Position Type: Athletics/Activities/Activity Sponsor
Date Posted: 5/14/2026
Location: Cooperstown Central SchoolCooperstown Central School (CCS) offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities that foster student development beyond the classroom. From a comprehensive athletic program competing in Section III's Center State Conference to clubs and organizations that emphasize leadership, creativity, and community involvement, CCS encourages students to grow through teamwork, responsibility, and personal achievement.
Job Title: Kid Garden Program Advisor
Reports to: Director of Physical Education, Athletics & Extracurricular Activities- Josh Wagner
Program Name: Kid Garden
Grade Levels: K-12 (school-wide involvement)
Meeting Schedule: - Coordination meetings with staff: As needed
- Annual volunteer orientation: Held in June
Eligibility: All staff and students are encouraged to participate. Community members interested in volunteering may inquire with the Garden Program Advisor.
Position Summary: The Kid Garden Program Advisor leads a garden-based learning initiative at Cooperstown Elementary School, providing students and staff with a dynamic outdoor classroom. The advisor facilitates lessons, seasonal activities, and collaborative experiences centered around agriculture, environmental stewardship, and sustainability. Through hands-on exploration, Kid Garden connects academic subjects with real-world applications while fostering a sense of responsibility and appreciation for nature.
Key Responsibilities: - Develop and deliver engaging, grade-appropriate garden-based science and STEM lessons, especially in soil science and plant development
- Support K-6 teachers with curriculum-aligned garden activities in spring and fall
- Coordinate spring activities such as garden planning, seed starting, and garden bed preparation
- Facilitate fall harvesting activities and coordinate delivery of produce to school kitchens
- Collaborate with cafeteria staff to promote farm-to-school connections through student learning
- Organize and lead annual summer volunteer orientation and maintain volunteer communication
- Ensure the garden is well-maintained throughout the summer, with all produce harvested and donated to the Cooperstown Food Pantry
- Maintain lesson materials and documentation in the garden shed
- Foster community partnerships and promote awareness of the program's impact
Program Mission: To provide students with the opportunity to explore the natural world through agriculture and outdoor learning, cultivating curiosity, responsibility, and a connection to the environment. The Kid Garden enriches classroom learning with hands-on experiences and encourages sustainable choices through real-world applications.
Preferred Qualifications: - Experience in environmental education, agriculture, or science instruction
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Passion for sustainability, gardening, and experiential learning
- Ability to work collaboratively with staff, students, and volunteers
- Creative problem-solving and curriculum development skills