Activity Specialist (Mixed Media/ Art Instructor) - Learning Through an Expanded Arts Program

Reports To:                       Program Director

Program:                           Comprehensive Afterschool Program

Location:                           MS129X - Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership

FLSA Status:                    Non-Exempt

Job Status:                       Part-Time. Eligible for NY Safe and Sick Leave

Schedule:                          Monday; 2:15pm-5:30pm

                                           Wednesday & Friday; 3:00pm-5:30pm

Pay Rate:                          $30/HR

WHAT WE DO

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 their critical skills. Our quality educational arts programs promote access and equity for New York City students underserved in the arts.

JOB PURPOSE

We are seeking passionate, experienced activity specialists with a vested interest in arts and academic integration for long term teaching opportunities at our partner schools in all five boroughs. Activity specialists 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, then this a great opportunity to share your passion for the Arts in our afterschool programs, summer programs and special projects in various areas.

Specialty Area(s): Mixed Medias, Art Instructor, etc.  

SCOPE OF INFLUENCE

With Students using The LEAP Way

• 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.

With Partners as a LEAP Ambassador

• Build positive relationships with students, LEAP colleagues, and school partners.
• Communicate with professionalism and respect.
• Participate, respond to, center, and celebrate the culture of the communities that we serve.

With Peers through LEAP Professional Development

• Join the LEAP community of artists and educators through our foundational training.
• Invest in your growth as an educator through our Masterclass Learning Labs and Mentor coaching.
• Connect with your peers and support your practice by joining our artmaking FREEPLAY Labs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Arrive on time and be prepared to follow the schedule provided by program leadership, at all times.
• Plan and implement 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 classroom and all materials prior to facilitating planned activities.
• Promote positive character development, a love of learning, and a growth mindset through modeling and instruction.
• Actively collaborating with group leaders to ensure they are implementing supervision best practices and managing program safety during large group active play and/or trips.
• Assist children with daily homework assignments.
• 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 program leadership to gather student data, attendance, assessment, and teaching documentation.
• Work in collaboration with the daytime school community to help reach, meet, and build positive relationships with parents.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 2 years of experience working with youth in a classroom or group setting
• Demonstrated excellence in their specialized instruction
• Experience successfully instructing youth in the arts
• College degree in the Arts or Education, or equivalent experience
• 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
• Able to pass all NYS SACC clearances and background checks inclusive of a work physical and TB

WHY YOU’LL LOVE LEAP

At LEAP, we are:

• Committed to feedback and willing to provide clear, consistent communication
• Community oriented, and believe in a shared moral responsibility
• Believers in self-care and the wellbeing of others
• Accountable to ourselves, our team, and the organization
• Advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Open-minded, creative, and flexible
• Mission driven
• Collaborative
• FUN!!! 

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING

Pre-employment screening is required for this position, including but not limited to criminal history check by the NYC Department of Education, and other regulating agencies as needed per placement.

WE ARE AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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 does not sponsor individuals on O-1 visas.