Instructional Specialist - Garden (10 month/school year)

Berkeley Unified School District • Berkeley, CA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Under direction of an assigned supervisor, enrich the instructional program by providing information and expertise to an assigned student or group of students in a specialized area such as garden, sports, art, music or dance. This is a 10-month/school year position.

Requirements

• Any combination of training and experience that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying.
• Completion of four years of college with major course work in the area of specialty and at least one year of work experience directly related to the field of specialty.
• Knowledge of specialized area of enrichment instruction.
• Knowledge of methods of instruction.
• Knowledge of test development and construction.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, procedures and equipment of specialized area of expertise.
• Knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Ability to plan, develop and conduct enrichment presentation.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of specialized information in various forms and work effectively with abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to operate and demonstrate the use of specialized equipment and materials.
• Ability to monitor and control student behavior.
• Ability to provide assistance and information to students in area of specialty.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships and others.
• Ability to prepare and maintain a variety of records, reports and files.
• Ability to use effective interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Ability to schedule and perform work to meet established timelines.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Require vision (which may be corrected) to read small print.
• Require the mobility to stand, stoop, reach and bend.
• Require mobility of arms to reach and dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small objects.
• Require the ability to stand for long periods.
• Require the ability to walk long distances.
• Perform lifting, pushing and/or pulling which does not exceed 50 pounds and is infrequent aspect of the job.
• Proof of identification for completion of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be submitted at the time of processing for employment.

Nice To Haves

• May assist with grant writing and fundraising processes.
• Solicit and secure donations.
• Assist with outreach activities focused on the school community and recruiting volunteers, including coordinating parties and special events and supervising volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement presentation and materials related to specialized area of instruction to enrich the academic program.
• Develop methods to explain or demonstrate the information to students.
• Instruct students in assigned area of expertise and assist certificated instructor in evaluating whether student(s) have understood the concept of information.
• Provide technical assistance in the operation and maintenance of specialized instructional equipment as assigned.
• Provide assistance to and interact with students.
• Prepare and issue material and equipment for student use.
• Monitor and control student behavior according to established procedures.
• Maintain records of students' progress and attendance as assigned.
• Maintain inventories of supplies, material and equipment, ensuring that adequate amounts are available for timely instructional use.
• Adjust and maintain specialized equipment, if any, ensuring timely availability for student use.
• Maintain a variety of records and files.
• Maintain learning environment in a safe and orderly condition.
• Plan, implement and coordinate all aspects of a garden education program.
• Co-teach lessons using the Garden-Based Learning curriculum.
• Deliver education through day-time and after-school garden-based classes promoting the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and beans.
• Conduct interactive classes that provide hands-on learning opportunities for students and teachers.
• Instruct students on principles of agroecology and ecoliteracy, seasonality, food systems, nutrition and healthy living.
• Provide hands-on instruction to students on growing, tending to, maintaining, harvesting and preparation for consumption of a variety of food crops in a school garden.
• Educate students regarding healthy food choices.
• Develop a programmatic approach that emphasizes the 4R's.
• Participate in site-based team meetings focusing on nutrition education.
• Maintain and oversee an edible school garden using organic gardening methods, including planting, composting, irrigating and harvesting fruits and vegetables.
• Construct and install structures and buildings.
• Develop and implement nutrition and gardening projects and events.
• Shop for and purchase garden supplies and supplemental produce.
• Conduct fruit and vegetable tastings.
• May assist with grant writing and fundraising processes.
• Solicit and secure donations.
• Assist with outreach activities focused on the school community and recruiting volunteers, including coordinating parties and special events and supervising volunteers.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• All salaries as stated are based on present information and are subject to change.
• Appointments are made at the minimum salary shown in the posting and increases are granted at intervals based on anniversary date.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level