Gardening Teacher

The Gardening Teacher will lead a hands‑on gardening program for grades 3‑8 that engages students in the seasonal rhythms of planting, cultivating, harvesting, and caring for the land. This role involves teaching practical horticultural skills while also fostering a deep connection to nature, an understanding of ecology, and an appreciation for the cycles of life. This position is .75 FTE at this time.

• Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate gardening lessons aligned with Waldorf educational principles.
• Guide students in seasonal garden work, including soil preparation, planting, weeding, watering, composting, and harvesting.
• Integrate storytelling, art, science, and nature observation into gardening activities.
• Demonstrate initiative and creativity in planning lessons and classroom management.
• Create pedagogically appropriate block rotations for each grade taught.
• Create a class rhythm.
• Identify skills to be developed for each grade.
• Provide modifications as needed.
• Complete end‑of‑year student evaluations which entail writing narrative reports for each student regarding their progress over the course of the year. Reports also include overviews of each grade’s curriculum and are due in accordance with the deadlines provided.
• Plan and run 2 week‑long summer camps (2 weeks total).
• Care for and maintain the school’s gardens, orchard, chicken coop (when chickens are present), greenhouse, and related outdoor learning spaces year‑round.
• Collaborate with class teachers to coordinate Gardening lessons with Grade‑specific curriculum blocks where appropriate
• Model environmental stewardship and sustainable gardening practices.
• Ensure safe use of tools and equipment.
• Organize and involve students in seasonal festivals, farm‑to‑table projects, or community gardening events.
• Maintain and support the school’s composting program and worm bins
• Oversee work of gardening assistant and manage their schedule;
• Oversee animal care (when animals are present)
• Replenish soil and mulch as needed in coordination with Facilities
• Oversee the Gardening Committee with parent volunteers and faculty members
• Maintain gardening supplies and manage the program budget.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with other programs/colleagues using areas surrounding the School Garden.
• Plan, plant and harvest seasonal crops that support the seasonal and curricular activities of the school
• Serve on the Beautification Committee as a Faculty Advisor
• Recess duties and substitution as needed may be assigned;
• Other duties as assigned by the Pedagogical Group
• Attend weekly subject teacher meetings and weekly faculty meetings

• Experience in large scale gardening, horticulture, sustainable agriculture, or regenerative agriculture, preferably in an educational or community setting.
• Familiarity with Waldorf education, Biodynamic principles, regenerative agriculture, or a willingness to learn its principles and methods.
• Ability to work with children of varied ages and developmental stages.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to plan around seasonal cycles.
• Physical ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

• Prior teaching experience, especially in experiential or nature‑based education.
• Training in biodynamic gardening, organic farming, and or regenerative agriculture methods.
• Experience with animal husbandry
• Knowledge of local ecosystems and native plants.
• Experience in teaching, preferably in a Waldorf School setting

• The Gardening teacher will work with classes and students under the supervision of the Pedagogical Team.

• A mentor will be designated, and meetings with the mentor will be scheduled as needed. Suggestions made by the mentor will be written out and given to the Pedagogical Team.
• Evaluation- after the first year and then according to the faculty schedule.

• Demonstrate initiative in problem solving.
• Attendance at subject teacher meetings is expected when possible. These meetings are a helpful way to collaborate, discuss challenges specific to subject teachers, and build collegial relationships.
• Attend all Grades…