In this introductory course, students will explore the world of agriculture through authentic, hands-on experiences in the garden and greenhouse spaces at Buford. Students will work collaboratively to develop basic food-growing, landscaping and workplace readiness skills while learning about broader agricultural and food industry systems, including local community-led efforts through the Urban Agriculture Collective. This will include developing and executing planting plans, tending to, harvesting and distributing crops in the school garden, as well as supporting community action projects like the annual Spring Seedling Giveaway. Other learning topics may include nutrition and food preservation, infrastructure design and construction, ecology and the environment. Field trips to the Urban Agriculture Collective and other local farms will enhance the student’s experience and connectedness with our local food system.

 

 

Summary:

The Urban Farming Teacher is responsible to develop student success in academics, (e.g. reading, writing, language, math, etc.) and agricultural skills by implementing Division approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities/outcomes; developing lesson plans; modeling the necessary skills to perform assignments; providing a safe and optimal learning environment; and providing feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals. etc.

 

Essential Functions:

• Advise parents and/or legal guardians of student progress support teacher’s expectations, develop methods for improvement and/or reinforce classroom goals in the home environment
• Assess students’ academic learning and/or skills to provide feedback to students, parents and administration
• Assist other teachers to implement curriculum
• Attend a variety of educational workshops, seminars, in-services, ongoing evaluation process, reviewing the positon plan, etc., to maintain their professional knowledge
• Coordinate a variety of activities (e.g. field trips, transportation, lesson plans, etc.) to ensure the availability of equipment, materials and personnel to achieve objectives
• Develop curriculum and/or individual plans for students in collaboration with classroom team (e.g. IEP, Section 504, Health Care Plans, etc.) to provide classroom activities and routines that support individual/group needs and/or deliver services in compliance with established guidelines
• Instruct students to improve their success in academic, interpersonal and daily living skills through a defined course of study
• Apply best practices for instruction in planning and instructional delivery while focused on equity, culturally responsive practices and trauma-informed care
• Maintain classroom equipment, work areas, student files/records (e.g., instructional materials, cleaning work areas/playground, et.) to ensure availability of items, provide reliable information and/or ensure safe and sanitary environment
• Model conversation, manners, clean-up activities, listening, etc. to demonstrate appropriate social behavior
• Monitor students in a variety of educational settings (e.g. classroom, playground, field trips, etc.) to provide a safe and positive learning environment
• Organize indoor/outdoor, quiet/active activities appropriate to age groups for the purpose of actively participating in the learning activities with children
• Oversee instructional assistants to provide supervision, training and/or encourage their participation in planning, curriculum development and classroom activities
• Participate in a variety of program activities (e.g. family staffing, staff training, planning, communication and evaluation activities, etc.) to convey and/or receive information related to program plan
• Prepare teaching materials and related reports (e.g. grades, attendance, anecdotal records, etc.) to implement lesson plans and document student progress
• Respond to emergency situations to resolve immediate safety concerns and/or direct to appropriate personnel for resolution
• Respond to inquiries form a variety of sources to resolve issues, provide information and/or referrals
• Assist other personnel, as may be required, to ensure an efficient and effective work environment

 

This list of essential functions is expected of all teachers.  Depending on the actual teaching assignment, some functions will be added or altered to accommodate the specific grade level, content, ability of students and documentation requirements.

 

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

Skills are required to perform single, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions; apply pertinent policies, regulations and/or laws; planning and managing activities; preparing and maintain accurate records; and operating standard office equipment including pertinent software applications; knowledge of basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read technical information; compose a variety of documents and/or facilitate group discussions; analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions; specific knowledge to satisfactorily apply appropriate codes, policies, regulations and/or laws, age appropriate activities, lesson plan requirements, community resources and stages of child development; ability to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events, gather, collate and/or classify data; use job-related equipment; knowledge of and ability to apply best instructional practices in lessons; flexibility to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; operate equipment using standardized methods; ability to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; independent interpretation of guidelines; problem solving with equipment; ability to establish and maintain constructive relationships; adapting to changing work priorities; maintaining confidentiality, exhibiting tact and patience; working flexible hours.

 

Education and/or Experience:

Candidates must hold or be eligible for a Virginia Teaching License with an endorsement in Career Technical Education: Agriculture Education and/or Marketing. A master’s degree is preferred.  Job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is desired.  Bilingual in English and another World Language preferred.  Must be a culturally responsive teacher.

 

Physical Conditions and Nature of Work:

The usual and customary methods of performing the teaching position require the following physical demands:  significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and the significant fine finger dexterity.  Generally, the job requires 24% sitting, 33% walking, and 43% standing.  The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and some hazardous conditions.

 

Evaluation:

The teacher is evaluated by the principal.

 

Contract Length:

10 months/200 days unless specified to include a different number of days

 

 

Posting Updated: 1/3/22