EMPLOYMENT AT SPRING RIVER: Join the Homeschool Revolution
Working at Spring River
Spring River School offers educators and staff the opportunity to engage in Waldorf-inspired education grounded in living anthroposophy—not as abstract theory, but as a lived and reflective practice expressed through rhythm, relationship, and reverence for the developing human being. Our work is rooted in a direct relationship with nature and in authentic partnership with homeschooling families, guided by seasonal rhythms, experiential learning, and a developmentally attuned curriculum that nurtures both child development and educator creativity.
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After several years of operating indoors in churches and community centers, Spring River School has fully transitioned into outdoor learning environments located throughout the Beaches area of Northeast Florida. While learning takes place primarily outdoors, each program is supported by a beautiful, well-resourced inclement weather space, ensuring continuity, comfort, and a stable teaching rhythm for both educators and students.
Faculty and staff are part of a collegial professional community that values autonomy, reflective practice, and shared responsibility. Educators are supported through collaboration, mentoring, and a governance structure that honors pedagogical insight while providing clear administrative alignment and operational support.
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For those seeking meaningful work outside conventional school systems—yet within a thoughtful, coherent, and mission-driven educational framework—Spring River School offers a place to deepen one’s craft, cultivate professional growth, and contribute to a vibrant learning community committed to human development, social responsibility, and the protection of childhood.
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Questions? Email employment@springriverschool.org
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To Apply: Please see the link below to begin the online application process.
Open Positions for Continuous Hire
​​Substitute Teachers
Status: As needed/Part Time/Non-Exempt
Pay Scale: $18.00-$22.50/hr
Reports to: Pedagogical Operations Coordinator
Position Summary: The Spring River Substitute Teacher teaches and supervises students in the event that their regular teacher is unable to lead the class. In order to create an encouraging learning environment while the regular teacher is absent, the Substitute Teacher will need to effectively manage and instruct the class from setting up the classroom and taking attendance through to breaking down the classroom after the school day is over.
Skills: Being a Substitute Teacher requires patience, creativity, and a commitment to teamwork with the Teaching Assistant and the Operations Coordinator. Substitute Teachers should understand how to communicate with children and be willing to efficiently address behavioral problems. Substitute Teachers must be able to maintain confidentiality and professionalism with the parent/teacher bond, be able to work in a team setting with colleagues, follow school guidelines and policies, and have excellent communication skills.
Other responsibilities
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Set up and clean up the outdoor classroom.
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Must be fully present and aware of children and surroundings at all times.
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Follow "sub" lesson plans provided by the class teacher/administration.
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Be on-site and participate in arrival and dismissal procedures.
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Visually check the daily location of the school for trash and safety hazards. Assist in cleaning up and/or relocating as needed.
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Carry a cell phone at all times.
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Abide by the school safety plan and address any questions or concerns with the administrative team.
Required Qualifications
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A deep love for children, respect for parents, enjoyment of working in collaboration with colleagues, joy, and enthusiasm in your work.
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Good written and interpersonal communication skills
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Ability to work effectively with a diverse range of people
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Bachelor’s Degree
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2 years of Classroom Experience
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Must be comfortable spending 100% time outdoors in all weather.
Preferred Qualifications​
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Waldorf Teaching Certification or experience
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5+ years teaching experience
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Open Positions for the 2026-2027 School Year​​
K-8 Teaching Assistants
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Status: Part-Time/Hourly
Benefits: 15% tuition remission on days/program worked
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2-Day Program Teaching Assistant (1-5)
Monday & Tuesday: 8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Starting Pay $18.00/hr
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4-Day Program Teaching Assistant (K-8)
Monday - Thursday: 1st-5th: 8:30 am -3:15 pm /6th-8th: 8:15-3:30 pm
Starting Pay $18.50-$20.00 based on experience
Approx 25 hours per week
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Forest Program Teaching Assistant (K-8)
Wednesday, Thursday, and/or Friday: 8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Starting Pay $18.00/hr
​​​The Spring River teaching assistant (TA) works under the direction of the Class or Lead Teacher in the designated local park (outdoor classroom), including setup and clean-up.
The TA supports the Class Teacher by exemplifying patience, kindness, and openness in the outdoor classroom, fostering confidence, and assisting students in understanding basic concepts appropriate for their grade level. This teaching approach involves interactive learning through games, artistic activities, visual aids, music, and other tools to keep students engaged and challenged.
The TA may be asked to take small groups of students aside for focused learning and/or artistic activities and step in as a substitute when the teacher is absent. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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4-Day Program Movement Teacher
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Status: Part-Time/Hourly
Days of Work:
4-Day Program: M-Th (1:00 pm -3:00 pm)
3 hours of paid planning time per school week
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Pay Rate: $25/hr
Reports to: Pedagogical Director & Operations Coordinator
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Spring River School seeks a dynamic Movement & Games Teacher to lead outdoor movement classes for students in Grades 1–8 within our Waldorf-inspired homeschool enrichment program. Through imaginative play, cooperative games, rhythm, athletic skill development, and outdoor challenges, the Movement & Games teacher supports the healthy physical, social, and emotional development of each child. The ideal candidate brings enthusiasm for working with children outdoors and an appreciation for developmentally appropriate movement education. This part-time role includes lesson planning, collaboration with faculty, and support for special events such as the Greek Games and seasonal festivals.
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Possibility of developing after-school sports teams or clubs if interested and supported by family interest.
Our Educational Programs
Spring River School is an initiative of Jacksonville Educational Community, a pioneering nonprofit founded by parents and educators with a shared vision: to create a transformative, whole-child educational experience grounded in nature, community, and developmental insight.
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This impulse gave rise to Florida’s first Waldorf-inspired K–8 all-outdoor education program. Today, Spring River offers a diverse range of homeschool enrichment programs, including:
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A K–8 nature immersion program
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A two-day Waldorf homeschool program
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A high school program
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Parent-child classes (birth to age 5)
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A parent-led playgroup
We strive to create an inclusive, welcoming environment for families of all identities and backgrounds. Our programs cultivate curiosity, resilience, and reverence for the world—nurturing head, heart, and hands.
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Learn More about Spring River's History.
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Our Community
Located in Jacksonville, Spring River benefits from a welcoming, multicultural city that offers the resources of a central metropolitan area alongside exceptional access to nature. Jacksonville is home to a flourishing arts and theater scene, lively street fairs and markets, thriving museums, professional sports, and world-class fishing. Year-round outdoor living is woven into daily life—whether along the historic St. Johns River, shaded forest trails, or the city’s 22 miles of neighborhood beaches. The city also boasts the largest urban park system in the United States, encompassing more than 80,000 acres across hundreds of parks, preserves, gardens, and arboretums—an extraordinary landscape that directly supports our outdoor, place-based educational model.
EOE Statement: We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
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It is the policy of Spring River School to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, status as a covered veteran, or any other legally protected status, in accordance with federal and state law, and not to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, compensation, benefits, promotion, demotion, layoff, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment.