FirstLine Schools: GARDEN TEACHING FELLOW
Creating and inspiring great open admissions public schools in New Orleans
Organization
Information:
In 1998, FirstLine Schools started the first charter school in New Orleans, which became the
highest performing open admission middle school in the city. FirstLine now operates four K-8th
grade school and a high school. Our mission is to create and inspire great open admission
public schools in New Orleans. We do this by:
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Ensuring high achievement for all our students.
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Providing a rich variety of education experiences to nurture our students’ social and
emotional development and love of learning.
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Developing our faculty’s skillfulness and creating sustainable working conditions that
facilitate our teachers’ success.
Our faculty is a diverse and talented group dedicated to our students’ success and to their own
growth as teachers. Our schools are led by instructional leaders who hold themselves
accountable for student achievement and teacher development.
Edible Schoolyard NOLA
Edible Schoolyard NOLA changes the way kids eat, learn and live at FirstLine Schools in New
Orleans. Our goal is to improve the long-term well being of our students, families and school
community. We do this through a comprehensive seed-to-table experience that integrates
hands-on organic gardening and seasonal cooking into the school learning experience, culture
and cafeteria food programs of the schools we serve.
ESY NOLA involves students in all aspects of growing, harvesting preparing and enjoying food
together as a means of awakening their senses, cultivating a school environment that promotes
a sense of pride and responsibility for our land and natural resources, and developing a love for
fresh, seasonal foods. ESY NOLA is a signature program of FirstLine Schools, a public charter
school network in New Orleans.
Position Summary:
The Garden Teaching Fellow teaches garden classes for K-8 grade students as a small group
leader; assists in preparation and breakdown of classes; contributes to lesson planning and
classroom development collaboration; helps to maintain the garden; and supports ESYNOLA’s
collaborative programming.
Teaching Fellow positions at the Edible Schoolyard New Orleans are 1-year, part-time positions,
compensated with a monthly stipend. ESY Teaching Fellow positions are designed for growth. An ideal
candidate brings a high level of motivation, commitment and dedication to this work, as well as some
teaching/mentor experience, but may be new to aspects of garden teaching, or school garden
programming. Through this year-long position, the fellow can expect to develop strong garden teaching
skills as well as familiarity with the context and unique workings of a school garden. The Fellow will also
participate in additional aspects of ESYNOLA programming, including special events, to better experience
with what an “edible” education program looks like.
Entering as a new ESYNOLA Garden Teacher Fellow, a candidate should be ready to:
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Lead and manage a small group (6-10 students) of elementary/middle school students
in garden classes, delivering science-based lessons.
Feel comfortable working in outdoor spaces
Have a strong enthusiasm for and demonstrated interest in experiential, sensory
education, with emphasis on garden-based education
After completing the ESYNOLA Garden Teacher Fellowship, a Fellow will be able to:
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Key Responsibilities:
Plan for, prepare and lead small groups within seasonal, interdisciplinary garden classes
Collaborate and communicate effectively within a school garden team and with other
school staff members
Independently complete a variety of garden tasks
Understand the ‘full picture’ of being a school garden teacher, including both the scope
and various aspects of the position of lead garden teacher
Understand and articulate the far-reaching value and impact of garden education,
kitchen education and cafeteria reform
The position’s specific responsibilities* include:
** due to the variance in gardens and teaching schedules. responsibilities may vary slightly by
school site
TEACHING AND LEARNING
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Assist in the conducting of daily garden classes for a K-8 student population.
Lead and manage a small group during each garden class, delivering content that is
academic, sensory, and experiential in nature.
Lead students in the propagation, planting, cultivation and maintenance of the garden,
with the guidance of lead teacher.
Guide students to make connections between science standards and the tangible
characteristics of the garden, using the garden as a “living laboratory”
Prepare for lessons; includes reading and reflecting on lesson plans provided by the
Lead Teacher, as well as individual creativity in teaching approach and delivery for the
small group portion of the lesson
Assist in the preparation/break down of classes
Collaborate in class and curriculum planning sessions and lesson plan development as
appropriate
As appropriate, participate in after-school programming
Model respect and curiosity for learning. Encourage students’ interests and talents.
Assist in the building of cafeteria culture
Promote healthy eating and nutritional education in the cafeteria and classrooms.
Participate in and lead wellness initiatives for students and staff.
GARDEN/HORTICULTURAL
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Remain engaged, knowledgeable, and “up to date” about the garden as it transitions
through seasonal changes
Assist in garden maintenance, including propagation, soil fertility, composting, crop
rotation, fertilizing, pruning, irrigation and pest and disease management
Act as informal “ambassador” to the garden for visitors, volunteers, and school staff;
includes answering questions, and occasionally leading volunteer groups
COMMUNICATION, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND OUTREACH
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Position Requirements:
Attend regular Garden Teacher meetings to review, prepare for and contribute to
garden class planning
Participate in ESYNOLA all-staff meetings
Maintain consistent and constructive communication/feedback with garden teaching
team; Work closely with other garden teachers to provide/receive internal feedback;
check email on a daily basis to stay informed of events and schedules
Participate in monthly “Real Talk” sessions- a structured feedback system between small
group team members
Assist in communication with classroom teachers (i.e., completing lesson/behavior
feedback forms)
Participate in Garden Teacher trainings provided by ESYNOLA staff
Participate in the Garden Skills trainings provided by ESYNOLA staff
Ensure an engaging and rewarding experience for volunteers. Help orient volunteers to
the garden and garden-related responsibilities, help prepare volunteers for class
involvement
Assist with community and family events, including Open Garden Days (this may require
some weekend work)
Participate in collaborative goal setting process with Lead Garden Teacher to create
individual fellowship benchmarks
Participate in regular evaluation meetings with the Lead Garden Teacher to review
performance and establish/revisit goals.
Create and maintain displays for education station signs for garden and cafeteria
Assist in volunteer coordination
Education and Background Experience:
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Bachelor’s degree or some college experience preferred. Focus in education,
horticulture, environmental science or related field preferred.
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Some science instructional background strongly preferred.
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Experience working with elementary/middle school aged students required
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Experience living and gardening in an urban setting preferred.
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Experience working with high poverty, minority population preferred, especially in a
public/public charter school setting preferred.
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Strong enthusiasm for experiential, sensory education, with emphasis on garden-based
education required.
Qualities and Characterisitics:
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Reports to:
Commitment to FirstLine Schools’ mission and vision
Achievement orientation with a focus on goals and results
Initiative and drive for continuous improvement
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Proficient with information technology
Strong project management experience
Ability to represent the organization to a variety of audiences
Ability to work with frequent interruption and to simultaneously supervise a variety of
tasks.
Ability to stand, reach, and bend. Mobility of arms to reach, dexterity of hands to grasp
and manipulate large and small objects.
Ability to stand for long periods.
Ability to lift, push and/or pull objects, which may be approximately 50 pounds.
Willingness to smell, taste and feel garden produce, to help determine quality of raw
food.
Willingness to work outdoors under all weather conditions.
Willingness to work occasional weekends/special events when needed
Lead Garden Educator