School Farm Associate (Grades K-5)
The vision of Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School is to be a dynamic learning community where students become lifelong learners. Our mission includes a charge to engage the whole child—intellectually, social-emotionally, and physically. As such, we have built a substantial farming operation at both our elementary and middle campuses. Produce from the farm is used in our daily lunch menus, and the farm itself is used as an extension of the classroom.
We are in search of a full-time K-5 School Farm Teacher to lead classes of students learning and working on the farm, and to perform agricultural tasks necessary to optimize production in our raised beds and fruit-bearing trees.
Location: 688 Grant Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
Responsibilities:
Perform all necessary and appropriate farm functions in the pursuit of optimal farm productivity during the school year that integrates student learning and participation, including, but not limited to:
- Identifying farm tasks that can be delegated to students
- Leading weekly classes as part of farm related arts rotation
- Supervising weekly farm chore shifts for classes or groups of students
- Supporting Grade 4-5 students during recess farm club on Wednesdays
- Supporting integration of farm into school culture through bulletin boards, class read alouds, food preparation and tasting activities, and school events
- Collaborating with School Farm Specialist in the work of:
- Planning lessons and activities for students
- Planning or supporting volunteer farm workdays
- Amending and improving existing outdoor spaces to optimize safety, ecosystem health, student experience, and community engagement
- Creating and maintaining spaces for play and enrichment in nature
- Working closely with School Farmer in the work of:
- Growing and transplanting seedlings
- Managing weeds, insects, rodents, irrigation, soil quality, sun exposure, and all other factors relevant to optimal food production
- Harvesting, washing and properly storing produce
- Preparing beds between planting
- Supporting health of perennial food plants with regular maintenance
- Operating farm equipment
- Supervising farm facilities including all tools
- Helping to maintain records of plantings, yield and productivity
- Prompt and appropriate resolution of any issues that may threaten optimal food production
- Identifying opportunities for process improvement
Reports to:
Directly to School Farm Specialist
Education:
Minimum of a college degree required; Completion of a teacher preparation program and/or post-secondary degree in education or related field and/or Georgia teacher certification preferred
Experience:
The successful candidate will demonstrate/possess:
- Experience managing groups of students in an outdoor learning environment
- An ability to plan farm- and food-based lessons and activities for students in an age-appropriate manner
- Experience in farming or gardening
- Physical capabilities necessary to perform job functions
- Ample training, education and/or certifications in relevant areas of skill
- An ability to effectively and efficiently coordinate with educators
- A proactive and positive approach to the job requirements
- An ability to work effectively with a diverse population of colleagues, students and families
- An ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, administration, parents, community members and others to support and implement the vision and goals of the school
- A willingness to work a flexible schedule as necessary
Calendar:
190-day employee
Salary:
Commensurate with education and experience
School Mission:
The mission of the Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School (ANCS) is to:
- BUILD an empowered and inclusive community of students, parents, and educators
- ENGAGE the whole child—intellectually, social-emotionally, and physically
- HELP all students to know themselves and to be known well by their community
- CHALLENGE each student to take an active role as an informed citizen in a global society
- COLLABORATE with the larger community to advocate for student-centered schools
We are committed to strengthening and preserving diversity, fostering an environment of equity and ensuring that we are as inclusive as we can possibly be.