Summary of Position: We are seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Gardening Instructor to lead our teen gardening program. The Gardening Instructor will be responsible for educating students in the art and science of gardening, including the cultivation of fruits and vegetables, the maintenance of our greenhouse, and the implementation of holistic gardening practices. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about teaching teens and committed to promoting environmental sustainability.

After School Matters is seeking instructors to begin working in Summer 2026. After School Matters is reviewing applications on a rolling basis.

The program will allow students to learn and engage in activities specific to the content area. An instructor will expose teens to a wide range of activities and concepts to meet measurable programmatic outcomes. The instructor will recruit, teach, and mentor teens and will also manage operational pieces such as program planning and budget creation.

Instructors must have a program curriculum plan. See ASM Program Planner

Program Sessions and Schedules:

• Summer: Programming will run from June 22, 2026 to August 7, 2026, Monday through Thursday. Additional hours are allotted for planning, recruitment, professional development and meetings.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Gardening Education: Teach teens the fundamentals of gardening, including soil preparation, planting, growing, and harvesting fruits and vegetables.

• Greenhouse Management: Oversee the care and maintenance of the greenhouse, including managing plant health, watering schedules, and environmental controls.

• Holistic Gardening Practices: Introduce and implement holistic gardening methods that support plant health, environmental sustainability, and personal well-being.

• Raised Beds: Manage and maintain the raised garden beds, ensuring they are productive and well-maintained throughout the growing season.

• Harvesting and Processing: Educate teens on the harvesting process, including when and how to harvest produce, and how to process and store the harvested goods.

• Student Engagement: Foster a positive and engaging atmosphere for teens, encouraging their participation and interest in gardening and environmental stewardship.

• Safety and Maintenance: Ensure all gardening activities are conducted safely, and maintain equipment and tools in good working condition.

• Student Engagement: Foster a positive and engaging atmosphere for teens, encouraging their participation and interest in gardening and environmental stewardship.

• Safety and Maintenance: Ensure all gardening activities are conducted safely, and maintain equipment and tools in good working condition.

• The instructor will develop, plan and implement high quality content related field trips, master classes, events and guest visits to enhance instruction and training.

• Instructors will be expected to participate in the recruitment, interview and selection process of teen program participants. Instructors will also be expected to participate in planning and program dates such as instructor orientation, professional development workshops, meetings and other required sessions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise teens at an average of 15:1, instructor: teen ratio

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of gardening techniques, greenhouse management, and holistic gardening practices.

• Commitment to diversity and inclusion

• Interest in working with teens

Qualifications:

• Relevant certifications or educational background in horticulture, environmental science, or a related field preferred.

• Certifications also accepted in lieu of a university degree.

• Proven experience in gardening, horticulture, or a related field. Previous experience teaching or working with teens is a plus.

• Familiarity with specific Chicago neighborhoods is required.

• Experience teaching, specifically teenagers, is highly preferred.

• Commitment to diversity and inclusion is required.

• Genuine interest in environmental sustainability and a passion for working with young people.

Compensation: $20-27 salary/per hour, depending on applicable experience and education 

About Us: After School Matters is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that annually offers after-school and summer programs to nearly 19,000 Chicago high school teens to explore and develop their talents while gaining critical skills that will set them up for success in college and beyond.
ASM has engaged more than 450,000 Chicago teens and is the nation’s largest and most successful provider of after-school and summer programs for high school teens.
ASM offers paid apprenticeships led by professionals in the fields of arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Our nationally respected youth development model has been replicated in cities across the country and earned us the City Livability Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Programs take place at community locations throughout the city, including four ASM buildings: downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts and Orleans, the Michael and Karyn Lutz Center in Belmont Cragin, and the Pullman community at Gately Park. Currently, After School Matters’ annual operating budget is approximately $48M and employs approximately 500 staff across the organization.

EEO:  After School Matters is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.