FRESHFARM builds a more equitable, vibrant, sustainable, and resilient food system in the Mid-Atlantic region by producing innovative solutions in partnership with local communities and organizations. We create food access, economic development, and thriving communities through hands-on education, farmers markets, and food distribution programs. FoodPrints is FRESHFARM’s school-based food education program that aims to make positive changes in what children and their families eat by giving them hands-on experiences with growing, harvesting, cooking, and eating nutritious, fresh, local foods in season. We currently operate in 21 D.C. Public Elementary Schools and are seeking FoodCorps service members to support our programming on site at our partner schools.

WHO YOU ARE:

• An aspiring food educator eager to join a dynamic team of educators who is excited about assisting for 1-2 years to then grow into a full-time FoodPrints Lead Teacher

• Have experience with working with youth, ideally elementary aged

• A motivated, responsible, and a clear communicator; comfortable working as part of a team

• Passionate about cooking, gardening and sharing knowledge about fresh, local, nutritious, sustainable food with others 

WHAT YOU’LL DO: FoodCorps service members will serve as FoodPrints Classroom Assistants and/or Assistant Teachers at 1-2 assigned schools. For the 23-24 school year, we are seeking candidates to work at Beers, Garfield, Langley, Powell, and/or Whittier Elementary Schools.

Teaching

• Assist FoodPrints Lead Teachers with programming that includes cooking, gardening, and environmental literacy activities 
• Assist with the FoodPrints lesson planning, set up, and clean up
• Help manage and maintain school gardens and teaching kitchen classrooms
• Engage in professional development opportunities and take direction from Lead Teachers and Instructional Support Team to grow as a teacher

Administrative Responsibilities  

• Track attendance, collect data on student activities, and record observations in tracking system
• Attend weekly FoodPrints team meetings and occasional training sessions

THE PERKS:

• Join a collaborative, diverse, & supportive team passionate about food, gardening, & sustainability
• Help FoodPrints blaze the path of food education forward through our innovative experiential approach to learning
• Receive ongoing professional development from FRESHFARM & FoodCorps with a clear path toward a career as a food educator

THE DETAILS:

• This is a full-time position (40 hours per week); a sample school-year schedule is as follows:
  • Mondays: 9:30am-5:30pm  for planning, meetings & preparation at office or school(s)
  • Tuesdays-Fridays: ~8am-4pm for classes at schools, including set up and clean up
• Service members attend 2 weeks of FoodPrints team training in mid/late August
• Service members meet with their mentor Lead Teacher(s) weekly for planning and development
• Working locations include: assigned schools (Beers Elementary, Garfield Elementary, Langley Elementary, Powell Elementary, Whittier Elementary); the FRESHFARM office for meetings (1100 15th StNW); and occasionally at other FoodPrints schools or partner sites, especially Wards 5, 7 and 8, for occasional meetings, trainings, or classroom support coverage. Some administrative and planning work can also be done remotely.
  • The FRESHFARM office and many FoodPrints school locations are accessible via public transit; unless you live close by, Beers & Garfield Elementary are best accessed by car.
• The opportunity to continue for a second year is contingent upon successful completion of the first year of service.

PHYSICAL & OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• DCPS clearance (free of charge; FoodPrints will provide support to navigate this process as needed)
• Must be 18 years or older by the start of service; be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States; and hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent
• Ability to lift, transport, or move objects up to 35 lbs and work outdoors in all weather conditions while upright and/or stationary for a few consecutive hours at a time
• Access to a personal smartphone required
• Access to a personal laptop or chromebook required; FRESHFARM can provide a device if needed
• Must be fully vaccinated (2 pfizer/moderna or 1 J&J) AND receive/have received a COVID-19 booster if/when eligible to comply with DCPS requirements

COMPENSATION

• FoodCorps compensates service members as follows:
  • $33,000/year living stipend, paid bi-weekly for an 11 month service term
  • $6,895 AmeriCorps Segal Education Award, upon successful completion of term of service
  • Health, dental, and vision  insurance - 100% of the premium covered by FoodCorps
  • $500 relocation assistance 
  • Partial childcare reimbursement, if you qualify (details here)
  • Student loan forbearance, if you qualify (details here)
  • Training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities
  • Access to need-based funding to cover costs related to medical or family emergencies, natural disasters, or other unexpected costs related to service throughout the service year
• This role is eligible for a metro transit stipend of $260/month and weekly Market Share bag from FRESHFARM.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT