Afterschool Teaching Artist

Position Summary: 

Girl Be Heard seeks Teaching Artists for its Afterschool Program based in schools across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. The selected Teaching Artists will work with a group of youth (8-15 participants) to create a brave space and a strong ensemble of Artivists using Girl Be Heard’s Leadership as Ensemble framework. Teaching Artists (TA , TAs) will give participants a foundation in performance-based storytelling, and cultivate an understanding of social justice and issues affecting women, girls, and gender-expansive youth around the world. They will also lead participants through the creative process of writing and preparing original performances for community engagement events. 

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in theater education and one or more performance disciplines including theater, dance, vocal performance, music and/or visual arts. We particularly seek artists with a strong personal artistic practice rooted in social justice. Girl Be Heard’s Teaching Artists foster healthy relationships amongst the group, making explicit connections to leadership and youth development. TAs should be comfortable tackling social justice topics and integrate performance-based exercises into every session. Lastly, TAs facilitate an environment for play, community building, and critical consciousness. Teaching Artists will be trained on the GBH Empowerment Curriculum & Leadership as Ensemble framework. 

Afterschool Teaching Artists will be hired for the new program cycle running from October 2024 to June 2025. The weekly commitment for this teaching residency is approximately 5-6 hours. Program dates and site locations will be shared during the interview process. After School TAs will facilitate sessions once per week for 1 hour with their cohort. Sessions may take place Monday through Friday, between the hours of 2-6 pm (EST). Additionally, TA’s complete 2 hours per week of curriculum development and lesson planning, as well as 1 hour devoted to session reporting. GBH TA’s will be expected to support recruitment, 2 milestone performances, and attend scheduled TA Trainings, supervision meetings and support. 

Responsibilities: 

• Serve as a positive, engaging role model for a diverse group of young people as they explore personal identity, leadership, and global issues through theater/performance. 
• Learn the GBH Empowerment Curriculum & Leadership as Ensemble framework, and plan lessons to serve the goals of the curriculum. 
• Utilize background (performing arts, visual arts, writing) to create adaptable lesson plans and special projects/activities for participants. 
• Facilitate weekly workshop sessions in accordance with the Leadership as Ensemble framework 
• Complete all required paperwork in a timely manner to support programming, administration, and monitoring and evaluation, including weekly session reports.
• Practice weekly communication with participants and site partners to support relationship development and participant retention. 
• Support the recruitment and outreach efforts throughout the year, and support the organization at fundraisers and cultivation events, as needed. 
• Attend all required TA trainings and TA meetings. 

Qualifications: 

• Experience creating lesson plans and/or curriculum writing, facilitating a variety of hands-on, interactive workshops with diverse populations, i.e., students with disabilities, English Language Learners, different socioeconomic backgrounds, etc. 
• A demonstrated artistic practice in one or more art forms (music, dance, theater-making, voice, film/stage writing) 
• An understanding of a broad range of social justice issues impacting youth including racial justice, gender equity, LGBTQIA+ and mental health. 
• Experience implementing effective classroom management strategies, including healing centered facilitation. 
• Ability to plan and/or co-teach with others TAs, and articulate goals and objectives.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills. 
• 4 years of equivalent relevant work experience preferred, in the areas of Education and/or the Arts, or Bachelor’s degree. 
• Strong sense of community and knowledge of NYC culture. 
• Compliance with NYC Department of Education requirements, including the provision of fingerprints through the PETS (Personnel Eligibility Tracking System) portal, to work in NYC schools.

Note: 

We are seeking NYC-based candidates for this teaching residency. 

Interviews will be held virtually and candidates will be asked to prepare a 5-7 min demo lesson in addition to submitting an artistic portfolio. 

Candidates must also have an artistic background with at least 5 years of teaching and leading experience with an entrepreneurial drive with an inclination to utilize a visionary’s mind in creating the means to sustain and develop strategies to ensure the Department’s success. 

Compensation: 

The hourly rate is $40/hr for 5 hours of Teaching and Curriculum Development, including training, lesson plan support and $25/hr for 1-2 hours of Administrative Duties and Session Reporting. Total weekly hours should not exceed 7 hours. Expected time range for this role is in alignment with our season from October 2024 through June 2025. Overtime hours must be approved by the Manager and will be compensated at the appropriate rate according to New York State labor laws.

About Us: Girl Be Heard builds leaders, changemakers, and activists. We do this by developing, amplifying, and celebrating the voices of girls and young women through socially conscious theater-making, performance, and storytelling. Girl Be Heard’s education curriculum encourages our participants to think critically about social justice, challenge stereotypes, foster friendships, and build tools for bringing about positive change in their communities. Our programs are housed in 13 sites in NYC, one global program in Trinidad and Tobago and are also accessible virtually online.

Learn more about Girl Be Heard by visiting girlbeheard.org or Instagram.com/girlbeheard

Work Environment: We're a dedicated and energetic team that values a collegial, transparent environment. We work hard to support each other in all ways. We value innovators, people with big ideas and even bigger passion and know-how to make those ideas happen. This is a growth opportunity for the right person looking to really take ownership of an important aspect of our organization and guide us to the next level.

Girl Be Heard’s office is located in DUMBO, Brooklyn, and is air-conditioned and located in a wheelchair accessible building. Girl Be Heard seeks a broad spectrum of employees and is strongly committed to a diverse and equitable work environment. Queer individuals, trans people, people of color, and women are highly encouraged to apply. Girl Be Heard is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender identity or expression, color, national origin, ability, ethnicity, ancestry, sexual orientation, age, religion, or belief. Girl Be Heard is committed to complying with all applicable labor laws and regulations, ensuring a safe and equitable work environment. We prioritize the well-being of our employees by fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and support. Our policies reflect our dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (DEIAB), and we strive to create a workplace where all employees can thrive.

How to apply: 

Apply with your resume to jobs@girlbeheard.org before September 20th, 2024.