Outdoor Learning Educator at Galveston's Own Farmers Market

PLEASE go to our website to apply: https://galvestonsownfarmersmarket.com/jobs-outdoor-learning-educator

GOFM’s Young Gardeners Program Outdoor Learning Educator will pioneer the integration of YGP curricula into the school day of Galveston Independent School District (GISD). Using the on-site YGP gardens located at all GISD campuses as outdoor classrooms, they will implement lesson plans focused on core academic subjects that leverage the outdoor garden classroom as the central tool + environment to drive learning outcomes. They take direction from the YGP Program Director & work in consistent collaboration with the GOFM leadership staff. 

This full-time position is responsible for piloting YGP Outdoor Learning during the school day at four school campuses across three age/focus areas (PreK4, Kindergarten, and Life Skills), strategizing with the GOFM Leadership team on how to further integrate YGP experiences into GISD school day, and cultivating and maintaining trusted relationships with GISD administration and teaching faculty.

Major Responsibilities:

• Meets with YGP Director weekly either in-person or via teleconference to discuss the status of current projects and to take on new and shifting tasks. 
• Supports the environment GOFM has built through cheerful and accountable interactions with GISD personnel, students, volunteers and site facility staff
• Participates in development and implementation of strategic plans, work plans, and other organization-wide efforts seeking to accomplish GOFM’s mission and goals
• Attends weekly staff meetings with other GOFM employees 
• Attends campus faculty meetings minimum monthly and outreach events as needed
• Utilize YGP's extensive library of 60+ lesson plans, aligned with Texas Education & Knowledge Standards (TEKS) that covers a wide range of STEAM subjects to ensure a cohesive scope & sequence that aligns with and adapts to the needs of the pilot Outdoor Learning GISD classrooms
• Design and implement outdoor learning experiences for the pilot Pre-K4, Kindergarten, and Life Skills classes at various campuses
• Utilize cost-effective supplies and personalized kits to enrich student learning
• Lead lessons with up to 30 students per class, totaling approx. 540-560 students weekly
• Manage a weekly schedule of approx. 18-20 hours teaching (16 hours: PreK4 & Kindergarten, 2 hours: Life Skills) + approx. 20-22 hours executing high-level administrative duties (planning with GISD faculty & GOFM Leadership staff, recruiting new teachers/classrooms, reporting & recording data, adapting curriculum as needed, etc.)
• Collaborate with teachers to adapt existing lessons to diverse student needs
• Contribute to program expansion by actively pursuing new teacher relationships and supporting continuing education/ PD units introducing more classrooms to the gardens
• Maintain a balanced workload of classroom instruction + administrative responsibilities

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in education or equivalent experience in Early Education or Life Skills teaching (minimum 3 years)
• Horticulture, agriculture or gardening experience, education, or degree
• Dynamic teaching style that fosters engagement and meets learning objectives
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with teachers and facilitate program expansion
• Highly organized, empathetic, and aligned with program & organization values 
• Experience in organizing dynamic projects and curriculum development
• Passion for equitable education, teamwork, holistic learning & student-centered lessons
• Fluency in Spanish language, written & spoken preferred
• Must be able to pass background check
• Familiarity with Google Suite network & Slack application software

Physical Requirements:

• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Ability to work on feet for hours at a time
• Ability to lift 30lbs
• Ability to safely use gardening tools and implements