Weekday mornings (exact days and times to be confirmed)
Start Date:
First week of November 2026
Program Term:
Winter 2026-2027
Work Location:
In person
Job Type:
Part-Time About Us We are a community-driven enrichment organization serving elementary schools across the Bay Area. We deliver hands-on, engaging STEAM experiences designed to spark curiosity, foster creativity, and build future-ready skills in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Position Overview We are seeking an enthusiastic In-School Gardening Instructor to lead hands-on gardening and science enrichment classes for 2nd-3rd grade students in San Francisco during the upcoming winter term. Students will explore the natural world through planting, growing, observing, and experimenting with plants and their environments. Lessons combine garden science, environmental education, and creative STEAM activities to help students understand how things grow and how living systems work together. This role is ideal for students and recent graduates in education, environmental science, early childhood studies, or biology who enjoy working with children and are looking for consistent weekday morning teaching opportunities. Curriculum and lesson materials are provided. Key Responsibilities Lead engaging, hands-on gardening and science classes for 2nd-3rd grade students. Facilitate age-appropriate activities, including:
Garden Science:
Seed starting, plant growth, soil exploration, composting, and pollinator studies.
Nature Exploration:
Plant and insect identification, seasonal changes, observation journals, and ecosystem studies.
STEAM Connections:
Simple experiments, garden-based art projects, measurement, data collection, and problem-solving activities.
Cooking and Tasting:
Safe, simple food preparation and tasting activities using garden-grown produce when available. Guide students through planting, garden maintenance, and observation activities. Maintain the school garden space and ensure tools and materials are handled safely. Foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Keep students engaged while managing classroom behavior and transitions. Prepare materials before class and handle cleanup after each session. Track attendance and provide brief classroom updates to the Program Coordinator. Communicate professionally with school staff and the program team. Follow all school-site safety procedures and program expectations. Minimum Qualifications Experience working directly with elementary-aged children through teaching, tutoring, camps, after-school programs, STEM programs, science museums, enrichment programs, mentoring, coaching, or youth development. Strong communication and classroom management skills. Comfortable leading and supervising groups of students in both indoor and outdoor learning environments. Ability to explain scientific concepts in an engaging, age-appropriate way. Able to follow provided curriculum while adapting lessons to different student needs. Must reside in San Francisco or within 20 miles of San Francisco. Must have availability during weekday mornings and be able to commit to the winter program term. Must pass a background check and complete fingerprinting/Live Scan. Preferred Qualifications Background in education, child development, environmental science, biology, horticulture, or related fields. Experience with school or community gardens, urban farming, or environmental education. Familiarity with project-based learning and hands-on science instruction. Experience leading elementary enrichment or classroom activities independently. Energetic, patient, organized, and dependable. Schedule & Commitment This position is expected to begin during the first week of November 2026, with classes taking place on weekday mornings at an elementary school in San Francisco. Exact teaching days and times are still being finalized. Applicants should have some flexibility during weekday mornings and be able to commit to a consistent schedule once confirmed. How to Apply Please submit your resume highlighting your experience working with children, teaching, gardening, or facilitating hands-on educational activities. We are actively reviewing applications for the upcoming winter term and encourage interested candidates to apply early.
