Company description

The Edible Schoolyard Project (ESY) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the transformation of public education by using organic school gardens, kitchens, and cafeterias to teach both academic subjects and the values of equity, nourishment, stewardship, and community.

When you join our team, you are part of a curious, collaborative, equity-focused team that appreciates creativity and finds joy in our collective mission. We are deeply committed to providing an Edible Education using a whole-child educational model which teaches life skills, academics, environmental stewardship, and health in the garden and kitchen classroom. Our work environment appeals to those who are self-starters, enjoy working as part of a small team, and can communicate and engage the ESYP vision.

Job description

The Edible Schoolyard Garden and Kitchen Educator position supports all aspects of the Edible Schoolyard (ESY) program at King Middle School, as well as the organization’s training program and special events. The position includes co-teaching classes (with other educators and/or fellows) for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students, in addition to leading enrichment programming (i.e., after-school classes, summer programs, lunchtime offerings, etc.).

Each Garden and Kitchen Educator will specialize in either garden or kitchen instruction. They will maintain the classroom of their respective specialization. The position works to ensure the highest quality learning experiences for students in both the kitchen and garden. This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position.

Detailed Roles & Responsibilities

Instruction: (60%) 24 hours per week:

~ 12 hours of core class instruction (8-9 classes)
~ 2 hours of extended day + extracurricular activities
~ 6 hours of prep and clean up

Space maintenance: (20%) 8 hours per week

Meetings and collaboration time: (15%) 6 hours per week

Data collection, communication, and other tasks: (5%) 2 hours per week

Instruction:

Core Classes:

• Co-design and co-lead lessons for 6th grade lesson series in garden and kitchen
• Design and lead 7th and 8th grade classes in respective garden or kitchen specialty
• Support in non-specialty space for pre-designated classes before fellows start
• Document lesson plans and incorporate feedback
• Prepare all materials for classes, including developing and maintaining visual resources.
• Facilitate meetings to run through lessons and coach fellows on talking points to build their capacity to support the classes you’ve designed
• Communicate with King teachers in advance of lessons so they know what to expect and how best to prepare students for their time in the Edible Schoolyard
• Work with mentor/coach to continually strengthen lesson plans to increase student engagement and overall lesson cohesion into broader scope and sequence.

Extended Day + Extracurricular Activities:

• Develop additional programming (as opportunities arise and capacity allows), such as after school classes, spring break and/or summer classes, supporting a student in the independent work experience (IWE) program, garden or kitchen clubs, lunch time harvest activities, or other initiatives.

Training:

• Design and conduct workshops for other educators participating in virtual workshops, convenings, summer training, etc.
• Support onboarding and training of fellows and regular volunteers.
• Support facilitation of ESY special events at King and beyond.

Space Maintenance: Each Garden and Kitchen Educator will specialize in either garden or kitchen instruction. They will maintain the classroom of their respective specialization:

• Meet regularly with kitchen support (designated fellows, staff, volunteers) to identify and prioritize kitchen maintenance, materials preparation, and other relevant tasks.
• Maintain designated cooking station table domain daily, and train and support others.
• Communicate to the Garden Manager around the needs of the garden that will be used for instruction.
• Support the Garden Manager in building the capacity of fellows and regular volunteers to complete garden maintenance tasks.
• Support propagation and greenhouse work, soil fertility, composting, crop rotation, etc
• Support the maintenance of garden facilities and equipment.
  

Meetings, collaboration, communication and data collection:

• Facilitate lesson run throughs to equip fellows (and relevant staff) to support classes and to ensure alignment on major learning objectives, talking points, class management strategies, timing of activities, expectations, logistics, etc.
• Work collaboratively with other Garden and Kitchen Educators to align on instructional strategies, discuss program needs, and develop lessons, ensuring coherence to overall scope & sequence.
• Support with Data Collection, Communication, and Other Tasks as assigned

Requirements:

• Be 18 years or older
• Pass a TB test and background check
• Be able to work legally in the United States
• Have experience working with young people and children in a teaching environment
• Be a team player, with open communication
• Be passionate about food systems and/or the natural world
• Want to work with middle school students
• Be able to work collaboratively and independently
• Be able to do physical tasks in a variety of weather

Preferred Experience:

• Gardening, farming, or cooking in a professional setting
• Designing or facilitating learning experiences for young people, particularly middle school students in an outdoor setting
• Deep understanding of food systems, ecological restoration, permaculture, or other related fields

What We Offer

The Edible Schoolyard is offering a competitive compensation package for this position with an hourly wage of $29.00 to $39.00 per hour with a starting wage based on qualifications and experience, as well as a generous benefits including health insurance and retirement plan. This is a full-time, non-exempt position.

The Edible Schoolyard is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, disability or protected veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline