Farm-based Educator Positions

2011 Summer Farm-based Educator

The FARM Institute, a 160 acre teaching farm on the island of Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts, seeks enthusiastic and dedicated staff for full time teaching positions during the summer of 2011. All applicants must have experience with teaching children and leading groups, as well as an interest in sustainable agriculture. Applicants with skills in gardening, cooking, livestock handling, environmental education or carpentry are preferred, but not required. Our educational programs focus on farming, sustainability, nutrition, and earth stewardship.

SUMMARY: Summer Farm-based Educators are responsible for preparation, implementation and evaluation of farm-based educational programming during 11 weeks of summer programs. Teachers are expected to model and impart The FARM Institute mission and values through example and engagement of the children, families and visitors. FBE’s will contract to work with a specific age group and be prepared to occasionally switch age groups or perform other farm work when program enrollment requires it.

POSITION REPORTS TO: Education Director

DURATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND REQUIRED HOURS:

Orientation begins Monday, June 6, 2011. Our summer programming is eleven (11) weeks in duration – beginning Monday, June 20, 2011 and ending September 2, 2011. Throughout the course of the summer it is possible that you will be asked to not work for one or two of the week long education sessions. During this time you can volunteer on the farm or enjoy an unpaid week off. Suitable candidates will commit to a minimum of employment from Monday, June 6, 2011 to Friday, August 26, 2011.

Summer Teachers are required to be on-site five (5) days a week, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with occasional extended days and weekends for farm, community and special events. Programming hours are from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Monday - Friday.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES include the following:

Meet periodically with the Education Director to create, evaluate and revise a personal learning plan.
Implement curriculum based on exploration of Katama Farm (animals, fields, garden, barn, etc).
Lead an age-specific group of students for week long programs: Ages 2-4, 4-5, 6-8, 8-10, 10-14, 13-17.
Design weekly farm projects.
Plan daily age appropriate lessons.
Lead farm chores with children.
Research, plan, lead, support and teach workshops, activities, and projects for one week’s theme.
Maintain reflection and planning worksheets.
Participate in program evaluation.
Facilitate communication with parents regarding questions and farm awareness.
Lead group presentations during the Friday FARM Family Feast..
Perform daily facility chore and facilitate daily classroom cleanup with program participants.
Other responsibilities as designated by the Education Director.