Early Elementary Garden Educator

Early Elementary Garden Educator Community Soil Foundation Larkfield, CA Job Details Part-time $22 - $25 an hour 1 day ago Qualifications Teamwork Outdoor work Early childhood education Bachelor's degree Classroom experience Lesson planning

Teaching Full Job Description Job Overview Position Description:

The mission of Community Soil Foundation (CSF) is to cultivate the wellness of Sonoma County communities by offering high quality land-based education, creating access to organic produce, and regenerating habitat and natural resources. CSF teaches concepts of environmental stewardship, biology, and regenerative agriculture to youth and adults through gardening, restoration projects, community events, and volunteer-driven fieldwork at our outdoor classroom, the Larkfield Community Garden & Learning Center. Community Soil Foundation's TK-2nd grade School Garden Educator will primarily be responsible for delivering garden-based education to Mark West Elementary students. They will deliver lessons in the Larkfield Community Garden and Learning Center, combining environmental science education with hands-on activities like planting, tending, harvesting, and cooking. They will collaborate with Community Soil Foundation's co-founders, garden manager, and upper elementary garden educator to build involvement in and commitment to the garden within the school community, which includes teachers, administrators, students, families, and other youth service providers. The School Garden Educator wage ranges $22-$25/hour for 20-24 hours per week, with classes onsite 4 days a week. While this position follows the school year schedule, there may be opportunities for summer employment for the right candidate Responsibilities Plan and implement interactive garden-based lessons that align with early childhood education standards and curriculum development best practices. Lead children in planting, caring for, and harvesting garden crops while teaching about plant life cycles, nutrition, and sustainability. Incorporate teaching physical education through outdoor activities that promote movement, coordination, and motor skills development. Support classroom management by creating a safe, inclusive environment that encourages curiosity, respect, and collaboration among students. Mentor students individually or in small groups to enhance learning outcomes, especially focusing on children with diverse needs including those with autism or requiring early intervention. Collaborate with teachers, parents, and specialists to integrate garden activities into broader educational goals such as literacy education, math concepts, and library services. Use learning technology tools to document student progress and facilitate interactive lessons that engage digital literacy skills. Maintain the garden space by overseeing planting schedules, safety protocols, and sustainable practices. Assist with classroom activities related to behavior management and social-emotional development to support positive student interactions.

Job Responsibilities:

Garden Education

• Co-manage the school garden education program with the garden manager and upper elementary garden educator, including curriculum development centering on organic gardening, ecoliteracy, ecology, and nutrition/cooking. Design lesson plans around thematic units that align with the seasons.
• Prepare for classes by gathering supplies and materials for each lesson plan. Plan and prep garden beds and projects with the garden manager.
• Create individual lesson plans to meet the needs of the various student demographics, grade levels, and classroom dynamics while aiming to align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
• Create a safe, outdoor learning environment by utilizing outdoor spaces in the garden to meet teaching needs.
• Work individually and/or collaboratively with Upper Elementary Garden Educator to prepare lessons, whether in the garden, remotely, or at the Extended Childcare Coalition (ECC, our fiscal sponsor) office.
• Collaborate with Mark West teachers to create lessons that are supportive of class learning goals.
• Deliver 8 garden-based education lessons per week to TK-2nd graders. (Classes have 20-25 students. The Early Elementary Educator is supported during classes by the school teacher, volunteers, and/or a paraeducator.) Administration
• Document lesson plans, volunteer participation, teacher feedback, and areas of success/improvement.
• Oversee class expenditures in accordance with program budgets.
• Participate in staff meetings, as well as one-on-one meetings with the upper elementary educator.
• Attend and participate in monthly Advisory Council meetings; attend, support, and help plan biannual fundraising dinners. Outreach
• Build and maintain relationships with classroom teachers, school administrators, program partners, and constituents in support of program activities.
• Attend occasional meetings with community partners, including Sonoma County Regional Parks, as well as community workshops or volunteer days, some of which may be on a Saturday.

Required Skills and Experience:

• At least 2-3 years of facilitation or teaching experience with youth aged 4 - 11. Outdoor education experience is required.
• Passionate about outdoor access for youth, garden education, and local and sustainable agriculture.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations, including youth and adults.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent preferred.
• Capable of working in a dynamic outdoor environment, able to lift 25 pounds from floor to table height, willing and able to work in all weather conditions.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Knowledge of and/or skills in the following: environmental science, health and nutrition, food systems, food access, botany, resource conservation, cooking, neurodiversity, and social justice.
• Familiarity with the following: permaculture, California native plants/animals, and ecology.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including public speaking skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication, collaboration, and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to work independently, be flexible, and think creatively.
• Computer and project management skills.

Pay:

$22.00 - $25.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person