FoodPrints Lead 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:

• An experienced teacher with an ability to work with students in an academic setting & utilize and adapt curricular materials for student and class needs
• Have worked in garden and/or food education-related fields, including environmental education, place-based education, science, or outdoor learning
• Have basic cooking skills & are familiar with interdisciplinary, hands-on, student-centered learning approaches
• Excited to be a member of a dynamic and collaborative team, and serve as a FoodPrints leader in the local public school community
• Passionate about FRESHFARM’s mission and values

WHAT YOU’LL DO: FoodPrints Lead Teachers are responsible for leading engaging FoodPrints programming at at least one of our partner schools, including classroom management, lesson planning, and program implementation utilizing FoodPrints’ grow-cook-eat-learn model in school classrooms, gardens, and teaching kitchens. This role also entails some administrative work to prepare for classes and maintain documentation. Teachers are each supervised by an Instructional Coach and are active members of a collaborative team working across the city in FoodPrints partner schools.

Teaching

• Use FoodPrints curriculum to plan and lead preschool through 5th grade classes in gardening, cooking, eating and academic content in partnership with school(s)
• Manage school garden and teaching kitchen/classroom
• Provide direction and supervision for interns and parent volunteers

Administrative Responsibilities

• Assist with submission of grant reports,and complete documentation of lessons
• Order all produce and ingredients for classes on a weekly basis using online ordering systems
• Attend weekly FoodPrints team meetings and other trainings and professional development opportunities

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:

• We are currently hiring for one Lead Teacher to start in late November / early December 2025
• This Teacher will teach twice weekly at Yu Ying Public Charter School & support twice weekly at one other FoodPrints partner school. Staff Meetings happen weekly at the FF office in Downtown DC
• 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 the teacher.

• This is a full-time, exempt position compensated with an annual salary of $62,000 - $69,000
• All full-time employees receive 72 hours annual sick leave, 11 annual holidays (8 hours each), 3 floating holidays per year, and accrue 80 hours of annual vacation leave (with increases after 3 and 6 years of service). This role will also be eligible for 12 weeks paid parental leave, 2 weeks prenatal leave (through DC paid family leave), and up to two weeks of bereavement leave (as needed)
  • Typically, FF closes for a 1 week winter break, which is paid time-off for salaried employees.
• Eligible to enroll in 100% employer covered healthcare, as well as generous employer coverage for vision and dental and employer paid short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, AD&D and an employee assistance program (EAP).
• Eligible to contribute to a 403b plan (opt-in; Roth or post-tax).