Middle Level Science - Environmental Sustainability

Job Description

The middle school environmental science and urban gardening teacher facilitates hands‑on, experiential learning. . The teacher will blend Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) with agricultural, ecological, and nutrition education. They manage the school's outdoor learning spaces, guiding students in planting, maintaining crops, and investigating local environmental issues.

The teacher will lead hands‑on, garden-based, and environmental science lessons for 6th-8th-grade students. This role bridges core STEM concepts with food justice, sustainability, and community engagement by utilizing the school garden as an active outdoor classroom.

• Develop and deliver environmentally based, hands‑on lesson plans that align with state and NGSS science standards.
• Integrate urban gardening and agriculture into math, language arts, and social studies through collaborative interdisciplinary instruction.
• Teach ecology, botany, soil health, water conservation, and climate science using the school's raised beds, hydroponic systems, or greenhouse.
• Manage a safe and positive outdoor classroom, guiding diverse groups of middle school students through differentiated, inclusive programming.

• Plan and execute planting schedules tailored to the local growing season.
• Maintain the physical garden infrastructure, including composting systems, irrigation, raised beds, and tool storage.
• Procure supplies, seeds, and materials within an allocated budget.
• Coordinate the harvesting of produce, potentially supplying the school cafeteria, local food pantries, or student cooking workshops.

• Facilitate after‑school garden clubs, eco‑teams, or student‑led environmental action projects.
• Plan school‑wide or community garden workdays to bring students, families, and local volunteers together.
• Act as a liaison for community partners and seek out local grants or donations to support program infrastructure.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Agriculture, Education, Botany, or a related field.
• Certification: Valid state teaching certification (e.g., Middle Childhood Science or Integrated Science).
• Experience: 2-3 years of experience teaching middle school‑aged children and working in urban agriculture, organic gardening, or environmental education.
• Skills: Excellent classroom management, proficiency in sustainable gardening techniques, and the physical ability to work outdoors year‑round.