Farm-Based Educator

The FARM Institute is an educational institution that educates & engages children and adults in sustainable agriculture through the diverse operations of a 162-acre working farm.

Position Overview:

The FARM Institute, a 162-acre teaching farm on the island of Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts, seeks enthusiastic and dedicated staff for full-time and half-time teaching positions, as well as specialist positions including early childhood and permaculture program teachers, for our 2013 summer camp. Our educational programs focus on farming, sustainability, nutrition, and earth stewardship. 

Summer Farm-Based Educators (FBEs) are responsible for preparation, implementation and evaluation of farm-based educational programming during 10 weeks of summer programs. Teachers are expected to model and impart The FARM Institute mission and values through example and engagement of the children, families and visitors. FBEs will work with a specific age group, but should be prepared to switch age groups or perform other farm work when program enrollment requires it.

TFI provides year-round educational programs offering learning experiences in:

• Land preservation & environmental stewardship
• Accepting individual responsibility & meeting commitments
• Team work & cooperation
• Farming (field crops, produce, fruit, hay)
• Nutritional awareness
• Humane livestock management (cattle, poultry, swine, sheep, goats)
• The culture & history of Martha's Vineyard farming 

Duration of Employment and Required Hours: 

• Orientation begins Monday, June 10, 2013 and runs until June 21. Our summer programming is 10 weeks in duration - beginning Monday, June 24, 2013 and ending August 30, 2013, with an additional residential program for an urban school in June.
• Programming hours are from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday - Friday. During the course of the summer it is possible that you will be asked to not work for one or two of the week-long education sessions.
• During this time you can volunteer on the farm or enjoy an unpaid week off. Suitable candidates will commit to a minimum of employment from Monday, June 10, 2013 to Friday, August 23, 2013.
• Summer Teachers are required to be on-site 5 days a week, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for full time and 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM for half time, with occasional extended days and weekends for farm, community and special events. 

Responsibilities:

• Support the physical and emotional well-being of self, campers, and fellow staff.
• Implement curriculum based on exploration of Katama Farm (animals, fields, garden, barn, etc).
• Orientation begins Monday, June 10, 2013 and runs until June 21. Our summer programming is 10 weeks in duration - beginning Monday, June 24, 2013 and ending August 30, 2013, with an additional residential program for an urban school in June.
• Programming hours are from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday - Friday. During the course of the summer it is possible that you will be asked to not work for one or two of the week-long education sessions.
• During this time you can volunteer on the farm or enjoy an unpaid week off. Suitable candidates will commit to a minimum of employment from Monday, June 10, 2013 to Friday, August 23, 2013.
• Summer Teachers are required to be on-site 5 days a week, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for full time and 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM for half time, with occasional extended days and weekends for farm, community and special events. 
• Lead an age-specific group of students for week-long programs: Ages 2-4, 4-5, 6-8, 8-10, 11-15.
• Plan daily age appropriate lessons and design weekly farm projects.
• Lead plant and animal farm chores with children.
• Research, plan, lead, support and teach workshops, activities, and projects for one week's theme.
• Maintain reflection and planning worksheets.
• Meet periodically with the Summer Program Director to create, evaluate and revise a personal learning plan.
• Facilitate communication with parents regarding questions and farm awareness.
• Lead group presentations during the Friday Feast.
• Perform daily facility chore and lead daily classroom cleanup with program participants.
• Participate in program evaluation.
• Other responsibilities as designated by the Summer Program Director. 

Qualifications:

• All applicants must have current certification in First Aid and CPR, experience with teaching children and leading groups, as well as an interest in sustainable agriculture.
• Skills in gardening, cooking, livestock handling, environmental education, fiber arts or carpentry are preferred, but not required. 

To Apply:

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to submit your cover letter and resume.