FoodPrints Assistant Teacher

WHO WE ARE: FRESHFARM builds a more equitable, vibrant, sustainable, and resilient food future for the region by producing innovative solutions in partnership with local communities and organizations in the DC area. We create food access, economic development, and community building through hands-on education, farmers markets, and distribution programs. FoodPrints is FRESHFARM’s school-based food education program currently operating in 21 DC public elementary schools in Wards 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. FoodPrints also operates afterschool programming at a small number of these partner schools, which includes providing enriching hands-on cooking, gardening, and learning experiences as an extension of our school-day programming.

WHO YOU ARE:

• Have experience working with youth, ideally in an academic setting or doing outdoor, science, environmental, or place-based learning
• Proficient with cooking and gardening, and passionate about sharing knowledge about fresh, local, nutritious, sustainable food with others
• A flexible team-player, clear communicator, strong listener, and independent operator with a desire to learn and grow as an educator
• Passionate about FRESHFARM’s mission and values

WHAT YOU’LL DO: FoodPrints Assistant Teachers are responsible for supporting FoodPrints program implementation designated partner school(s) in partnership with that school’s Lead Teacher. They typically assist 1-2 Lead Teachers at 1-2 schools with classroom management, lesson planning and program implementation utilizing our grow-cook-eat-learn model in school classrooms, gardens and teaching kitchens at their assigned school(s). All teachers report to an Instructional Coach and are an active part of a supportive team of teachers working across the city in FoodPrints partner schools.

Teaching

• Use FoodPrints curriculum to assist Lead Teacher(s) to create joyful & engaging FoodPrints experiences for preschool through 5th grade classes using gardening, cooking, eating and academic content, in collaboration with partner school
• Support the management and maintenance of school garden and teaching kitchen/classroom
• Collaborate with Lead Teachers to create successful working relationships with schools
• Partner with and take direction from Lead Teachers and Instructional Support team and engage in professional development opportunities

Administrative Responsibilities

• Assist with data collection, grant reporting, and documentation of lessons
• Attend bi-weekly FoodPrints team meetings and other trainings

THE PERKS:

• Join a collaborative, diverse, & supportive team passionate about food, gardening, & sustainability
• Contribute to the growth & expansion of FoodPrints programming at our partner schools
• Connect with youth in a fun, informal environment where students garden, cook, and eat together

THE DETAILS:

• Schedule: This employee will be expected to work between Monday - Friday during normal business & school hours. Mondays are meeting & admin days during the school year. Family classes held on the weekend and evenings may be scheduled on occasion by a school’s Lead Teacher.
• Locations: Assistant teachers typically work at two schools, between 1-3 days per school per week. We are working on finalizing school locations for this position, but anticipate that this Assistant Teacher will be placed at two schools in Ward 6 and/or Ward 7. Please familiarize yourself with our school locations and prepare to share more about the locations where you would be open to working in your application and in any follow up conversations with our team.

• This is a full-time, exempt position compensated with an annual salary of $52,000 - $60,000; we anticipate the starting salary for this role will be $52,000 - $56,000.
• Time Off: All full-time employees receive 11 annual holidays (8 hours each), 3 floating holidays per year, and accrue up to 73 hours of sick leave and 80 hours of annual vacation leave (with increases after 3 and 6 years of service). This role will also be eligible for 12 weeks of paid parental leave, 2 weeks of prenatal leave (through DC paid family leave), and 10 days of bereavement leave (as needed). Typically, FF offices close for a 1 week winter break, including paid time-off for salaried employees.
• Additional Benefits Include:
  • 100% employer covered healthcare, disability, life insurance, and EAP for employees
  • Generous employer coverage for vision and dental
  • $5 annual membership to Capital Bikeshare (including e-bike access at no additional cost)
  • 35% staff discount on FRESHFARM’s Market Share CSA program
  • Option to contribute to a 403b plan (opt-in; Roth or post-tax)