Elementary & Middle School Garden Coordinator, Salem Public Schools, (INTERNAL CANDIDATES) Salem, MA [SY 2025-2026]

Elementary & Middle School Garden Coordinator Salem Public Schools (INTERNAL CANDIDATES) Salem MA SY 2025-2026 (7 Openings)

About Salem Public Schools where belonging leads to opportunity.

Salem is a small diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district enrolling nearly 4000 students in 11 schools. Our vision is to ensure that all students will be locally engaged globally connected and fully prepared to thrive in a diverse and changing world. We hold dear our core values of belonging equity and opportunity in everything we do. We seek individuals who are passionate about urban education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement for all students regardless of ability economic status gender/gender identity language race/ethnicity sexual orientation or other backgrounds. We invite you to learn more about our strategic plan and core priorities on our website at

The School Garden Coordinator Position

SPS is seeking experienced Salem educators to serve as the School Garden Coordinator through the end of the 2026-2027 school year. The School Garden Coordinator is responsible for the year-round maintenance coordination and management of their school garden Google Classroom and instructional readiness of their schools garden. This role will ensure that the garden is healthy well-supplied and aligned with the school garden lessons and each schools planting guide so all students can successfully participate in at least one garden-based learning experience per season (spring and fall). The School Garden Coordinator will be supervised by the Program Director for Food Services and partner with building based leaders to ensure that garden experiences are equitable and accessible across the district. The compensation for this work will be $2500 and paid out in two installments.

School Garden Coordinator Responsibilities:

• Garden Maintenance & Operations

• Maintain the school garden year-round including planning planting watering weeding and seasonal bed preparation (spring summer and fall).
• Ensure the garden space is safe clean and accessible for students and staff.
• Participate in districtwide monthly garden meetings.
• Planning & Supply Management
• Ensure the garden is equipped with necessary tools and materials (seeds and starter plants) aligned with the planting guide.
• In partnership with the school leaders and with FNS create and maintain a schedule for class use of and visits to the garden on operations hero.
• Maintain and store garden tools and equipment on school property in clean working condition.
• Curriculum & Instructional Readiness
• Plant seasonal crops to support garden-based lessons as designed.
• Ensure garden beds are ready and supplies are available for scheduled class visits.
• Digital Curriculum Management (Garden Google Classroom)
• Manage and maintain the schools Garden Google Classroom.
• Ensure all curricular connections are current accurate and aligned with garden activities.
• Harvesting & Distribution
• Deliver harvested produce to the school kitchen for crops not used in curricular activities.
• Follow all school and district food safety guidelines during harvesting and delivery.

Essential Attributes:

• Holds an unwavering belief that every student and teacher in Salem can grow and succeed.
• Skilled in providing equitable access to the STEM enrichment experiences particularly in underserved populations.
• Able to work collaboratively and flexibly as part of a team.
• Has a strong work ethic is self-directed and has the ability to work independently.
• Self-reflects and accepts feedback with a growth mindset.
• Enthusiasm for and experience with gardening.

Qualifications:

• Current educator in Salem Public Schools.
• Experience with garden maintenance.
• Experience with Google Classroom management.

Applicant Process

Interested candidates should send a one page letter of interest to Michaela Short: describing how the applicants experience and qualifications align with the required attributes and qualifications.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Salem Public School District is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race color religion national origin pregnancy gender identity sexual orientation marital/civil union status ancestry place of birth age citizenship status veteran status political affiliation genetic information or disability as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

Required Experience:

IC