Crossway Montessori Communities Summer Resident Fellowship in Horticulture, June 15-August 23, 2020

Urban Garden Program, Crossway Montessori Communities

3051 Upton Street

Kensington, MD 20895

(301)929-2505

Contact:  Dr. Tim Reagan, Phone: (301)929-2505

Email:  treagan@crossway-community.org 

This is a seasonal position with Crossway Montessori Communities from June 15 - August 23, 2020.

We are seeking a mature, enthusiastic college student or graduate who can teach and inspire both young children and adults. We require that applicants have some teaching experience, especially early childhood focused, preferably in garden-based or environmental education. Applicants must enjoy working outside and have experience vegetable gardening and maintenance. Computer and office skills are required. Work takes place weekdays and some Saturdays. Free housing is provided.

The Crossway Montessori Communities (CMC) Summer Resident Fellowship in Horticulture recognizes the critical role that the environment, community development, and sustainability play in strengthening urban gardening.  Situated on four acres of urban landscape 2½ miles outside of the Washington, DC beltway, and less than a one-mile walk to the Wheaton Metro on the Red Line, CMC is recruiting a dynamic Resident Fellow in Horticulture to help coordinate our growing urban garden program from June 15 - August 23, 2020.  Gardening is an integral component of Crossway Montessori Communities program. Young children, ages 18 months to third grade, experience the joys of working the earth, growing their own food, and reaping what they’ve sowed through harvesting and cooking their own crops; a true seed to table experience. We also aim for students to embrace fresh fruits and vegetables and working outside. Our summer program incorporates getting dirty through hands-on gardening experiences, plant science education, and a summer plant sale. Free housing and free weekday lunch on campus.

Job Responsibilities

• Assists in the creation of daily curricula for early childhood summer garden program, ages 18 months – rising third grade.
• Under the supervision of Montessori guides and program director, leads children in garden-based and farming curriculum.   
• Develops garden plan and perform maintenance chores, which includes preparation, ordering/purchasing of garden/educational material, equipment/tools, maintaining inventory, fall/winter preparation and overall development of all garden sites.  (We have a well-stocked supply of gardening supplies and materials.) 
• Works alongside Montessori teachers as they guide and observe children, while the children lead themselves.
• Computer and office skills are required. 
• Fellows must abide by all CMC requirements, including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, communication, adherence to safety and quality programs, and sustaining compliance.
• The physical requirements and working conditions include the ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.

Application Timeline

• December 2, 2019 | Application opens
• January 30, 2019 | Application deadline
• February - March | Semifinalists interviewed by Crossway Montessori Communities staff
• Late March 2020 | Applicants are notified of their status
• May 2020 | Paperwork and arrangements made and finalized
• June 15 - August 23, 2020 | Fellowship at Crossway Montessori Communities Outdoor Summer Program.  

Through this national competition, Crossway Montessori Communities (CMC) offers a 3-month residential summer fellowship in horticulture on its campus, 3015 Upton Drive, Kensington, MD 20895.  CCM invites university undergraduate and graduate students in horticulture, plant science, and/or agriculture to take part in this flagship farm-to-table program. Fellows maintain on-campus urban gardens and assist Montessori teachers in creating and implementing an early childhood (ages 18 months to 3rd grade) outdoor farm-to-table summer program.  CMC provides free housing in a furnished apartment on campus for the duration of the fellowship. There will also be opportunities for the fellow to visit all that Washington, DC has to offer.

Eligibility

• US citizen.  
• Possess outstanding capabilities and experience with outdoor gardening education and maintenance.  
• Currently enrolled or a graduate of a college/university undergraduate or graduate program with experience in horticulture, plant science, and/or agriculture.
• Previous teaching experience preferred, but not required.
• English proficiency as CMC is designed to encourage the exchange of ideas among its students, residents, and parents.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Crossway Montessori Communities strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all of its policies and practices, including the area of employment. Accordingly, CMC does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability, or the perception of any of the above. People of all genders, members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.