Activity Specialist - New Media

Note:  Any offer of employment is contingent on providing proof of COVID-19 vaccination according to LEAP & DOE requirements. 

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. 

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 teaching New Media, 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.

New Media Arts at LEAP refers to all arts created with digital technology, including: digital photography and design, digital sound, and the moving image. Each genre emphasizes and develops competencies in storytelling, exploration, and experimentation. Examples include:

• Digital Design & Images: digital photography, digital painting, graphic design, web design, game design, app design, and robotic sculpture
• Digital Sound & Sound Design: music production, DJ, and podcasts
• Moving Image: filmmaking, PSA’s, animation, and music videos

TIME COMMITMENT

You must be available to work between two to five days per week during the hours of 2:30-6:00pm. 

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, prepared to follow schedule provided by program leadership at all times.
• Manage program arrival, attendance, and dismissal.
• Monitor children at all times during program hours; including safe and organized use of outdoor/indoor equipment, bathroom breaks, arrival, departure, and transitions between classes.
• Ensure program areas are clean and safe from beginning to end of each program day.
• 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 daytime school community to help reach, meet, and build positive relationships with parents.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Two (2) years of experience working with youth in a classroom or group setting
• Demonstrated excellence in New Media
• Experience successfully instructing youth in the arts, with evidence working towards a culminating project
• College degree in the Arts or Education, or equivalent experience
• Proficiency in ELA, Math, Science or Social Studies content for academic support or enrichment
• 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
• Experience working in a multicultural environment
• Able to pass all NYS SACC clearances and background checks inclusive of a work physical and TB
• Exemplary in all areas of the job, including planning, engagement, facilitation, and professionalism
• Ability to relate to officials, staff, and public in a courteous manner 

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!!! 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Part-time Wage: Hourly commensurate with experience
• Hours: Vary per placement and school season.
• Part-Time: This position accrues sick/personal time

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.