Cooking Enrichment Facilitator for Middle School Afterschool Program in Salem, MA
Program Description: LEAP for Education operates a middle school afterschool and summer programs in partnership with Salem Public Schools. The program promotes positive youth development, social emotional learning, and academic skill development. Project-based enrichment opportunities are offered each session in a variety of subject areas to provide opportunities for students to explore new interests in engaging ways, connect school day learning to new applications, and develop social-emotional and team work skills.
Job Description: During a 12-week afterschool session (running Sept 28 - Dec 17, 2026), the Cooking Enrichment Facilitator will design and lead a group of 15-18 students in a two-part enrichment experience (6-weeks each) focused on the fundamentals of cooking and designing and creating a cookbook. The learning experience should include exposure to how to make healthy food choices, different cooking techniques, how to correctly measure, cost and budget considerations in cooking, and support students in designing and creating a cookbook around a theme. Students should experience hands-on cooking or food preparation typically once per week. By the end of the session, students should have prepared a cookbook to share with the larger community and have a set of written reflections on their learning, why they made the design decisions they did, and the benefits and challenges of working in a team. The mix of students who participate the first 6 weeks maybe somewhat different than those who participate the second 6 weeks.
The Enrichment experience will run two days a week on Monday & Wednesday for 1.25 hours each day (Tuesday & Thursday might be an option depending on other offerings). Instructional time is scheduled to run 3:55-5:10 pm. Facilitators are paid an additional ½ hour each day for 15 min set up & clean up, and 1 hour of planning time a week. Some paid planning time to plan activities prior to the start of the session will also be provided.
Enrichment instructors will have support in the classroom from Group Leaders who work with students throughout the afternoon and the Site Coordinator who oversees day-to-day operations.
Compensation: $30.00 - $45 per hour ($45 rate only for certified teachers)
Job Responsibilities:
- Develop a session overview (template provided) for two connected 6-week sessions that incorporates active student participation, some student choice, and that leads to students creating a cookbook.
- Facilitate an enrichment class in a 1.25 hour in-person session twice a week with 15-18 students that develops students' skills over the course of the Enrichment.
- Build relationships with each student and establish a welcoming supportive classroom environment.
- Incorporate strategies and activities that develop students’ English language arts and social emotional skills.
- Guide a group leader and possibly volunteers (who may be a college student or recent grad or school paraprofessional) in how to support students with session activities and learning
- Support and build in accommodations for English Learners and students on IEPs and Behavior Plans.
- Communicate specific student needs to the Site Coordinator
- Participate in possible periodic staff meetings (dates TBA)- paid time
Job Requirements/Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or GED minimum, some college strongly preferred
- Previous experience working with youth in a school, after school, and/or summer program
- Previous experience with cooking and teaching cooking classes or workshops REQUIRED
- Experience working with middle school youth from diverse backgrounds, preferred, not required
- Proven ability to engage, motivate, and inspire students to learn
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Flexible and adaptive work ethic
- Spanish speaking is a plus
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLICY
It is the policy of LEAP for Education to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
LEAP for Education complies with all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws. This means that we will not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability in any phase of the employment relationship including application for employment, hiring, promotions and/or advancement opportunities, termination, compensation, training and any other conditions or privileges of employment.
Job Types: Part-time, Temporary
Pay: $30.00 - $45.00 per hour
Experience:
- youth work: 1 year (Preferred)
- leading cooking instruction or workshops: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
