Teaching Artist - Theater

Job Title: Teaching Artist - Theater

Reports To: Director of Residencies/Program Director

Department: Programs

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Status: Part-Time

Range of Pay: $45/hr-$65/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 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.

Culture Statement

LEAP is a group of diverse and passionate individuals working together to prioritize youth and pursue our mission.

Our Goals

We collaborate to accomplish goals and are accountable to ourselves and others.

We strive for excellence, reflect on results, and celebrate success.

Our Peers

We foster relationships through intentional communication and attentive listening.

We welcome feedback with a growth mindset and offer feedback with empathy.

Our Space

We build trust through transparency, honesty, and humility.

We respect and attempt to meet each other’s needs at work.

Our Community

We are inclusive and value the differences among us.

We listen to and acknowledge the voices of those we serve.

JOB PURPOSE

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

Drama and theater at LEAP is an in-depth exploration of acting, movement, storytelling, playwriting, musical theater and technical design, culminating in a live presentation. This is achieved through a student-centered collaborative process which includes: developing artistic technique, sharing personal and cultural experiences, engaging in dialogue rooted in social consciousness, and allowing that to shape the artist and art form.

SCOPE OF INFLUENCE

With Students using The LEAP Way

• Support learners to make meaning of their experiences through routine thoughtful reflection.
• 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.

With Partners as a LEAP Ambassador

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

With Peers through LEAP Professional Development

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

Key Responsibilities And Accountabilities

• Promote positive character development, a love of learning, and a growth mindset through modeling and instruction.
• Plan engaging and active lessons that combine the arts and academics.
• Aid in the organization and execution of student culminating performances and celebratory events.
• Represent LEAP through collaborative planning with school partners to support shared goals.
• Attend and actively participate in required trainings and our professional development Learning Labs.
• Work closely with the LEAP staff to gather your data, attendance, assessment, and teaching documentation.
• Prepare your classroom and all materials prior to facilitating planned activities.
• Establish and deliver clear lesson objectives writing daily lesson plans using the LEAP lesson plan format and the LEAP Way.
• Make LEAP a visible and exciting part of the school community.

Minimum Qualifications

• College degree in the Arts or Education, or Equivalent Experience
• Must be punctual, responsible, resilient, and reliable
• Experience successfully teaching and instructing youth in the arts
• Self-motivated, highly efficient, and able to problem-solve
• 2 years of experience working with the NYC DOE (or other major city) school system
• Familiarity working with Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners
• Demonstrated excellence in drama
• Flexible schedule and willingness to travel to multiple boroughs
• Proactive, hands-on approach, as well as a professional work ethic
• Effective writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Enjoy working with youth in a team environment
• Passion for inclusion and advocacy in the arts

Compensation And Benefits

• Hours: Eligible to work up to 29hrs/week (may vary per placement and school season)
• Rate Range: $45-$65, commensurate with experience
• Benefits: Eligible for NY Safe and Sick Leave

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 employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, 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.