Activity Specialist (Bronx Locations) - Learning Through an Expanded Arts Program

Reports To:  Program Director

Site Location(s):

MS 129 at 2055 Mapes Ave, Bronx, NY 10460

Jonas Bronck Academy (JBA) at 400 E Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY 10458,

Bronx Writing Academy (BWA) at 270 E 167TH ST BRONX, NY 10456,

MS 22: Jordan L. Mott at 270 E 167TH ST BRONX, NY 10456,  

MS 593: South Bronx International Middle School at 1000 Teller Avenue, Bronx, NY 10456,

MS 594: New Pathways Academy at 1000 Teller Avenue, Bronx, NY 10456, and

MS 328: Community Math & Science Prep at 401 W. 164th Street, New York, NY 10032

Salary Range:  $20-$30 Per Hour (Approximately 10-15 Hours Per Week)

Work Schedule: Mondays through Fridays/2:10 pm-5:10 pm or 2:30 pm-5:30 pm

LEAP (Learning Through an Expanded Arts Program) is currently seeking Activity Specialists for Middle Schools in the Bronx, New York.

Activity Specialists are passionate, experienced instructors with a vested interest in arts and academic integration for long term teaching opportunities at our partner schools in all five boroughs. The activity specialist must have demonstrated previous experience in their trained specialty, ideally in NYC public school settings. We are seeking educators who share our belief in the power of experiential learning. LEAP Activity Specialists act as the lead instructors in LEAP after school programs. If you love working with children in the Arts, this a great opportunity to share your passion in the Arts in our afterschool programs, summer programs and special projects in various areas.  

Specialty Area:  Performing Arts:  Dance, Drama, Theater or Musical Theater Music, Poetry, Photography, Jewelry Making, & Visual Arts, Sports/Athletics, CHESS, STEM and/or STEAM.

At LEAP we believe in the transformational power of the arts. We started as a grassroots movement with just four schools. Today, our teaching artists serve 25,000 youth across the city in over 140 New York City public schools. Every day, our educational arts programs inspire diverse school communities to be more engaged in learning and build critical skills. Our quality educational arts programs promote access and equity for New York City students underserved in the arts.

Activity Specialists lead experiences that drive student growth in creativity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking. Model a growth mindset and love of learning through the LEAP Way, our creative youth development model. Support learners to make meaning of their experiences through routine thoughtful reflection. Act as support staff in the afterschool environment, helping to ensure a safe, positive, and organized environment for youth participants, but not limited to the following:  

• Represent LEAP through collaborative planning with school partners to support shared goals.

• Plan engaging and active lessons that combine the arts and academics.

• Establish and deliver clear lesson objectives writing daily lesson plans using the LEAP lesson plan format and the LEAP Way.

• Prepare your room and all materials prior to facilitating planned activities.

• Promote positive character development, a love of learning, and a growth mindset through modeling and instruction.

• Make LEAP a visible and exciting part of the school community.

• Aid in the organization and execution of student culminating performances and celebratory events.

• Work closely with the LEAP staff to gather your data, attendance, assessment, and teaching documentation.

• Attend and actively participate in required trainings and our professional development Learning Labs.

 The successful candidate will have the following Qualifications:

• 2 years of experience working with the NYC DOE (or other major city) school system

• Demonstrated excellence in their specialized instruction

• Experience successfully teaching and instructing youth in the arts

• Must have and demonstrate classroom management skills

• College degree in the Arts or Education, or Equivalent Experience

  Bilingual, fluent in Spanish/English preferred

• Familiarity working with Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners

• Passion for inclusion and advocacy in the arts

• Enjoy working with youth in a team environment 

• Effective writing, communication, and interpersonal skills

• Must be punctual, responsible, resilient, and reliable

• Self-motivated, highly efficient, and able to problem-solve

• Proactive, hands-on approach, as well as a professional work ethic

• Flexible schedule and willingness to travel to multiple boroughs

LEAP provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to age, citizenship, color, disability status, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, protected veteran status, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Please note:  In accordance with organizational policy, LEAP do not  sponsor individuals on O-1 visas.