Job Share, Long Term Substitute, Lower School Learning Garden Teacher

Overview of School

Park Day School, founded in 1976, offers an outstanding coeducational K-8 program to over 300 students. The school community embraces the ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic diversity of Oakland. The school is rooted in the tenets of progressive education and reinforces 21^st Century pedagogy. Our student-centered approach cultivates deep thinkers and compassionate and courageous people who shape a more equitable and sustainable world. Park Day is a leader in public purpose initiatives; our community outreach program collaborates with public schools and community groups to create meaningful service-learning opportunities for our students. Our historical and park-like four-acre campus is located in the vibrant Temescal neighborhood of Oakland, CA.

Overview of the Position
The learning garden teacher will be responsible for teaching first, second and fifth grade students. Each group attends gardening class once a week, and the student to teacher ratio is 9:1. This is a part time job and represents approximately 50% of a full time position. The teaching schedule is a partial day Wednesday, and full days Thursday and Friday. The learning garden program incorporates a seed to table philosophy as well as supporting the lower school science curriculum and interdisciplinary studies and investigations. Frequently there are lessons involving food processing and cooking using produce and herbs grown in the garden. The learning garden teacher supervises students working and learning outdoors to maintain student garden areas and a mini farm with chickens. There is an indoor classroom space for use during inclement weather. This is a shared teaching position, including regular collaboration with a second teacher in the learning garden position.   Collaboration also happens with classroom teachers and specialist program staff when designing the overall program and special projects. Additionally, the learning garden teacher collaborates closely with the Design ME director, co-facilitating design and building projects. The teacher will also collaborate with landscaping and grounds staff. The learning garden teacher plays a leading role in organizing Earth Day celebrations on campus.

This position includes completing newsletters, bi-annual student progress reports and conducting parent conferences. This position emphasizes collaborative work with teaching staff, including attendance at weekly staff meetings and committee work. The teacher will be expected to join the school landscaping and grounds committee, support the chicken care committee, as well as help organize and co-facilitate bi-annual family garden work days on campus. There is an existing grade level curriculum and we seek vibrant teachers who bring creativity and innovation to their teaching practice.

Qualifications
Candidates must have a working understanding of developmental/constructivist teaching practices and instructional techniques that differentiate for students at different skill levels and multiple intelligences. Experience in gardening and landscaping, chicken care-taking and teaching cooking & food preservation is a must. Familiarity with running a garden with implementation of composting systems is important. Previous outdoor and environmental education teaching experience and/or educational preparation for elementary education is strongly preferred. We are seeking candidates who have a nurturing and supportive tone with students and experience with collaborative teaching in dynamic learning environments. The hiring process will include a demonstration lesson and interview with a hiring committee.

How to Apply:
E-mail cover letter and resume with at least 2 professional references to:
personnel@parkdayschool.org
Or, mail to:
Karen Colaric, Lower School Director
Park Day School
370-43rd Street
Oakland, CA 94609

Park Day School is an equal opportunity employer. We seek applicants who reflect the diversity of the Bay Area. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship, ethnicity, family-care status, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.