Garden Program Teacher

The Garden Teacher is responsible for developing and maintaining all aspects of the Green Chimneys school-based horticulture education program on Brewster campus that serves as an internationally recognized model. This position is responsible for developing a four season experiential curriculum that meets various NYS academic standards for students in a special education setting. Special focus on four season experiential horticulture education program in a mixed use garden and greenhouse setting incorporating vegetables, flowers, herbs and fruits, propagation, plant maintenance, ecosystems, pollinators, seed to harvest and other gardening related concepts.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identify, develop and implement a 12-month horticulture curriculum appropriate to a non-production oriented, therapeutic/educational garden setting.

• Develop and implement assessment and evaluation of student’s progress both formative and summative
• Document grades and attendance as required.

• Creatively integrate the social studies, science, English and mathematics into a progressive and inspiring program.
• Design curriculum that engages the students in the garden/horticulture in a predominately hands-on approach of working with living plants and insects in a real garden/farm setting.
• Work as a team with education staff to assure compliance with NY State Educational requirements.
• Understand and enhance the treatment goals set by clinical staff for individual children
• Expand existing garden programs and activities to incorporate the concepts of sustainable and healthy living
• Stay updated and maintain programming that is in line with international trends in horticulture programming and education
• Comply with all administrative responsibilities including but not necessarily limited to parent communication, Incident Reporting, participation in school initiatives such as Kickboard, attend professional development and emergency drills.
• Participate actively in assigned intern and volunteer supervision.
• Participate as a full member of the garden/farm staff team.
• Participate in garden chores and maintenance of garden and greenhouse.
• Substitute for other Farm staff members as needed
• Help publicize the Green Chimneys farm programs locally, nationally and internationally.
• Participate in special events as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or Special Education from an accredited institution. Master’s degree preferred
• Two years professional experience working with children in education setting
• Two years of professional or personal experience working in Nature-Based Program/Horticulture setting

Licensure/Certification:

• NYS Teacher Certification or in a process to obtain one
• Valid Driver’s License and clean driving record
• Master Gardener or Horticulture Therapist credentials a plus