Preschool Teacher

We are looking for a proactive individual with experience in planning and leading engaging activities for children aged 3–6 to join our Escuela Bosque team. Our Escuela Bosque is a mixed-age environment rooted in Outdoor Education principles, where students enjoy a high level of autonomy.

This role is suited to individuals with native or near-native proficiency in written and spoken English, as it involves communicating with parents, maintaining written records, and report writing. The language of communication among the staff team is English, so a high level of English is essential for participating in meetings and professional development opportunities.

Alma Forest is a new and growing school currently home to 110 students aged 3-12 with 20+ nationalities represented amongst the student body. As we grow, we will add one class every year until we reach the end of middle school, age 14. Our maximum class size is 15 and the maximum enrollment at the school will be 150.

Located on a Spanish Finca just outside of Sotogrande, we have the good fortune to enjoy not only expansive views across to Gibraltar and Morocco but also fields to play on, trees to climb and animals to care for. In addition to this we make good use of the surrounding natural parks and beaches to immerse our learning in the natural environment.

We value discovery over teaching. Our curriculum explodes boundaries and disciplines so that our students can follow their interests and marvel at all the world has to offer. Co-creating journeys of discovery with our students lies at the heart of what we do. As a community of learners, we value an open and honest exchange of ideas and build relationships based on a shared humanity, with all its flaws, rather than identities centered around being a ‘teacher’ or ‘student’. As a tribe, we make Alma Forest a home where we can all come to know ourselves better and develop a life-long love of learning and discovery.

Internationally accredited and staffed by experienced educators, we ensure that our students are given ample opportunities to develop academically while embarking on these journeys of discovery. Small class sizes and an intentionally small school enable us to support each student individually, allowing them to work at a pace suited to their level of maturity and developmental needs.


We are looking for an educator who:

has previous experience teaching this age level in an international setting (essential)
is willing to learn how to let children take control and step back as a teacher
enjoys spending time with children (Would you sit with your students to eat lunch if you did not have to? But would you really?)
can be vulnerable around children, acknowledge their own flaws and admit mistakes
loves the outdoors, is able to go on long hikes, can sleep in tents, is comfortable swimming in the ocean and does not mind getting muddy (this is a physically demanding job)
can interact with children in non-violent and non-coercive ways
is flexible, embraces chances to go off on tangents and is able to follow the interests of their students
is willing to learn new things and conduct research as our students’ projects often involve subject knowledge well beyond what might usually be found on a Middle School curriculum
can laugh at themselves
must be able to work in the EU without a visa

An advantage would be if you:

have worked in progressive or alternative settings before
have skills that could support a developing maker community
are interested in outdoor pursuits such as foraging, conservation, camping etc.
can play the theremin
have experience in curriculum development

We offer:

a collaborative working environment with staff from around the world
an opportunity to help develop a new and growing school
the chance to play to your strengths as an educator
continuous professional development provided by the school and external agencies
decent weather


Be aware that:

we are not located close to a city so those seeking out all that Barcelona or Madrid have to offer will not find their home here
this school suits individuals who show initiative and can work independently within a flexible curriculum

If you feel that Alma Forest School could be your new home, please complete the questionnaire and submit your CV and cover letter, which should include the reasons why you want to work at Alma Forest (applications that do not address this are not considered). If you have any questions, you can contact the Principal at philipp@almaforestschool.com.

Please make sure to read all the information on the website, including the Escuela Bosque Curriculum Outline, and have a look at our social media to gain an understanding of what life at Alma looks like.

► Apply Here: https://forms.gle/z48BSoJxMdwJcoGp9

We will conduct interviews with suitable candidates on a rolling basis and make an offer when the right candidate has been found.

Long-listed candidates will be invited to a short introductory chat. If successful, the second round involves submitting an activity plan and a subsequent second interview.

Alma Forest School is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Alma Forest School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Candidates must be prepared to undergo child protection screening and appropriate pre-employment checks.

We look forward to your application!