After School Teaching Artist

About Our Organization

Girl Be Heard builds leaders, changemakers, and activists. We do this through developing, amplifying and celebrating the voices of girls and young women through socially conscious theatre-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. 

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. 

Job 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 safe space and a strong ensemble of artivists using Girl Be Heard’s Empowerment Curriculum. Teaching Artists 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 performing two original performances and an end-of-year community engagement event.

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in theater education and one or more performance disciplines (specifically theater, poetry/spoken work, dance, vocal performance, etc.) 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 building 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 September 2022 to June 2023. Program dates and site locations will be shared during the interview process. After School TAs will meet weekly for 2 hrs with their cohort M-Th between the hours of 2-6 pm (EST). In addition to the weekly workshops with participants, GBH TA’s will be expected to attend scheduled TA Trainings and TA meetings. GBH TAs are also expected to support recruitment efforts. The weekly commitment for this role is up to 5-6 hours per week. 

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 organization 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. 

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

Interviews will be held in person and candidates will be asked to prepare a 10 min lesson demo in addition to submitting an artistic portfolio. 

 

Roles & Responsibilities

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 that meet the goals of the curriculum.
  • Utilize background (performing arts, visual arts, writing) to create adaptable lesson plans and special projects/activities for participants.
  • Complete all required paperwork in a timely manner to support programming, administration, and monitoring and evaluation, including weekly session reports.
  • Adhere to practice of 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, cultivation events, as needed.
  • Attend all required TA trainings and TA meetings.

How to Apply

Apply with resume to jobs@girlbeheard.org 

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.