Garden & Environmental Studies Teacher-Fieldston Lower

Ethical Culture Fieldston School•New York, NY

19h•$75,261 - $184,830•Onsite

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