Garden & Environmental Studies Teacher-Fieldston Lower at Ethical Culture Fieldston School – New York, New York

Who we are?

Ethical Culture Fieldston School is a progressive PreK-12 independent school that has been serving students from throughout New York City and the surrounding suburbs since 1878. ECFS offers a rich curriculum in the arts, sciences, and humanities. A co-ed, nonsectarian school, it serves an inclusive community of about 1,700 students on two campuses -- one in the Riverdale section of the Bronx and the other in Manhattan. Fieldston Lower, located in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, is comprised of approximately 270 students Pre-K through 5th Grade and 60 faculty members.

What is essential about working at our school?

The Ethical Culture Fieldston School has a long history of inclusion and belonging deeply rooted in our mission and the educational philosophy of our founder, Felix Adler. We embrace all aspects of an individual, including their ancestry, family, identity, culture, and beliefs. We affirm both our differences and commonalities and strive to balance individuality and community. In keeping with our progressive tradition, we are dedicated to increasing our students’ cultural literacy to help them understand multiple perspectives and see the world beyond the self.

We expect members of our community to engage in open dialogue about living and learning in an inclusive environment inside and outside the classroom. We see this work, with its creative tensions, as a catalyst for individual and collective growth. On a daily basis, we are committed to making this vision of a democratic, pluralistic, and progressive school a reality.

Position Summary
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.

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities of the Garden & Environmental Studies Teacher will include:

• 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; and

• Performing other related projects and duties as needed and assigned.
  
  

Position Requirements

The successful incumbent will possess:

• 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; and

• The ability to cultivate a welcoming culture in which all members of our community feel valued and appreciated.

To Apply
All candidates should visit our employment page at www.ecfs.org to apply. Please send a letter of interest, a resume, and contact information for three references.

EEO
ECFS is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to be a welcoming community of professionals that broadly reflects the people of the metropolitan New York City area, our students, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion or religious practices, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, age, ability status, military status, unemployment status or any other category protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws. We are committed to hiring practices that ensure all candidates are given fair consideration in alignment with our institutional mission and goals.