School-wide Enrichment Specialist

Oklahoma City, OK
United States

John Rex Elementary School is seeking a school-wide enrichment specialist with a focus on school gardening and technology. This position combines elements of teaching, gardening, and environmental stewardship to foster a love for nature, healthy eating habits, and sustainability among students. The Enrichment Specialist will design and implement garden-based lessons, manage the school garden, and collaborate with teachers to integrate garden-based learning across subjects.

Responsibilities:
1. Curriculum Development: Design and develop a garden-based curriculum aligned with academic standards, including science, math, language arts, and social studies. Create engaging lesson plans that incorporate hands-on gardening activities, plant science, nutrition education, and environmental awareness. Adapt curriculum to accommodate different grade levels, learning styles, and abilities.

2. Garden Management: Plan, plant, and maintain the school garden throughout the year, including soil preparation, planting schedules, watering, weeding, and pest management. Organize garden clean-up days and involve students, staff, and volunteers in garden maintenance tasks. Ensure the garden is a safe and accessible learning environment for students.

3. Instruction and Teaching: Lead garden-based lessons and activities for students, both in the garden and in the classroom. Provide hands-on instruction in gardening techniques, plant biology, composting, and sustainable agriculture. Facilitate outdoor experiences that encourage curiosity, exploration, and a sense of wonder about the natural world.

4. Collaboration and Outreach: Collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate garden-based learning into their curriculum. Work with school administrators to coordinate garden-related events, such as harvest celebrations, farmer's markets, and community workshops. Foster partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and community members to support the school garden program.

5. Evaluation and Assessment: Assess student learning and growth in garden-based education through observation, projects, and assessments. Collect and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of the garden program and make adjustments as needed. Provide feedback to teachers, students, and stakeholders on the impact of garden-based learning.

6. Professional Development: Stay informed about best practices in garden-based education, environmental education, and sustainable agriculture. Participate in professional development opportunities, workshops, conferences, and networking events related to garden education. Share knowledge and resources with colleagues to promote a culture of environmental literacy and sustainability within the school community.