Teacher

Have you been frustrated by an educational system that disregards the needs of children as learners or under-values the importance of learner-interest? Are you feeling like your time is spent ‘managing behaviour’ more than supporting meaningful learning? This opportunity presents a chance to bring the joy back to ‘the day job’, and to keep the evenings and weekends sacred!

Company Description Cultivate School is a small, empathic learning community (in the process of registering as an independent school) where children aged 6–14 grow creative, curious, and confident through collaborative, hands-on projects in the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire countryside. Rooted in leading research from anthropology, neuroscience and psychology, the school empowers students to be active participants in their education and daily decision-making. Learning is playful and project-based, with mixed-age groups and a strong whole-child focus that integrates nonviolent communication, mindfulness, and embodied movement. Time in nature is central, with regular learning at local sites, complemented by thoughtful, smartphone-free use of technology. A sociocratic, inclusive culture ensures every voice is heard, fostering genuine community, wellbeing, and autonomy for children, families, and staff.

Role Description The role of a Coach (which in most cases is carried out by a qualified teacher or someone with a good understanding of child psychology and how people learn) will facilitate mixed-age, hands-on learning experiences that integrate academic skills with real-world projects. This part-time, on-site role is based in Ivinghoe, and involves designing and adapting project-based lessons in tandem with the children, guiding learners in planning and executing their projects, and supporting social-emotional development through nonviolent communication and reflective practices.

The Coach will collaborate with colleagues and students to co-create a responsive learning environment, participate in sociocratic decision-making, and incorporate outdoor and nature-based learning into daily routines. Responsibilities also include observing and documenting student progress, maintaining clear communication with families, and ensuring a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom and outdoor setting.

Qualifications

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• Strong foundation in Education and Teaching, with experience in project-based or experiential learning approaches.
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• Ability to design and adapt projects to support mixed-age groups and diverse learning needs - reggio-inspired approaches particularly appreciated.
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• Excellent Communication skills, including active listening and clear, respectful dialogue with children and adults - nonviolent communication qualification and practice would be a substantial benefit
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• Experience in Training or mentoring learners, encouraging autonomy, collaboration, and reflective practice.
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• Relevant teaching qualification or degree in Education, Psychology or a related field; experience in alternative or nature-based education is an advantage.
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• Comfort working outdoors in varying seasons and integrating nature into learning activities.
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• Demonstrated commitment to inclusivity, wellbeing, and non-discriminatory practice.
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• Ability to work collaboratively within a small team and engage in shared, sociocratic decision-making processes.
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• Familiarity with the writings of Peter Gray, John Holt, Jean Piaget, and Alfie Kohn, would be helpful.
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We'd like to hear from people with availability for one to three days a week on Monday, Tuesday and/or Wednesdays, 45 weeks a year.

We are applying to register as an Independent School to extend our hours to 5 days a week, 45 weeks a year, and anticipating this extension in our operations some time from January or thereafter.