Southwest Open School (SWOS) is an alternative education campus high
school in Cortez, CO that serves young people who live in Montezuma County.
The mission of Southwest Open School is to create a community of learners who
utilize experiential education in developing and nurturing high academic,
character, and health standards while honoring diversity and fostering
self-directed lifelong learning. Due to the sheer size of the county,
economic hardship can be more difficult in this area and resource scarcity
affects the majority of students and families at SWOS. SWOS provides an
environment rich in support for its student population. In the 2023-24 school
year, SWOS enrolled 134 students, a large percentage of which
(42.5%) are Native and Hispanic. Additionally, SWOS has many students
who identify as non-binary. SWOS is one of the only alternative education
campuses in the region, with more than 90% of their students defined as
"at-risk"; however, SWOS has consistently been identified by students
as a safe space. According to the 2021 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, 94%
of students at SWOS identified generally feeling safe at school.
Service Position Summary: SWOS is looking to add an AmeriCorps member to its
dynamic and close-knit team of staff. The AmeriCorps member will serve a dual
role as the Garden Coordinator & School Support Specialist. The SWOS campus
has an existing garden and four-season greenhouse. The Garden Coordinator and
School Support Specialist will serve to provide much needed maintenance and
curriculum development with regards to garden infrastructure. There is the
potential for the AC member to incorporate lessons into the garden class and a
master gardener program. As a large part of the Garden Coordinator & School
Support Specialist's success will be tied to creating positive relationships
with the student population, the AC member will also spend significant time
relationship-building and supporting students by joining classrooms to support
the academic and behavioral needs of students. The AC member will also expand
student support services by providing additional support during class trips
and experiential education initiatives.
Duties and Responsibilities: Team UP AmeriCorps members serve directly at
their Host Site organization to develop, implement, and enhance
programs, projects, and activities through direct and indirect service.
Duties include:
Garden Coordination:
Set up and maintain greenhouses (one four-season greenhouse and one
three-season greenhouse) and garden infrastructure
Develop ways to integrate students into the garden maintenance including but
not limited to creating maintenance schedules and task lists.
Organize tools and PPE in order to make participation in garden related
activities efficient.
Develop and collaborate with staff to update and create garden-related
curriculum. It is hoped that lessons can be created so that the three STEM
classes on campus can utilize the garden space for authentic hands-on learning
throughout the school year.
Student Support Expansion:
Build relationships with students by attending school-related events and class
trips as an additional resource for support.
Build relationships with students by pushing into classrooms for student
support.
Support student social emotional growth by being an example of responsible
adult behavior
The AC member, as all staff, will be responsible for supervising and
ensuring a safe school campus which begins with creating positive
relationships with students.
Develop strong and positive relationships with staff, students,
families, and community
Track host site and AmeriCorps data
Attend Team UP AmeriCorps regional trainings, cohort connection days, and
Days of Service
Desired Qualifications:
Ethic of national and community service and a strong desire to create positive
change
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; computer
li erate
High School Graduate or GED required, college graduate or equivalent work
experience preferred
Ability to pass criminal history check
Reliable transportation & proof of auto insurance
U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status required
Term of Service - Time Commitment: This is a Three-Quarter Time national
and community service position requiring, at a minimum, a total of 1200
hours during the year (approximately 40 hours/week.) The position begins
September 9, 2024 and ends May 31, 2025*. Flexible hours are required,
including occasional evening and weekend commitments. Service on the following
dates is required:
*There is the possibility to serve a second-term in a part-time capacity
during the summer months to continue the garden work.
Trainings
Training and Support Provided: Team UP AmeriCorps members receive
significant training and experience in community engagement, project
implementation, leadership, diverse populations, and more. Up to 20%
of total hours served may be spent in applicable, approved trainings.
Members will be supervised and supported by SWOS Executive Director Casey
Simpson (csimpson@cortez.k12.co.us), as well as by Team UP AmeriCorps
program staff. The PY 24-25 cohort of Team UP AmeriCorps members serving
throughout the region will also act as additional resources and support for
eac
Location and Service Conditions: This position is based at SWOS at 401 N.
Dolores Rd. in Cortez, Colorado. Additional other off-site engagement and
partnership activities may be required.
Benefits: