Servant Leaders

A SUMMER EXPERIENCE UNLIKE ANY OTHER…

Close your eyes and think about the words summer school. What comes to mind? I’m assuming that it isn’t a room full of children clapping, chanting, laughing and learning to fall in love with literacy. Well, it should be! 1,000 of children across the country will be having just that kind of experience this summer as they participate in the Children's Defense Fund Freedom Schools® program. Proudly rooted in the American Civil Rights Movement and the courageous efforts of college-age youth (just like youJ), the CDF Freedom Schools program provides summer enrichment through a model curriculum that supports children and families around five essential components: high quality academic enrichment; parent and family involvement; social action and civic engagement; intergenerational servant leadership development; and nutrition, health and mental health.

We are frequently looking for the best and the brightest to serve as Servant Leaders to teach 1st-12th graders for CDF Freedom Schools summer and afterschool programs. Believe me…servant leadership is not for the faint at heart!  We are looking for individuals who know that at some level serving and advocating for children is part of their life’s purpose. Teaching experience is not required for this journey-we will provide you with all the tools you need to flourish in this role if selected.  Training includes an all expense paid national training to the historic Haley Farm right outside of Knoxville, TN, where you will join 1,000's of other young people throughout the country to learn the fundamentals of servant leadership, advocacy, the mechanics of the Integrated Reading Curriculum, and more. Examples of local training will include team building, brain development and learning styles, multicultural education and so much more! 

We are looking for individuals who are:

  • Child advocates on a pathway to becoming an educator and/ or a youth worker
  • Committed to serving all children with preference given to those with documented experience
  •  Social (justice) minded, grassroots oriented, and have a deep understanding and appreciation for community
  • Critical thinkers who not only look at problems on a micro level, but also on a macro level
  •  Intentional and reflective about their relationships with children
  • Cultural proficient individuals
  • Visual and performance art, psychology, social work, and sociology majors and encouraged to apply
  • Preference will be given to individuals born and raised in the greater Kalamazoo community

  Sound like you? Great, we welcome you to apply-please proceed to the attached application. Applications are accepted year round. If not, thanks for your time and interest, but we advise you not to apply for these competitive positions. Any questions, please contact 337-1601 x225 or freedomschoolskzoo@gmail.com.