South Whidbey School Farms


Contact information
Farm Address:
5476 Maxwelton Rd
Langley, Washington, 98260

Primary Contact: Jay Freundlich
Primary Phone:
    Type:
Cell
    Number: 360-221-6808ex4623
    Email: jfreundlich@sw.wednet.edu

Website: https://whidbeyschoolgardens.wordpress.com/

Internship information
General Farm Description: Since 2014, the South Whidbey School Farms Program has grown fresh vegetables using sustainable practices integrated with a farm-based curriculum. Our robust program covers over an acre and a half of growing space. It includes student beds, production and market beds, inclusive sensory and elevated beds, a developing edible forest space, and a culinary classroom. Our specialist farm science classes are taught to K-5 students at the South Whidbey Elementary School and are offered as farm electives and CTE Agriculture classes at the South Whidbey Middle and High Schools. The students are the farmers! Their farm-grown produce is used in school lunches, culinary classes, a fresh-food snack program, and in-garden eating. AmeriCorps members work closely with our farm team and certified farm teachers, using the growing season, nutrition and Next Generation Science standards as the basis for daily curriculum to provide students with hands-on learning and farming that culminates in healthy eating. Members and staff lead students in instructional experiences focused on preparing the soil, planting, caring for, harvesting, cooking, and enjoying the food they've grown.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: September 1, 2023
Internship Ends: July 15th, 2024
Number of Internship Available: 3
Application Deadline: We are interviewing on a rolling basis and will hire when the right candidate comes along.
Minimum Length of Stay: September 1, 2023 - July 15th 2024

Internship Details:

FARM AND FOOD EDUCATORS (3 AmeriCorps positions available)

Explore farm-to-school education! As an AmeriCorps member serving with us, you’ll have the opportunity to explore and develop your teaching, farming, and cooking skills with our K-12 farm-to-classroom program over a 10½ month service term. Help students create connections to healthy food that will last a lifetime!


Educational Opportunities: On-going professional development (field trips, farm visits, online & in-person training/learning opportunities) and on-site training are provided.

Skills Desired: Previous experience and comfort working with children aged Kindergarten – 12th grade, especially K-6. Previous experience in farming/gardening, or a strong interest and willingness to learn. Experience or interest in culinary education and nutrition. Strong communication skills. Excellent organizational and time management skills. An ability to work independently and in a team. A passion for food, outdoor education, and healthy eating. A willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions. Ability to lift 50 pounds. Flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor. And a love of vegetables!

Meals: No, but fresh produce from the School Farm is available at no-cost and we connect members with other free food opportunities in the community.

Stipend: Through AmeriCorps, we offer a monthly living stipend of $1,676.19 (total 1700 hour service term = $17,599) The following benefits are also available: Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $6,895 upon successful completion of service (https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/segal-americorps-education-award/find-out-more) Student Loan Forbearance on qualifying loans during the service term (https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/your-benefits) Basic Food Benefits eligibility (https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/ESA/cso/documents/22-297.pdf) Basic Health Care Coverage (https://washingtonservicecorps.org/become-a-member/) Subsidized Childcare for qualifying members (https://www.americorpschildcare.com/) Post-term Education Resources (https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/alumni)

Housing: No, but we make every effort to connect members with affordable housing.

Preferred method of Contact: email