About FirstLine Schools

In 1998, FirstLine Schools started the first charter school in New Orleans. FirstLine now operates five PreK-8th grade schools.  Our mission is to create and inspire great, open admissions public schools in New Orleans. 

Our faculty is a diverse and talented group dedicated to our students’ success and to their own growth as teachers.  Our schools are led by leaders who hold themselves accountable for student achievement and teacher development.

About ESYNOLA

Founded in 2006, Edible Schoolyard New Orleans (ESYNOLA) envisions generations of New Orleans children who have healthy relationships with food, the natural world, themselves, and their community.  ESYNOLA's mission is to teach children to make healthy connections through food and the natural world.  Our goal is to improve the long-term well being of our students, families, and school community, by integrating social and emotional learning principles with hands-on organic gardening and seasonal cooking into the school curriculum, culture, and cafeteria programs. 

We believe that:

• Food education should be taught in conjunction with core academics
• Children learn by doing
• Health and wellness contribute to the success of the whole child
• Beauty is the language of caring
• Local farms and sustainable farming practices are vital
• School food reform is an integral part of the education we offer our students
• Families and communities are integral to our success

FirstLine’s Vision Of Teaching Excellence:

We develop teachers at FirstLine by focusing on excellence in teaching. To do so, we coach teachers and center professional development on our Vision of Excellence in Teaching rubric the components of which include: 

• On Task (Maintaining high expectations and maximizing instructional time)
• Essential Content (Planning effectively)
• Cognitive Engagement (Maintaining High Academic Expectations and Building Thinking Skills) 
• Demonstration of Learning (Leading Instruction, Checking for Understanding, Responding to Student Misunderstanding)
• Community of Learners (Establishing Expectations and Responding to Student Behaviors)

Position Summary:

The Substitute Garden Teacher will assist in 5 garden classes per day, teaching alongside another ESY Garden Teacher and/or leading a small group of about 15 students.  Lessons are designed to teach K-4 students life science lessons through hands-on activities in the outdoor classroom and school garden. The substitute teacher will help prepare educational materials and the garden, manage students in classes, and lead small student groups in garden lessons. 

Position Responsibilities:

• Lead a small group, or support the lead teacher in whole group, during garden classes
• Manage and support students’ needs and behaviors
• Guide students to explore and make science connections based on the lesson content
• Prepare for lessons; includes: reading and reflecting on lesson plans provided, asking questions, receiving feedback and using it in future lessons, and setting up supplies and garden spaces for students
• Sub in for all arrival, dismissal, lunch and recess duties of the teacher on leave
• Assist in the clean up and organization after classes
• Maintain consistent and constructive communication with the other Garden Teacher, other ESY staff, and school-based staff and leadership

Desired Academic & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or some college experience
• Experience working with children, especially in a public/charter school setting
• Demonstrated interest in education and working outside in a garden 

Desired Qualities & Characteristics:

• Enthusiasm for experiential garden education
• Ability to work with frequent interruption and to simultaneously supervise a variety of tasks
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with a co-teacher
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to stand, reach, and bend. Mobility of arms to reach, dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate large and small objects
• Ability to stand for long periods
• Ability to lift, push and/or pull objects, which may be approximately 50 pounds
• Willingness to smell, taste and feel garden produce
• Willingness to work outdoors under various weather conditions
• Ability to find joy in all of the skills listed above
• Take personal responsibility 
• Model the FirstLine Commitments:
  • We Keep Learning
  • We Work Together
  • We are Helpful
  • We are the Safekeepers of our Community
  • We Share Joy
  • We Show Results 

Position Specifics: $15.50 per hour; preferred hours are full-time, 7:30-4:30. If you are available for part of that time, please inquire with availability included. Preferred days are Monday-Friday, from September 10th-December 22nd.

How to Apply: Please apply online via: http://www.firstlineschools.org/careers