The Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York (http://www.CenterForBlackLiterature.org) seeks part-time Teaching Artists for its 2025 Re- Envisioning Our Lives Through Literature (ROLL) program. The premise of ROLL is to integrate literature 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, expand their knowledge of diverse cultures, and improve their critical reading and writing skills. Learn more about the program here: 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 nonfiction, poetry, short stories, skits, and music inspired by the chosen literary theme. In-class sessions occur twice weekly, each lasting 45 minutes, consisting of 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 Director of Operations and Literary Programs. 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.
• Supporting students in 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 coordinator in producing the youth program for the National Black Writers Conference (NBWC).
• Collaborating with students and teachers in producing the ROLL closing program.
• Collaborating with teachers and students in creating content for the ROLL Anthology.
• Providing an evaluation of the workshops and program.

Compensation

$2,400 per classroom residency. The rate includes compensation for in-class sessions, the professional development workshop and program events. (TAs) may be assigned to one additional classroom residency based on experience and availability.

Send a résumé and cover letter via email to:
Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College, CUNY
Email: info@centerforblackliterature.org

Cover letter must include:

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