research. Support students in:

  • Designing investigations

  • Collecting and analyzing data

  • Drawing conclusions that inform real-world decisions

• Partner with organizations (example: Citizen Science) to create authentic, real-world projects in which students:

• Investigate compelling environmental questions

• Engage in sustained inquiry

• Collaborate with experts and community partners

• Connect with scientists, researchers, and environmental leaders

• Produce work with real audiences and real impact. Examples may include:

• Biodiversity studies informing local conservation efforts

• Water or soil quality monitoring tied to community needs

• Habitat restoration and land-use design projects

• Student-designed environmental action campaigns

• Position students as: researchers, stewards, problem-solvers, advocates

3. Stewardship & Land Management

• Lead students in the active stewardship of the school's natural spaces

• Develop long-term projects such as:

  • Habitat restoration

  • Trail design and maintenance

  • Biodiversity monitoring

• Support faculty in utilizing outdoor spaces as extensions of the classroom

• Collaborate with facilities and local experts to sustain a healthy ecosystem

4. Culture, Safety, and Risk Management

• Establish clear routines and expectations for outdoor learning

• Ensure safety in all on-campus and off-campus experiences

• Model and teach responsibility, stewardship, and community care

Desired Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree is required. A Master's degree, or demonstrated progress toward a master's degree in teacher education or a related field, is preferred. Broad experience is advantageous, as collaboration across disciplines and grade levels is a valued practice at Falk. Highly creative work experience in elementary education is considered an asset.

Experience & Background

• Background in environmental science, ecology, outdoor education, or related field

• Experience with Project-Based Learning (PBL) design and facilitation

• Experience working with K–8 learners

Mindsets & Dispositions

• Deep belief in student-centered, experiential learning

• Passion for environmental stewardship and sustainability

• Orientation toward real-world impact and student agency

Skills

• Curriculum design with vertical alignment (K-8)

• Facilitation of inquiry and project-based learning

• Partnership development with community organizations

• Strong communication and collaboration skill

Materials can be uploaded to join.pitt.edu. For full consideration, please submit the following:

1. Letter of application

2. Resume

3. Educational philosophy

4. Three recent letters of recommendation (not older than two years)

5. Unofficial transcripts (candidates may be requested to provide official transcripts at the time of hire)

6. Copy of PA instructional certificate or equivalent

The minimum base salary is $50,000; credit will be given for years of relevant experience. Falk Laboratory School, a department in the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh, offers excellent benefits. Letters of inquiry or questions can be sent to Molly Hicks at meh479@pitt.edu.

Application Timeline & Contact

Applications will be reviewed beginning in May and will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled. Offer of employment is contingent on the Candidate satisfactorily obtaining and passing the following before commencement of appointment: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check, and FBI Criminal Record Check. Candidates must also submit proof of a negative TB test before their first day of work. As Act 168 of 2014 requires, the Candidate must satisfy the requirements on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release Form.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.