americorps -
food and farm educator position
The South Whidbey School District, in collaboration with Washington Service Corps, is launching an Americorps team to be a vital part of the School Farms team of teachers, farmers and food educators that teach K-6 farm-based curriculum while growing produce at four locations on our 1.25 acres of school farms. Our School Farm CAFE (Culinary Arts and Farm Education) program is seeking enthusiastic, energetic and capable individuals who have experience growing food, and who love working with kids, teaching, and cooking,
Since 2014, the South Whidbey School District has been growing fresh vegetables using organic practices integrated with garden-based curriculum linked to Common Core and Next Generation Science standards. The program is now a specialist garden science class taught to 650 students K-6 at the SW Elementary School weekly, and 50 students in garden elective and CTE Agriculture at the SW High School daily. The students are the farmers, and school farm-grown produce is delivered to the cafeteria for the school lunches, used in culinary lessons, eaten on the spot at the farm by the students, and used in school events. School farm produce is also distributed to two non-profits: Whidbey Island Nourishes for K-4 snacks and their nutrition programs, and to Readiness to Learn for after-school and summer programs.
Our members will work closely with our farm team and certified farm teacher to provide students with hands-on learning, farming, cooking that culminates in healthy eating! On a daily basis, our members will engage in multiple 50-minute classes with our farm teacher, using the growing seasons as the basis for the daily curriculum. Members and staff will lead students in instructional experiences focused on preparing the soil, planting, caring for, harvesting and enjoying the food that is grown.
South Whidbey School Farms partners with the Good Cheer Food Bank and Good Cheer Garden, and Whidbey Island Nourishes. As well as serving the school community, the South Whidbey School Farms, Americorps educators will become part of a community of young farmers and apprentices who are passionate about growing food, and food justice, here on South Whidbey.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
REQUIREMENTS:
Term of service: September 1, 2020– July 15 , 2021.
More specific information about stipend and educational award is available on the Washington Service Corps website.
In addition to applying through the Washington Service Corps (apply here), please also send your resume and a cover letter to Cary Peterson, School Farms Manager, cpeterson@sw.wednet.edu. We will respond promptly. Please contact us at 360-593-2725 if you have not received confirmation of your application.
We will hold interviews in May of 2020 and our program will begin on September 1, 2020.
Contact us promptly if you are inspired to join our team!
Since 2014, the South Whidbey School District has been growing fresh vegetables using organic practices integrated with garden-based curriculum linked to Common Core and Next Generation Science standards. The program is now a specialist garden science class taught to 650 students K-6 at the SW Elementary School weekly, and 50 students in garden elective and CTE Agriculture at the SW High School daily. The students are the farmers, and school farm-grown produce is delivered to the cafeteria for the school lunches, used in culinary lessons, eaten on the spot at the farm by the students, and used in school events. School farm produce is also distributed to two non-profits: Whidbey Island Nourishes for K-4 snacks and their nutrition programs, and to Readiness to Learn for after-school and summer programs.
Our members will work closely with our farm team and certified farm teacher to provide students with hands-on learning, farming, cooking that culminates in healthy eating! On a daily basis, our members will engage in multiple 50-minute classes with our farm teacher, using the growing seasons as the basis for the daily curriculum. Members and staff will lead students in instructional experiences focused on preparing the soil, planting, caring for, harvesting and enjoying the food that is grown.
South Whidbey School Farms partners with the Good Cheer Food Bank and Good Cheer Garden, and Whidbey Island Nourishes. As well as serving the school community, the South Whidbey School Farms, Americorps educators will become part of a community of young farmers and apprentices who are passionate about growing food, and food justice, here on South Whidbey.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work closely with garden specialist teacher and school farm manager to develop lessons for K-6 classes
- Assist with teaching daily K-6 garden specialist classes, with opportunities to lead classes
- Assist with garden elective and agriculture class at the SW High School as needed
- Support culinary educator in preparing, teaching, and clean-up for culinary classes
- Participate in all tasks associated with running the school farm - seeding, planting, weeding, watering, general maintenance, etc.
- Harvest school farm produce for deliveries to school lunches, WIN, and Good Cheer
- Develop social media content (blog and facebook posts) about the school farm
- Contribute to planning and executing yearly fundraising efforts
- Support the school farm’s participation in major school events, such as the yearly Harvest Feast
REQUIREMENTS:
- Previous experience and comfort working with children aged Kindergarten - 12th grade, especially K-6
- Experience or interest in culinary education and nutrition
- Previous experience in farming, or a strong interest and willingness to learn
- Strong communication skills
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- An ability to work as a team player
- A passion for food, outdoor education, and healthy eating
- A willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Ability to lift 50 pounds
- Flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor
Term of service: September 1, 2020– July 15 , 2021.
More specific information about stipend and educational award is available on the Washington Service Corps website.
In addition to applying through the Washington Service Corps (apply here), please also send your resume and a cover letter to Cary Peterson, School Farms Manager, cpeterson@sw.wednet.edu. We will respond promptly. Please contact us at 360-593-2725 if you have not received confirmation of your application.
We will hold interviews in May of 2020 and our program will begin on September 1, 2020.
Contact us promptly if you are inspired to join our team!
