Teaching Artists (Signature Program) - Learning Through an Expanded Arts Program

Reports To: Program Director of Signature Programs

Department: Signature Programs

Job Status: Part-time

Location:  Various NYC Public Schools

Hourly/Salary Range:  $40-$65 Per Hour

LEAP, Inc. is currently seeking Teaching Artists for the Signature Programs Department, for placement in daytime and afterschool K-12 locations in Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan and Queens.  

We are seeking passionate teaching artists with a vested interest in arts and academic integration for teaching opportunities for the 2024-2025 school year. Teaching artists must have demonstrated previous experience teaching  one or more of the following art forms: musical theater, dance, theater, vocal music, piano, guitar, playwriting or spoken word. Ideally, the teaching artist has experience in NYC public school settings.   

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 20,000 kids across the city in over 150 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. 

Signature Programs Department

The Signature Programs Department at LEAP is comprised of curriculum driven residency programs with a focus on storytelling, social justice, and/or history.  Signature Residency programs are project based and culminate with a live performance. This is achieved through a student-centered collaborative process.

The Signature Programs Department features the following residency programs: 

LEAP 360 [Musical Theater + History] A Musical Theater residency program which provides a fully immersive experience in musical theater, connecting performance arts with history and social justice.

LEAP On-Stage [Young Playwrights] A playwriting and play development program where students write and perform their own 10 minute plays.                                                                                             Next Narrative- A national monologue program centering contemporary black playwrights.

Poetry In Motion- A dance program where students explore storytelling through movement and the themes of a poem.

Young Activists- A multidisciplinary program where students work as an ensemble to devise a performance piece, connecting their creative voice to social justice.

Teaching Artists 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. Help to ensure a safe, positive, and organized environment for youth participants, but not limited to the following: m specific curriculum that centers social justice, activism and history.

Develop a project plan that connects the curriculum to a final culminating performance

Collaborate with Lead Teaching Artist to plan engaging lessons

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

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.

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

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

Communicate weekly with program management to asses the progress of the partnership and to provide updates

Submit completed timecards and program documents for timely payroll processing

Submit timely supply and purchase order requests to support culminations

Minimum Qualifications: 

Two (2) years of experience working with the NYC DOE (or other major city) school system Demonstrated excellence in one or more art form

Experience successfully teaching and 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

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.