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Plant the Seed

Garden Education Teacher/Facilitator

Plant the Seed

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Job Summary

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. (We are looking for teachers and facilitators to serve at 2 of our Early Learning Center locations: Ivanetta Davis ELC & Ross ELC)

The Garden Education Teacher/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 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

Garden and Classroom (60%)

  • Provide hands-on garden-based learning facilitation to weekly classes at an MNPS Early Learning Center (ELC). This includes teaching the given lesson 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
  • Facilitate garden programming once a week in collaboration with a PtS team member for shadowing and cross-training purposes and then on a regular independent basis 
  • Material needs will be provided for Facilitator, but in case of unforeseen needs or enhancement material requests, submit purchase request to Program Coordinator (PC)
  • 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. When in doubt, over-communicate. 
  • 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 (10%)

  • Work closely with the Program Coordinator 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 numbers and narrative reports in a timely manner as requested by PC
  • Submit weekly time sheet of allocated hours to inform scheduling and budget  
  • Attend weekly PtS staff meetings (schedule TBD); rotate facilitator and note-taker duties
  • Attend regular check-ins with PC

 

Training and Management (10%)

  • Assist with facilitating agency-led partner training opportunities, as requested
  • Participate in weekly shadowing and cross training opportunities provided by PC, which includes space for reflection and feedback (both from and to)
  • Participate in monthly check-ins with PC

 

Work Environment and Schedule

●  Work environment is a combination of on-site at partner(s) with shifts falling during school hours (7:30AM-12:30PM) four days a week and an occasional evening or weekend, as needed. Hours average between 15-20 hours weekly. 

 

●  10-month status will be re-evaluated with an option for month-to-month extension of position depending upon organizational needs and funding.

 

Qualifications

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.

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

 

Additional Information

Benefits

Although part-time staff do not typically have benefits, please contact sarahv@planttheseed.org to request additional information. 

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 Wednesday, August 10th, 2022. Check us out online at https://www.facebook.com/planttheseed/.

 

Details

  • Date Posted: August 4, 2022
  • Type: Part-Time
  • Job Function: Educator
  • Service Area: Children / Youth
  • Start Date: 08/24/2022
  • Working Hours: 15-20 hrs/wk, M-F, 7:30am - 12:30pm