Lead Teacher — K-2

Location: Alma, Colorado |
Reports to: Executive Director |
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt |
Salary: $48,601 – $67,806 per year

High Rockies Community School is a community-focused, innovative charter school serving grades K-8. Located in Fairplay and authorized by the Colorado Charter School Institute, HRCS is deeply rooted in outdoor, place-based education. Our model integrates the breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage of Park County into daily learning, using the outdoors as a classroom to foster curiosity, resilience, and a profound connection to the natural world.

Teachers will guide multi-age cohorts in hands‑on, interdisciplinary projects that build critical thinking, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills while encouraging students to explore and engage with their environment and local community.

At HRCS, educators will be part of a school that prioritizes outdoor learning as a cornerstone of its mission. From hiking and ecology studies to history lessons at local landmarks, our curriculum brings education to life through direct interaction with the outdoors. Our commitment to community engagement extends beyond the classroom, as we collaborate with local organizations, families, and community members to create meaningful, real‑world learning opportunities for students.

With a family‑centered calendar and schedule, teachers will have the flexibility to design impactful, community‑driven educational experiences that balance academic excellence with the joy of exploration.

If you’re passionate about teaching in an environment where nature, community, and creativity intersect, HRCS offers a unique opportunity to inspire students and be inspired in return.

The Lead Teacher will play a vital role in delivering high‑quality, engaging instruction in a multi‑age classroom setting while embracing HRCS’s mission to integrate outdoor and experiential learning. Using Colorado Academic Standards as a foundation, the Lead Teacher will design creative, standards‑aligned lessons that foster curiosity, critical thinking, and a growth mindset. Working collaboratively with the Head of School, other Lead Teachers, and Assistant/Intern Teachers, the Lead Teacher will create a supportive and inclusive learning environment that promotes the academic, social, and emotional growth of every student.

This role requires a self‑starter with strong reflective practices, a passion for outdoor education, and a commitment to continuous improvement and personal growth. The Lead Teacher will also contribute to the development and evolution of the school, helping to shape HRCS into a model of place‑based and student‑centered education.

• Design and implement engaging, standards‑aligned lesson plans based on the Colorado Academic Standards, incorporating personalized learning, project‑based education, and outdoor exploration.
• Use innovative teaching strategies to foster curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and problem‑solving in students.

• Effectively manage a multi‑age classroom with students of varying abilities, grade levels, and learning styles.
• Differentiate instruction to ensure all students are challenged and supported in their learning.

• Conduct ongoing assessments using observations, formative methods, and project‑based evaluations to track and support student progress.
• Analyze assessment data to inform instruction and ensure student growth and success.

• Collaborate regularly with the Head of School to align classroom practices with HRCS’s mission and goals.
• Work closely with other Lead Teachers and Assistant/Intern Teachers to plan and deliver interdisciplinary, hands‑on learning experiences.
• Contribute to the creation of a cohesive and innovative school culture through teamwork and shared decision‑making.

• Build strong relationships with families through regular communication about student progress, classroom activities, and upcoming events.
• Conduct home visits at the start of each year and hold quarterly student learning…