Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

The International School of Portland seeks a passionate and creative Garden Teacher to engage students in hands-on garden-based learning experiences that are directly connected to their current Units of Inquiry. This part-time (10 hours per week), 10-month position supports ISP's mission of cultivating global citizens by integrating environmental education and sustainability into the school culture. The Garden Teacher will collaborate with classroom teachers, volunteers, and staff, drawing on ISP's values of inquiry-based learning and community involvement.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction & Curriculum Integration

• Design and deliver age-appropriate, inquiry-driven garden lessons aligned with students' current Units of Inquiry and IB PYP standards.
• Integrate ecological concepts, sustainability practices, and garden science into engaging, hands-on activities for students across grade levels.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to connect garden learning to core curriculum areas (science, math, art, literature, etc.).
• Support student exploration through project-based and experiential learning methods in the garden.

Garden Program Support

• Coordinate with the PYP Coordinator and classroom teachers to schedule lessons.
• Maintain garden beds, fruit trees, bushes, and herbs with support from volunteers.
• Foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students in the garden.

Documentation & Communication

• Document lessons, student projects, and the resource acquisition process to ensure program continuity and succession planning.
• Participate in regular meetings, professional development, and relevant school events as required.

Required Qualifications

• Experience teaching or working with children in an outdoor, garden, or environmental education setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with inquiry-based, experiential, or project-based learning (IB PYP experience a plus).
• Ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, staff, and volunteers.
• Strong organizational, communication, and classroom management skills.
• Passion for sustainability, environmental stewardship, and gardening.

Working Conditions

• Part-time, 10 hours per week during the 10-month academic year.
• Work involves both outdoor and indoor settings; must be able to lead activities in various weather conditions, lift up to 40 lbs as needed, and the ability to walk up and down steep hills.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required for special events with advance notice.

To Apply: Please submit your resume and a brief statement of interest outlining your relevant experience and approach to garden-based teaching.

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