Summer Farm-based Educator - 2012

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 and half time teaching positions, as well as specialist positions including oxen training program teacher, during the summer of 2012. 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 10 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. FBEs 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 week begins Monday, June 18, 2012. A series of four monthly orientation sessions on Saturdays from March through June will also be offered for those who are not available during the week of June 18-22. Our summer programming is ten (10) weeks in duration – beginning Monday, June 25, 2012 and ending August 31, 2012, with additional residential programs for urban schools running May 15 through June 15, 2012. During 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 25, 2011 to Friday, August 31, 2012.

Summer Teachers are required to be on-site five (5) days a week, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for full time and 8:00 AM to 12 noon for half time, with occasional extended days and weekends for farm, community and special events. Programming hours are from 8:30 AM to 4:00 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, 11-15
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 lead daily classroom cleanup with program participants.
Other responsibilities as designated by the Education Director.