The posting
About The Red Barn Schoolhouse:
This is a new, nature-based, tuition-free, public K-5 elementary charter school located in the Loess Hills of southwestern Iowa, just 15 minutes from the vibrant Council Bluffs/Omaha metro area. The school is set on property featuring prairies, gardens, green space, and old-growth forests. The location offers abundant opportunities for nature-based and experiential learning. We opened our doors in August 2026.
Vision:
To nurture children’s curiosity, resilience, joy, and compassion and to inspire change-makers of the future. The Red Barn Schoolhouse is a collaborative community where children learn
through nature and art. This community includes an empowered staff, parents, and caregivers who share in the growth of our children. We envision a school that celebrates diversity, promotes innovative and experiential curriculum, and generates gratitude for the natural world.
Teacher Position Overview:
Title: Kindergarten Teacher
Reports To: Principal
Salary: $65,000 annually
Benefits: Individual health, life, dental, visual and disability insurance will be paid 100% by RBS. IPERS retirement benefits offered.
This is a full time, exempt position
We are welcoming teachers to apply for a position as a K-5 (K-4 for the 2026-2027 school year) elementary school teacher at the Red Barn Schoolhouse. Here you’ll support the creation of a groundbreaking educational experience that blends nature, community, and artistic creativity. We employ a year-round calendar and a four-day student week designed to support both deep learning, educator well-being, and will shape a school and curriculum that honors seasonal cycles, ecological awareness, and outdoor learning. Fridays are dedicated to teacher planning, reflection, and professional collaboration, ensuring that educators have the time and space to innovate, document learning, and refine their practice. We are searching for teachers to guide this emergent process. Candidates will need a strong belief in academic excellence as a foundation for lifelong learning and believe that children thrive when they are:
- Seen, heard, and deeply engaged in their own learning journeys.
- Invited into meaningful exploration through nature, art, and inquiry.
- Surrounded by adults who trust their innate curiosity and capabilities.
- Challenged and supported in achieving academic excellence through hands-on, inquiry-driven learning.
- If this speaks to you—we invite you to step forward and be part of an exciting educational journey.
Preferred Education & Experience:
- Minimum Requirement: Iowa-Certified Teaching License (https://educate.iowa.gov/educator-licensure/licenses-authorizations)
- Endorsements preferred
- Early Childhood experience preferred
Preferred Leadership & Management Skills:
- Self-starter with the ability to lead innovative curriculum and instructional strategies
- Support fellow teachers in comprehensive evaluation, including documentation (photos, video, storytelling) to make learning visible and reflective.
- Strong collaborator with skills in conflict resolution and team-building and a willingness to build a culture of mutual respect among staff and families.
- Ability to work with parents, and diverse community stakeholders to advance the school’s mission.
Curriculum & Instructional Focuses:
- Knowledge of nature-, project-, and/or art-based learning methodologies.
- Ability to facilitate the implementation of an integrated curriculum that aligns with state standards and prioritizes outdoor learning.
- Understanding of child development and diverse learning needs in outdoor settings.
- Preference given to familiarity with forest school, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, place-based learning, or emergent curriculum models.
Community & Family Engagement:
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills with parents, staff, and local partners.
- Ability to foster a welcoming, inclusive, and diverse school culture.
- Experience in fundraising, grant writing, or securing resources for outdoor programs.
The Red Barn Schoolhouse does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Please attach a cover letter, resume, three professional references and email to [email protected]. For more information, see www.redbarnschoolhouse.org.
