Japanese Food Education Class Instructor (Boston Area)

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The Wa-Shokuiku Project is a new initiative from TABLE FOR TWO USA * which provides practical application to the universal principles found in washoku, or Japanese cuisine, through free afterschool educational programming for elementary school students. Through guided lessons and activities, students will learn about well-known foods such as sushi, which many already recognize as Japanese, as well as other home-style dishes such as miso soup and onigiri (riceballs) which can be easily prepared. Through these interactive programs, we hope to instill a deeper understanding of Japanese food and culture while equipping them with lifelong practical knowledge and skills about one of the world’s healthiest diets. Our Cooking Instructors and Volunteers will implement and teach the Wa-Shokuiku Curriculum in schools across New York City, Washington D.C., and Boston. Instructing children about Japanese cuisine (washoku) and food education concepts, the cooking instructors will help to introduce children to cuisine and culture which many are learning about for the first time.

Instructor Responsibilities:

• As needed, teach elementary or middle school-age participants the basics of food and kitchen safety, food preparation, and making healthy choices when cooking, according to the highlighted objectives of each lesson. Curriculum is provided by the Wa-Shokuiku Project.
• Supervise children participants, ensuring proper hygiene, meal creation, and clean up.
• Facilitate class discussions of concepts of Japanese cuisine and food education, allowing participants to brainstorm how they might put new knowledge and food education concepts into action, discuss barriers to adopting new concepts, and share ideas with their peers.
• Coordinate with other key Wa-Shokuiku staff to gather information, data, and resources on the success of our programs to identify areas of improvement.

Skills/Experience Required:

• Interest and comfort in working with children from diverse backgrounds.
• Familiarity and knowledge of Japanese food and culture.
• Comfortable speaking in front of children in English.
• Ability to travel to class location.
• Willingness to be trained on Wa-Shokuiku curriculum, to work as a team with volunteers, and to adhere to program policies and team decisions.
• Evaluate the student’s ability to comprehend, perform and retain practical techniques, report assessment in regular meetings/communications with staff.

Time Commitment and Compensation:

• At least 3 hour for training and orientation.
• Approximately 4-5 hours per week for lesson preparation, travel time, class time, set-up and clean-up during program period duration.(Classes will on average last 45 minutes to 90 minutes)
• Must commit to all seven weeks of the course or share the commitment with a colleague.
• The instructor position is a paid position. Discussion of compensation will be discussed in interview.

About the Wa-Shokuiku Project:

* TABLE FOR TWO USA (TFT) is a 501(C)(3) organization that that addresses the opposite issues of hunger and obesity through a unique "meal-sharing" program. TFT partners with corporations, restaurants, schools and other food establishments to serve healthy, low- calorie, TFT-branded meals. For each one of these healthy meals served, a small portion of the cost is donated to provide one school meal for a child in need. In this way, TFT has served healthy meals to both sides of the "table" and helped to right the global food imbalance. TFT started in Japan and now operates in 14 countries. As one of the most well-known NPOs in Japan which is noted for the longevity of its people, TFT promotes Japanese healthy eating culture as well to tackle the critical health issues. Learn more at: http://usa.tablefor2.org