Location & Compensation
Sarasota, FL (In-Person with Required Travel)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Compensation: BOE
Position Overview
We are seeking an exceptional, experienced Governess and Homeschool Educator to join our private family and lead the educational journey of our 7-year-old son, while also supporting light developmental activities for our 20-month-old toddler in collaboration with our full-time au pair. The governess will oversee and guide the au pair, ensuring a consistent and enriching environment for both children.
This is a high-level educational role that blends formal academic instruction, hands-on experiential learning, and mentorship. The mother is a highly involved stay-at-home parent who will actively participate in activities and field trips, and the governess will work in partnership with her to plan and execute a vibrant, play-based curriculum.
The ideal candidate will bring energy, creativity, and structure to each day, and must be comfortable working outdoors and around animals as the family lives on a hobby farm.
Remote learning support or travel with the family is required, and a valid passport is necessary.
Key Responsibilities
1. Primary Education for 7-Year-Old
- Design and implement a customized, interdisciplinary homeschool curriculum. - Teach core subjects through project-based, exploratory, and nature-integrated learning. - Incorporate STEM, arts, outdoor education, and movement-based activities. - Coordinate participation in a homeschool co-op twice weekly for socialization. - Foster independent thinking, curiosity, and leadership skills.
2. Oversight & Guidance of Au Pair (Toddler Development)
- Provide direction and educational structure to the au pair for toddler enrichment. - Support early developmental play and learning for the toddler as needed. - Guide sibling interaction to help foster leadership and bonding through shared activities.
3. Language Enrichment
- Teach a foreign language (preferred) or help coordinate regular tutoring sessions. - Integrate language learning into daily routines, games, books, music, and lessons.
4. Enrichment Activities & Field Trips
- Plan and lead experiential outings, nature walks, museum visits, and other learning-based field trips.
- Research and help enroll the children in extracurricular activities such as art, music, or
sports.
- Collaborate with the mother on community events and educational opportunities.
5. Travel & Remote Learning Support
- Maintain learning continuity during travel via live virtual sessions or in-person teaching. - Travel with the family as needed (domestic and international); valid passport required. - Complete lesson planning during co-op hours and while traveling.
Requirements
- Master's degree in Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred. - 8–10+ years of experience in homeschooling, private education, or as a governess. - Background in play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, or project-based learning. - Strong curriculum development, organization, and leadership skills. - Comfortable working alongside and guiding support staff (au pair).
- Must love the outdoors and animals, as this is a farm-based home environment. - High energy, creative, nurturing, and adaptable.
- Tech-savvy for remote instruction and travel-based planning.
- Valid passport and ability to travel with the family as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in high-net-worth households or private family settings.
- Fluency in or experience teaching a second language.
- Background in STEM, arts, or outdoor education.
- Familiarity with early childhood milestones and toddler learning strategies.