Specials Teacher: Nature, Art, and Movement

Innocademy Allegan Campus, a small Y5 through 8th-grade school in Fennville, MI, is seeking a flexible and creative teacher to lead our Specials program. We are committed to providing a high-quality education that meets students where they are while supporting their academic, emotional, physical, and social growth. At IAC, we value collaboration, stewardship, and working together toward common goals.

This role provides students with meaningful experiences in nature-based learning, art, and movement in ways that fit the size and culture of our school. Rather than a traditional sports-based PE model, the program emphasizes cooperative movement, outdoor learning, creativity, environmental stewardship, and hands-on engagement. The teacher will build a positive, structured environment that supports student growth, curiosity, and participation across grade levels.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging lessons in nature-based learning, art, and movement for students in Y5 through 8th grade
• Provide developmentally appropriate physical education instruction aligned to the Michigan K-12 Physical Education Standards, with an emphasis on cooperative games, locomotor skills, fitness, recreation, and lifelong physical activity
• Build learning experiences that are developmentally appropriate and aligned to the school's mission and student needs
• Lead movement activities that focus on cooperation, fitness, lifelong physical activity, and skill development rather than traditional competitive sports
• Facilitate hands-on nature study and outdoor learning experiences that build observation, stewardship, and curiosity
• Incorporate creative projects, journaling, reflection, and art activities that connect to nature, seasons, and student learning
• Use available resources and teacher-created materials to build a consistent and meaningful program
• Establish clear routines, expectations, and behavior systems across indoor and outdoor settings
• Supervise students safely in classrooms, the gym, and outdoor learning spaces
• Collaborate with school staff and outside partners, including the Outdoor Discovery Center, when applicable
• Communicate with families and staff regarding student progress, class activities, and needs
• Maintain records of student participation and progress
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and school events as requested

Preferred Program Elements

The ideal program may include:

• Nature journaling
• Seasonal outdoor learning
• Literacy and science tie-ins
• Cooperative games
• Fitness and recreation-based movement
• Activities such as hopscotch, running games, disc golf, pickleball, and team-building
• Art projects connected to nature, observation, and school themes

Qualifications

• Valid Michigan teaching certificate preferred
• Valid Michigan teaching certificate preferred. Elementary all-subjects endorsements such as ZG, ZC, ZE, ZO, ZP, or ZK may be considered. Endorsements in Health/Physical Education (MC) and/or Visual Arts Education (LQ) are also welcomed.
• Experience working with elementary and/or middle school students
• Strong classroom management and relationship-building skills
• Ability to be flexible, creative, and self-directed
• Comfort leading students in indoor and outdoor settings
• Willingness to build and adapt programming based on the needs of the school

Schedule:

• Balanced Calendar (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KEN0Cti6PLcIoZvfJCEmuFBrFWok2UZ7/view?usp=drive_link)
• 2026-2027 School Year

Innocademy Allegan Campus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, height, weight, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. Duties may change at any time based on organizational needs.

Management Company:

Innocademy Allegan Campus district is operated by Innovative Education Services (IES), a non-profit management company. http://www.innovativeedservices.com/

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• Michigan Teaching Certification (Required)

Work Location: In person