Garden- Education Instructor

Garden-Based Education Instructor

About Living Classroom:

Join an organization of passionate, self-starting educators and garden professionals that make learning come alive and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Living Classroom's mission is to inspire children to learn about and value the natural world through garden-based education. You will be helping to make an impact on student learning as Living Classroom (LC) expands and grows, continuing our mission of providing engaging, hands-on lessons that stimulate curiosity.

About this position

The instructor is part of the instructional team that leads Living Classroom’s hands-on, experiential, primarily outdoor lessons to children in grades T/K - 7th at the Mountain View Whisman School District and other sites that have subscribed to the LC program (ranging from Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Campbell, and Redwood City). The instructor engages the students’ curiosity and enthusiasm for learning from nature, while providing environmental literacy-focused lessons that meet California’s Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

Instructor

Reports to:

Program Director

Location:

Varies, primarily Mountain View

Compensation:
Hourly; $26 per hour

Start of Employment:
Negotiable;
Fall, 2026

• Learn through lesson observation and training, approximately 36 Living Classroom lessons provided in the 2026-27 school year. Assist, then lead instruction of Living Classroom lessons as scheduled. Lessons are given Monday afternoons, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday during the school day (8am-3pm). Most lessons will be supported by a classroom volunteer or an assistant docent. Lessons are normally one-hour long and will be at up to 15+ different schools.
  
  Instructors should plan for 30 minutes of setup and prepping volunteers, 1 hour for the lesson, and 30 minutes to clean up/exchange the kit if necessary.
• As part of the instruction, pick up lesson kits needed for lessons and transport to school sites where lessons take place. Set up will happen immediately prior to the lesson at the school site.
• Keep lesson kits organized, wash dishes for lesson kits, and reset kit materials for other instructors.
• Collaborate with the LC instructional team to provide input about possible lesson improvements and in creating new lessons and supporting documents.
• Support with staffing LC community and fundraising events (after school or weekend events, approximately 1-3x/year).

• Previous experience working with classrooms of elementary-aged children is required.
• A genuine enjoyment of working with children and helping them learn through hands-on instruction, primarily outdoors.
• Ability to connect with students of varying abilities and background knowledge.
• Ability to speak in front of a classroom of students as well as articulate lesson plans concisely to prepare parent volunteers.
• Experience with teaching environmental science, and/or other academic subject areas including math and social studies (in edible gardens and native gardens), and lessons aligned to Next Generation Science Standards is preferred, but not required.
• Energy and enthusiasm for teaching children—plus a keen sense of hands-on fun!
• Ability to “think on your feet,” as some lessons may take unexpected detours.
• Ability to get—and keep—young children on topic.
• Punctuality is a must; flexibility is required as lesson schedules will vary from week to week.
• Valid CA Driver’s license, reliable transportation, and a cell phone.
• High School Diploma or Equivalent required.