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FoodPrints Classroom Assistant

FRESHFARM
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WHO WE ARE

FRESHFARM builds a more equitable, vibrant, sustainable, and resilient food future for the region by producing innovative solutions in partnership with local communities and organizations in the DC area. We create food access, economic development, and community building through hands-on education, farmers markets, and distribution programs. FoodPrints is FRESHFARM’s food education program that aims to make positive changes in what children and their families eat by giving them hands-on experiences with growing, harvesting, cooking, and eating nutritious, fresh, local foods in season. We currently operate in 21 D.C. Public Elementary Schools in Wards 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 and are seeking Classroom Assistants to support schools for the Fall 2025 semester and/or Spring 2026 semester.


 

WHO YOU ARE

  • Have completed of at least one year of college
  • Have experience working with elementary age children or in a school setting and share in FRESHFARM's commitment to becoming a more anti-racist and equity-focused organization
  • Capable of to working both as part of a team and independently, both in school classrooms and outdoors in school gardens, in varied weather conditions
  • Experience with gardening or cooking, or an interest in nutrition, local, or seasonal food is preferred, but not required


 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

FoodPrints Classroom Assistants – including interns, federal work-study students*, and volunteers – are responsible for assisting with all aspects of the FoodPrints program. They work directly with the school’s Lead FoodPrints teacher(s) for preschool through 5th grade classes. This position will support the work of the FoodPrints program at one or more public elementary schools in Washington, DC during the Fall 2025 semester and/or Spring 2026 semester.


 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Support Lead FoodPrints Teachers in implementation of FoodPrints programming, including preparing lessons and set up/clean up
  • Assist with FoodPrints classes in outdoor gardens and in indoor classrooms*
      *comfort with being inside with students & other adults is necessary; masks may be required for all
  • Support FoodPrints teachers with class documentation, such as gathering anecdotes & photos
  • Update a timesheet each week to track their hours
  • Participate in training and periodic check-ins, conducted by FoodPrints’ Service Learning Manager, including a mid-semester check in
    • Option to participate in additional learning and program opportunities, including cafeteria taste tests, supporting school-based farm stands, and farm/market field trips.


 

THE PERKS

  • Join a collaborative, diverse, & supportive team passionate about food, gardening, & sustainability
  • Help us blaze the path of food education forward through our experiential approach to learning
  • Enjoy opportunities to learn about the local food system and connect with other like minded individuals
  • Gain professional skills to support a career in many arenas, including education, nutrition, environmental science, or sustainability

PHYSICAL & OTHER REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather while upright and/or stationary for a few hours at a time
  • Fully vaccinated AND receive/have received a COVID-19 booster when eligible per DCPS requirements
  • Reliable internet connection and access to a personal device to check and emails/texts daily
  • DCPS Volunteer Clearance (free, valid for 2 years); FoodPrints will provide support to apply
  • Ability to drive, bike, scooter, walk, or take public transportation to assigned school(s)
    • NOTE: some schools where interns will be placed have limited public transit access


 

THE DETAILS

  • Start & End Date: this position begins as early as September 2, 2025 through as late as June 12, 2026, with a mutually agreed upon schedule; those interested in the Spring semester only can start as early as January 5, 2026.
  • Compensation:
    • Volunteers: Volunteers may earn community service hours, with a minimum weekly commitment of a 3-hour block.
    • Federal Work-Study: FWS students will be paid in accordance with their award.
    • Interns: Interns will receive a monthly stipend of $200 to offset transportation and living expenses. Interns commit to one full day (8am-4pm) per week.
      • Stipends will be paid on the first Friday of the following month and will not be affected by things like school closures. Interns are allowed 2 days per semester of planned absences (communicated in advance) or days off for short-term injury or illness. More than 2 missed sessions during programming times may result in stipend reduction.

All weekly Classroom Assistants have the option to participate in additional educational and professional development opportunities throughout the year.

  • Weekly Schedule: This is a seasonal, part-time position. We are seeking Classroom Assistants to support programming at one or more schools for 3-16 hours per week during the following times:
    • school day programming (Tuesday - Friday 8am-12pm, 12-4pm, or 8am-4pm)
    • after care programming (Monday - Friday 3:15-6:15pm) at 2 schools in Ward 5
    • school-based farm stands, currently Sept-Nov (Tuesdays 1:30-6:30pm in Ward 4 and/or Thursdays 1:30-5:30pm in Ward 8)

We are specifically seeking interns to work from 8am-4pm at the following locations:

NOTE: A mandatory general and on-site orientation will take place prior to the start of FoodPrints classroom placement work.