Garden Education Teacher/Facilitator

Plant the Seed

Apply

Job Summary

About the Organization: Plant the Seed inspires and empowers young people to effect meaningful change in their lives through hands-on learning in school and community gardens. We are a Nashville-based non-profit that grows alongside 1300 young people through partnerships with 5 Metro Nashville Public Schools throughout Davidson County.

Summary of Position: The Garden Education Program Facilitator will have responsibility for the preparation and delivery of garden-based lessons with pre-k students (aged 3-5 years), maintaining the on-site educational garden spaces, overseeing student/participant data tracking, communicating program-related activities with school partners, engaging with families monthly and at special events and providing a rich and engaging learning experience for students. Plant the Seed will provide fully written, and designed lessons as well as supporting materials such as pacing calendars, training materials, and teaching guides.

Work Environment and Schedule: Work environment is a combination of on-site at partner(s) with shifts falling during school hours (8:00AM-12:30PM) five days a week and an occasional evening or weekend, as needed. Average – 20 to 22 hours a week.

Plant the Seed is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Plant the Seed prohibits any such discrimination or harassment.

Job Responsibilities

Position functions include, but are not limited to:

Garden and Classroom (60%)

• Provide hands-on garden-based learning facilitation to weekly garden education classes at an MNPS Early Learning Center (ELC). This includes teaching the given lesson, provided by the director, to three to five-year-olds, as well as coordinating with the lead classroom teacher or Educational Assistant (EA) to maintain student behavior in order to ensure safety and an optimal learning environment in the garden and/or classroom. Prepare the garden and/or classroom in advance of students’ arrival each day; clean up and put away all tools, lock shed and other items after classes.
• Advise on and implement garden design and regular garden maintenance at assigned site, prioritizing accessibility for students and providing input on general garden/growing methods and seasonal needs
• Lesson supply needs will be provided for Facilitator, but in case of unforeseen needs or enhancement material requests, submit purchase request to E.D.
• Maintain garden spaces in such a manner to ensure effective learning environment, including weeding, watering, pruning, planting, compost management, and organic pest and disease management

Communication and Outreach (20%)

• Work closely within a team setting, feeling comfortable to contribute from your unique point of view, as well as holding a space for differing views—ever seeking to arrive at what is best for the students, the garden and the mission of Plant the Seed
• Contribute to the culture and ethos of Plant the Seed by sharing ideas in a constructive way at team meetings and check-ins
• Respond with flexibility and patience to the needs of students, teachers, and administrators—demonstrating strong teamwork capacity
• Communicate effectively with all stakeholders: students, parents, teachers, administrators, volunteers, and Plant the Seed staff.
• Send weekly partner email to site teachers and staff about upcoming lesson
• Contribute to a vibrant social media presence, including contribution of site pictures for Facebook posts and contribution to blog posts
• Develop relationships with parents, teachers and community stakeholders

Internal/Organizational (20%)

• Work closely with the E.D. to further the mission and vision of PtS by creating quality programs and vibrant growing spaces
• Collaborate with other PtS facilitators to develop engaging curriculum integration and regular documentation of garden experiences
• Participate in branding and communication protocols (shared calendar, google docs, PtS staff t-shirts, opening and closing garden song, etc.)
• Submit weekly documentation in a timely manner
• Submit weekly time sheet
• Attend weekly PtS staff meetings (monday mornings)
• Attend regular check-ins

Qualifications

Key Attributes 

• Passion, integrity, positive attitude and mission-driven work ethic
• Adaptable and innovative approach to hands-on lesson facilitation
• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Requirements:

• Recommended Early Childhood Education Teaching/Facilitation Experience (either in a formal educational setting or in an experiential educational setting as the lead facilitator)
• Experience working with young children in large group settings (at least 10-12 kids at a time)
• Experience and/or comfort in a garden is a benefit, as well.

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

Please send your resumé and a letter of interest, highlighting the ways in which your strengths might contribute to this dynamic and growing edible education nonprofit to: sarahv@planttheseed.org by 11PM, Monday, January 30th, 2023. Check us out online at https://www.facebook.com/planttheseed/.

Details

• Date Posted: January 24, 2023
• Type: Part-Time
• Job Function: Educator
• Service Area: Children / Youth
• Start Date: 02/01/2023
• Working Hours: 20-22 hrs/wk, M-F, 8:00 am - 12:30pm