Gardening Enrichment Facilitator for Middle School Summer Program

Program Description: LEAP for Education operates a middle school summer and afterschool program in partnership with Salem Public Schools. The summer program works to prevent summer learning loss through fun hands-on learning that helps students explore their interests and develop social emotional and critical thinking skills. Project-based learning (PBL) opportunities in a variety of subject areas are offered in the morning to provide academic support and collaborative learning opportunities focused on big questions. During the afternoons, students participate in enrichment classes in the arts, sports, and hands-on science/STEM activities. The 5-week summer session runs July 8--August 8 on Mondays-Thursdays.

Job Description: Enrichment classes will run from 1:00-2:30 pm (facilitators are onsite 12:45-2:45). The Gardening Facilitator will lead a group of approximately 16-20 students in an enrichment experience that teaches students about the basics of planning out and installing a garden, what is involved in taking care of plants, how to select the best plants for a specific spot and time of year, etc. Facilitators are paid for 6-8 hours of upfront planning time and 1 hour of planning time a week once the session starts. Some paid training time will be required at the end of June.

The Enrichment facilitator will have support in the classroom from a Group Leader and a Behavior Specialist who work with students throughout the day and the Site Coordinator who oversees day-to-day operations.

Compensation: $30.00 per hour ($45 an hour for certified teachers)

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop a session overview (template provided) for a 2.5- week session that will run twice back-to-back (students switch enrichments halfway through the summer program). The 2.5-week session should incorporate active student participation, some student choice, and student collaboration. Sessions should build on each other as students increase their skills and knowledge.
• Respond to LEAP staff feedback and input on unit plan.
• Facilitate the enrichment class in a 1.5 hour session 4 days a week with 16-20 students.
• Build relationships with each student and establish a welcoming supportive classroom environment.
• Incorporate strategies and activities that develop students’ social emotional skills.
• Guide a group leader (who may be a college student or recent grad, Americorps Fellow, or school paraprofessional) in how to support students with session activities and learning
• Support students in following the program’s health and safety procedures.
• Support and build in accommodations for English Learners and students on IEPs and Behavior Plans.
• Communicate specific student needs to the Site Coordinator
• Participate in periodic staff meetings (dates TBA)- paid time

Job Requirements/Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED minimum, some college preferred
• Previous experience working with youth in a school, after school, and/or summer program
• Previous experience in gardening and leading workshops or classes (experience may be in areas other than gardening)
• Experience working with middle school youth from diverse backgrounds, preferred, not required
• Proven ability to engage, motivate, and inspire students to learn
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Flexible and adaptive work ethic

Affirmative Action Policy: It is the policy of LEAP for Education to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Americans with Disabilities Act: LEAP for Education complies with all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws. This means that we will not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability in any phase of the employment relationship including application for employment, hiring, promotions and/or advancement opportunities, termination, compensation, training and any other conditions or privileges of employment.

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $30.00 - $45.00 per hour

Schedule:

• Afternoon shift

Experience:

• working with youth: 1 year (Preferred)
• gardening: 1 year (Preferred)
• teaching gardening or other topics: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person