The Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York http://www.CenterForBlackLiterature.org seeks a part-time teaching artist for its 2024 Re- Envisioning Our Lives through Literature (ROLL) program. The premise of ROLL is that literature should be integrated into the English Language Arts curriculum in creative ways that may include drama, poetry, the spoken word, and story. The emphasis of this program is to incorporate African diaspora literature into the classroom. Through reading, studying, and writing about this literature, students build their knowledge base about literature from another culture, expand their knowledge of diverse cultures, and improve their critical reading and writing skills. https://centerforblackliterature.org/re-envisioning-our-lives-through-literature/

Teaching artists (TAs) collaborate with classroom teachers to develop lesson plans aligned with the teacher’s curriculum objectives, fostering student inspiration and self-expression. Each year, a distinct genre of fiction or nonfiction literature serves as the focal point of the program, guiding students in crafting creative pieces such as non-fiction, poetry, short stories, skits, music, and multimedia projects inspired by the chosen literary theme. In-class sessions take place twice a week and include read-alouds and collaborative instruction, utilizing a co-instructional model led jointly by both classroom teachers and teaching artists.

The Teaching Artist (TA) reports to the Re-Envisioning Our Lives through Literature (ROLL) program director. Planning for the program will occur in the fall and implementation of the program will be in the spring. (TA) is responsible for the following activities:

• Providing students and teachers with specific strategies for enhancing dramatic writing, creative writing, spoken word, and performance skills.
• Providing support to instructors and students for compiling creative renditions of literary texts.
• Collaborating with teachers and the professional development coach in the creation of lesson plans to support the goals of ROLL
• Collaborating with teachers and the program director in producing the youth program for the National Black Writer’s Conference.
• Collaborating with students and teachers in producing the ROLL closing program.
• Collaborating with teachers and students in creating content for the ROLL Anthology.
• Collaborating with Program Director in scheduling trips and guest artists.
• Providing an evaluation of the program.

$60/hr. for in-class facilitation, $25/hr. for event/meeting participation Total: $2,400/per classroom residency. Additional $2,400/per classroom if assigned to multiple classrooms.

Send a résumé and cover letter, via email, to:
Robyne Walker Murphy, Director of Literary Programs
Center for Black Literature Medgar Evers College, CUNY
ROBYNE.WALKER99@mec.cuny.edu
Submission Deadline: Friday, December 8th

Cover letters should include:

• How your educational, work experience and/or artistic background aligns with the Center for
  Black Literature mission and programs.
• Background information about your role as a teaching artist.
• Brief description of your experience with arts related projects.
• The names, email addresses, and day phone numbers of two references who can speak
  to your experience, particularly your facilitation skills and ability to engaging young
  people through the arts.