Gardening & Sustainability Lead Teacher in FORT COLLINS, Colorado at MOUNTAIN SAGE COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Join Our Inspiring Team as a Lead Gardening Teacher at Mountain Sage Community School!

Mountain Sage Community School, a Waldorf-inspired public charter school serving grades K-8, is excited to welcome a skilled Lead Gardening Teacher for the 2025-2026 school year. If you're passionate about sustainability and teaching students in a hands-on learning environment, we want to hear from you!

At Mountain Sage, we embrace the principles of Waldorf education, creating enriching experiences that nurture the physical, emotional, and intellectual growth of our students. As a Lead Gardening Teacher, you'll play a critical role in guiding students through gardening education, fostering a love for nature, and facilitating the integration of sustainable practices into their learning.

Key Responsibilities:

Curriculum Delivery:

• Teach one class each week for grades 1-8, incorporating Colorado science standards into the sustainability aspects of gardening.
• Develop and implement engaging lesson plans that include organic gardening, vermicomposting, and biodynamic practices.

Garden Maintenance:

• Oversee and maintain the school garden and geodesic growing dome, including managing plant life on school grounds such as trees and entryways.
• Plan and rotate garden spaces throughout the seasons, integrating garden activities into lesson planning.

Classroom Management:

• Establish and maintain a positive and nurturing classroom culture that encourages respect and cooperation.
• Manage garden assistants and volunteers, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Collaboration:

• Work closely with colleagues to enhance the educational experience and uphold the Waldorf-inspired aspects of our program.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with students, staff, and parents regarding student progress and activities.

Professional Development:

• Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in sustainable education and gardening.

Who You Are: In addition to the required qualifications below, the ideal candidate will bring:

• A strong commitment to sustainability and arts-integrated education.
• A collaborative spirit ready to engage with colleagues and contribute to a nurturing community.
• A dedication to continuous improvement and professional growth in your field.
• Skilled in organizing and managing outdoor learning for multi-aged students while meeting diverse educational and behavioral expectations.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field of study.
• Gardening knowledge and experience.
• Two years of related teaching experience.
• Ability to be flexible in adapting teaching styles and communication to support diverse student needs.
• Willingness to work in all weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master's degree in education, or a related field.
• A valid Colorado teaching license with a middle school endorsement (or appropriate subject area certification)
• Experience or certification in Waldorf education.
• Understanding of experiential learning and restorative practices.
• Familiarity with installing irrigation systems.?
• CPR/first aid skills and training.

Compensation and Hours

Hours are 8am-4pm Monday through Friday during the academic school year. The starting wage is $47,600 but actual compensation is determined using the Mountain Sage Salary Schedule. We offer state retirement benefits (PERA), health benefits, and paid time off.

Ready to Make a Difference? If you're excited about the opportunity to join our dynamic team and contribute to a loving and innovative learning environment, we invite you to apply! At Mountain Sage, you won't just teach; you'll inspire a generation of curious, creative thinkers in a community that values everyone. Come be part of our journey!

Please visit our school website prior to applying.

To complete and submit your online job application, you will need:

• Job and educational history
• Applicable licenses or certifications
• Cover letter
• Resume
• Teaching positions require a statement describing your educational philosophy
• Three professional references and email addresses.

No phone calls. We will accept applications via our our online job application only, until the position(s) are filled. You will be contacted by a member of the Hiring Committee if we are interested in pursuing your application.

Mountain Sage is an Equal Opportunity Employer.