Company description

The Texas Center for Local Food hires people who are committed to creating local, sustainable and equitable food systems.  We provide education, research, and technical assistance to create regional food systems in Texas that support prosperous family farms, healthy Texans and vibrant rural economies. We know that passion alone isn't sufficient; so if you've got the skills, we'd love to hear from you.

Job description

The Education Specialist is responsible for on-site teaching of K-8 students in the Farm-to-Kids Texas enrichment after-school program at Elgin ISD. The purpose of Farm-to-Kids Texas is to engage EISD K-8 students with local food to promote knowledge and skills that lead to healthy local food consumption. This position is part-time and seasonal, requires regular on-site work in Elgin, Texas, limited remote work, and some travel in central Texas.

 

Farm-to-Kids Texas Activities and Responsibilities

• Teach K-8 Farm-to-Kids Texas curriculum for after school programming at 5 Elgin ISD schools [50m lessons for 20-30 students during after-school hours: 3-6pm M-F for 20 weeks during the school year].
• Deliver cooking and enrichment activities and that foster student engagement with local food.
• Create a safe, inclusive classroom environment for all students.
• With program coordinator, secure and prepare supplies and materials necessary for a smooth, engaging student experience.
• Evaluate student satisfaction and modify curriculum and lessons accordingly.
• Prepare attendance reports.
• Present and store materials in a well-organized format to ensure it is easily reusable by others.
• Assist in planning and chaperoning of 3-5 field trips to Elgin Farmers Market throughout the school year during regular class time. 
• Report any classroom issues to Program Coordinator and other necessary program staff
• Work cooperatively with Elgin ISD and TCLF staff to modify and improve curricula and classroom experience 
• Participate in TCLF staff meetings and meetings with Elgin ISD 2-4 times yearly
• Use effective verbal communication to present information accurately and clearly.
• Be a positive role model for students and customers, representing the missions of both Elgin ISD and TCLF in all work settings.
• Follow all policies and procedures of Texas Center for Local Food and Elgin ISD.
• Other related and reasonable responsibilities as assigned.

 

Skills, knowledge, and talents required:

• At least 1 year experience with teaching, youth programming, or K-8 curriculum development. This may include a broad range of experiences such as: classroom teaching, adult education, on-farm education, university/community college teaching, summer camp counselor, home schooling, corporate education development, group facilitation, customer service, or on-line teaching.
• At least 1 year experience with farming, agriculture, and/or local food.
• Comfortable adapting recipes and cooking with youth in a variety of settings; food-safety minded and a willingness to learn. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Well-organized and able to work independently and collaboratively to the delight of customers
• Bachelor’s degree in any field or equivalent work experience. 
• This position requires use of a personal vehicle to transport necessary items for work and will be reimbursed for mileage at the federal rate.
• Ability to pass background checks issued by the school district.

Skills and knowledge preferred:

• Speak and write fluent Spanish
• Excellent active listening skills
• At least 2 years experience with food, farming, agriculture or related field
• At least 1 year personal work to dismantle white supremacy 

Approximate Schedule: 

• 20 hours/week, 20 weeks/year
• Mon-Thursday 2:30-6pm, Friday 3-5pm 
• Up to 3 Saturday mornings per school year
• Seasonal: September-October 2023 and February-May 2024

Work location: Elgin, Texas and remote

Pay range: $25-$30/hour commensurate with experience and skills

 

Position open until filled. 

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

Deadline

September 29, 2023