Part-Time Gardening Instructor – After School Programs

Location: On-site at a partner school (varies by assignment; indoor and/or outdoor space)
Schedule: 1–4 hours per week, after school
Program Length: ~10 weeks
Start Date: Rolling openings based on school schedules
Compensation: $50+ per instructional hour (flexible based on experience, program, and commute)

About the Role

Concorde Education is seeking a Gardening Instructor to lead engaging after-school programs for students (grade band varies by assignment). This role introduces learners to foundational gardening concepts through hands-on, age-appropriate activities.

Instructors will guide students in understanding how plants grow, what they need to thrive, and how gardening connects to environmental awareness, nutrition, and community. Programs are interactive and adapted to the site’s space, season, and student level.

What You’ll Teach

Students will learn the basics of gardening through active participation and real-world application. Topics may include:

• Plant needs and life cycles (sunlight, water, nutrients, growth stages)
• Soil basics (composition, drainage, composting concepts)
• Seeds and germination (planting, transplanting, care)
• Plant identification and basic botany (roots, stems, leaves, flowers)
• Watering practices and conservation
• Seasonal gardening and local climate awareness
• Pollinators and ecosystems (bees, butterflies, biodiversity)
• Garden design basics (spacing, container gardening, simple layouts)
• Food systems connections (herbs, vegetables, where food comes from)
• Observation and reflection (garden journaling, tracking growth)
  Responsibilities
• Lead structured, hands-on gardening sessions aligned to program goals
• Plan safe activities based on site space, season, and available materials
• Maintain consistent routines for tool use, cleanup, and safety
• Create a positive, inclusive environment that encourages participation
• Support student responsibility for plant care (as applicable)
• Communicate with program staff regarding attendance and session updates
• Adapt instruction to different skill levels while maintaining outcomes
  Qualifications
• Minimum of 60 college credits (completed or in progress)
• Experience with gardening or plant-based activities
• Experience working with students (schools, camps, tutoring, or youth programs)
• Strong communication and classroom management skills
• Comfortable managing hands-on activities and materials safely
• Reliable, punctual, and professional
  Who This Role Is Great For
• Garden educators, horticulture students, or environmental educators
• Teachers or paraprofessionals interested in outdoor learning
• College students studying environmental science, biology, or related fields
• Hobby gardeners who enjoy working with youth
   
• About Concorde Education

Concorde Education partners with schools nationwide to provide engaging after-school programs in STEM, arts, and enrichment topics. We connect instructors with flexible, part-time teaching opportunities that make a meaningful impact on students.