Job Title: Afterschool Teaching Artist

Job Type: Part-Time

Reports to: Program Director

Location: MS594X - New Pathways Academy

FLSA Status:  Non-exempt

Hourly Rate: $30

Work Schedule: Tuesday & Wednesday; 4:00pm-5:00pm & Thursday; 4:00pm-5:30pm

Weekly Hours/ Week: 3.5

Why You’ll Love Working at LEAP

At LEAP, we don’t just build great programs — we build a great place to work. You’ll thrive here if you’re excited to be part of a mission-driven, people-centered, and joy-filled team.

We are:

 🌱 Community-oriented, believing in a shared moral responsibility

 🎨 Creative, flexible, and open-minded
🚀 Collaborative and mission driven
✅ Accountable to ourselves, each other, and our goals

 🌟 Committed to feedback and clear, consistent communication
🌍 Champions of a compassionate and inclusive culture

 💖 Supporters of self-care and the well-being of others
🎉 And above all… FUN!

At LEAP, you’ll be empowered to grow, lead, and make a lasting impact — all while being part of a community that values who you are and what you bring.

About the Role

We are seeking passionate, experienced teaching artists with a vested interest in arts and academic integration for long term teaching opportunities at our partner schools in all five boroughs. Afterschool teaching artists must have demonstrated previous experience teaching the visual arts, ideally in NYC public school settings. We are seeking educators who share our belief in the power of youth leadership and experiential learning.

What You’ll Do

  • Work with various program staff to lead arts-based enrichment programs

  • Design and implement art-focused activities that foster students’ creative expression, critical thinking, & appreciation for the arts

  • Develop and deliver end of year culminating projects & events

  • Manage classrooms, communicate with various stakeholders, and contribute to program development & evaluation

  • Attend staff meetings, professional development opportunities, training sessions, & special events to enhance knowledge & skills, as required, inclusive of those outside program hours

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for a passionate and skilled teaching artist who can design and lead dynamic, culturally responsive arts-based workshops that spark creativity and self-expression in youth.

 

Core Competencies & Strengths:

  • Artistic Expertise: Proficiency in chosen art form

  • Pedagogical Skills (Adaptability, Flexibility, etc.): Understanding learning styles, differentiating instructor, & utilizing various teaching strategies to engage students

  • Classroom Management: Ability to create a safe, nurturing, & productive environment, while managing student behavior and fostering a sense of belonging

  • Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal & written communication skills; ability to build & maintain positive relationships with various stakeholders, departments, & staff; collaborate effectively with program leaders & other staff; clear & transparent communication

  • Cultural Responsiveness: Recognizing & respecting diverse backgrounds, experiences, and learning needs of students to promote an inclusive learning environment

  • Professional Development & Adaptability: Commitment to continuous learning & professional development; adaptability & flexibility to meet needs of youth

 

Required Qualifications:

  • 2 years of experience working with youth in a classroom or group setting

  • 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

  • Able to pass all NYS SACC clearances and background checks inclusive of a work physical and TB

 

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING

Pre-employment screening is required for this position, including but not limited to criminal history checks by regulating agencies as needed per placement. 

 

WE ARE AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

 

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