AmeriCorps Food Educator
Common Threads connects kids to healthy food in the garden, in the kitchen, and at the table. We want kids to grow up making food choices that are good for their bodies, their communities, and the environment. Founded in 2007 and based in Bellingham, Washington, Common Threads is a grassroots, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that nourishes curiosity, joy, bravery and community through seed-to-table education. Historically, most of our programs have taken place on public school grounds, during the school day. Common Threads runs after-school gardening and cooking programs at schools and affordable housing complexes, and spring/summer camps at a variety of Whatcom county sites.
At Common Threads, we hold ourselves accountable (individually and as an organization) to a life-long learning journey to better understand the roles that each of us can most appropriately play in dismantling systemic and structural oppression and building a more just and equitable world.
We are currently seeking Americorps Service members as educators for our 2023/2024 team, starting 6/26/23 and going to 6/21/24 (1700 hour service term). We will also consider smaller service terms (part time) on an individual basis.
Skills and Qualifications:
Minimum Requirements:
- A U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the U.S.
- At least 17 years of age by June 23, 2023
- Have obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent (or agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent before using an Education Award)
- Satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria
- Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or obtain a religious or medical exemption.
This position will be a great fit for you if you:
- Are passionate about connecting kids to healthy food from seed to table
- Have a strong community service ethic
- Are eager to develop and share your skills as a teacher, a gardener, or a cook
- Are willing and able to serve in-person and remotely in Bellingham and Whatcom County, and potentially travel to multiple service sites in Bellingham and Whatcom County (via personal vehicle, Common Threads vehicle, bike, etc.)
- Are resilient, resourceful, and willing to serve long hours outside in all weather
- Demonstrate commitment, creativity, adaptability, attention to detail, and the ability to serve both independently and as part of a team
- Are able to be a proactive self-starter on projects
- Have basic computer skills
The ideal candidates also: (desirable but not essential)
- Have some experience teaching or working with youth, especially elementary and middle school students
- Have some experience teaching, gardening, farming, and/or cooking
- Be familiar with Google Suite, Zoom, and Slack
- Bring Spanish, Russian or Punjabi language skills
- Contribute lived experience that helps diversify the perspectives represented on our team. People of color, non-binary individuals, members of the LGBTQ community, people whose first language is one other than English, elders, men, high school and college students, and people with lived experience of hunger and poverty are particularly encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities:
- Educator at one or more of Common Threads' partner schools or community gardens [planning and leading garden lessons in spring and fall and cooking lessons in winter].
- Coordinator for school garden maintenance and improvement projects. Recruitment and management of volunteers
- Timely completion of administrative tasks, including email communications, data & story collection, and project prep time
- Participate in training and supporting/co-teaching with other Educators.
Depending on community needs and applicant’s skills, interests, and availability, each AmeriCorps Educator may also play role in the following:
- Facilitating after school gardening and/or cooking clubs at school sites
- Facilitating School Break Camp-style garden and cooking education programs
- Developing and leading trainings on topics with which the member has passion and expertise
- Assisting other organizational or community partnership projects
Compensation and Benefits
- Opportunity to learn, grow and be of service in the company of a passionate team with strong mentorship and support
- Monthly living stipend based on service term hours - 1700 hour term is $24,633 (pretax)
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award from the National Service Trust upon successful completion of service. Pro-rated based on service term hours.
- Student Loan forbearance on qualifying loans during the service term
- Basic Food Benefits eligibility
- Health care coverage, including dental and vision (full-time positions only)
- Subsidized childcare for qualified members
- Professional development opportunities in education, agriculture, nutrition, communication and more
To apply: