Garden & Environmental Studies Teacher-Fieldston Lower
About The Position
Ethical Culture Fieldston School is seeking a dynamic and experienced Garden & Environmental Studies Teacher to lead Fieldston Lower’s (PreK-5th Grade) indoor and outdoor garden and botany instruction. This new specialized role is designed for a candidate who combines a deep knowledge of horticulture with a mastery of elementary pedagogy. The Garden & Environmental Studies Teacher will be responsible for the physical stewardship of our garden sites and the intellectual development of a comprehensive, interdisciplinary sustainability curriculum. As a new role within the school, the Garden & Environmental Studies Teacher will also be responsible for creating a program, writing curriculum, and designing spaces within the school for planting and botany studies. In addition to botany, the Garden & Environmental Studies Teacher will help foster an appreciation of nature, sustainability, and design using natural materials. This position will begin on September 1, 2026. This position is a 1.0 FTE ( full time equivalency ) and the hiring salary is $75,261-$184,830. Please note that this is an onsite role and not performed remotely. Ethical Culture Fieldston School retains its right to modify job duties in accordance with changing operational needs.
Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree in Education, Environmental Science, Horticulture, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Proven experience managing elementary-aged students in a classroom or outdoor learning environment
- Strong proficiency in organic gardening, plant biology, and sustainable agricultural practices
- A passion for teaching with a pleasant and positive demeanor toward all forms of teaching and learning
- The ability to collaborate and build strong relationships with faculty, administrators, students, parents, and the overall community
- A commitment to cultural competency and to fostering an inclusive environment that supports students of all backgrounds
- Excellent verbal, written, and oral communication skills
- A positive attitude and the ability to listen effectively and be receptive to feedback
- The ability to manage time effectively, stay organized, and prioritize required tasks
- A commitment to engaging in ongoing professional development and proficiency in utilizing and learning new technologies ( i.e. , Google Workspace tools)
- The ability to lift and carry up to 50lbs on a routine basis
- Reliability, punctuality, and consistent attendance
- The ability to cultivate a welcoming culture in which all members of our community feel valued and appreciated
Responsibilities
- Developing and implementing an inquiry-based gardening curriculum for grades PreK–5
- Having a collaborative approach with colleagues, including communicating with the classroom teachers on how to integrate Garden Science with subjects such as Art, Social Studies, Math, and Language Arts
- Preparing for and communicating details about student performance and growth with parents and/or guardians at scheduled conferences
- Appropriately addressing student behavioral issues and other challenges that may arise in the classroom in order to maintain a safe environment and a sense of calm in such situations
- Maintaining accurate student record keeping, including grades and attendance
- Encouraging students to help support their social and emotional growth
- Leading students through long-term cycles of inquiry, such as soil health experiments, pollinator habitat restoration, and water conservation projects
- Coordinating harvest cycles with the school’s nutrition program to facilitate "tasting lessons" and food system education
- Managing all seasonal tasks for the school’s outdoor beds, including soil amendment, irrigation oversight, and composting
- Maintaining and utilizing indoor growing systems (e.g., hydroponic towers, light shelves, or greenhouse space) during winter months to ensure year-round student engagement.
- Acting as a lead advocate for school-wide green initiatives, including waste reduction and biodiversity enhancement on campus
- Ensuring the confidentiality of student information as necessary
- Attending all departmental, divisional, and school-wide meetings
- Maintaining compliance with all school policies, state regulations, and educational standards
- Performing other related projects and duties as needed and assigned
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
