ABOUT ST. NICKS ALLIANCE

St. Nicks Alliance is a nonprofit, nonsectarian community-based organization founded in 1975. St. Nicks Alliance seeks to transform the lives of low- and moderate-income people through employment, education, housing, and health care. We do this by delivering impactful services with measurable outcomes to children, adults, and the elderly. As a civic anchor in North Brooklyn, we carry out this mission within the context of building a sustainable community for all people through the arts, environmental advocacy, and urban planning. 

Central to our mission is St. Nicks Alliance’s Youth & Education. SNA’s Youth and Education team serves more than 6,000 young people each year through our growing portfolio. SNA operates an early childhood center, 22 afterschool centers, 4 DOE Community Schools, 3 community centers, and Career GPS, which includes our extensive youth employment, attendance improvement, and college and career readiness programs for teens and young adults. All programs are grounded in well-established youth development principles and are characterized by trusting, caring relationships with peers and adults; youth engagement and input; and a sense of belonging and community.

Arts education is a critical component of St. Nicks Alliance’s Youth and Education division. SNA’s School Success model for K-8 students incorporates Interdisciplinary Thematic Units which integrate literacy, arts (visual, performing, digital, culinary, and fashion), and dynamic content, from socio-emotional learning to STEM. For high schoolers, diverse arts offerings promote school engagement and allow teens to try new art forms, develop skills in a discipline of interest, prepare for arts-centered colleges, and/or explore careers.

The St. Nicks Alliance Division of Youth and Education is looking for part-time After-school Teaching Artists to work at our programs in Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, Beacons, and Cornerstone Community Centers. Some opportunities may also be available for residencies during the school day. We are hiring in many arts disciplines including (but not limited to) drama, dance, visual arts, digital media, music, culinary arts, yoga, fashion, and martial arts. Teaching artist schedules can be 2-5 days per week, typically during the after-school hours with some school day services possible.

This opportunity is ideal for a passionate arts educator interested in supporting high-needs youth in an arts classroom experience. St. Nicks Alliance is deeply committed to transformational work and seeks teaching artists at all stages of their careers who share in our belief in being present to our students and one another, building trust, and holding ourselves and one another accountable. 

Teaching Artists will be responsible for designing and delivering curricula for arts enrichment activities while ensuring the safety and engagement of youth in an after-school setting. The position requires a passionate, creative, energetic, team-builder and leader committed to providing the highest quality of programming for youth.

RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Design and deliver curricula for arts enrichment projects in your discipline, i.e. performing arts, music, visual arts, etc. 
• Create curriculum maps and lesson plans in advance
• Actively monitor and engage participants during all program activities
• Plan and facilitate purposeful, engaging activities and theme-based projects catered to the age, stage, and interests of participants  
• Serve as a positive role model for participants by demonstrating professional language and behavior  
• Develop positive, caring relationships with young people and their families  
• Utilize youth development principles to enhance program quality and support growth in young people  
• Collaborate with co-workers and program supervisors around effective program operations; uphold all safety standards and procedures  
• Regularly attend and actively participate in training, professional development, and meetings to continuously improve on quality 

REQUIREMENTS  

• Must have deep knowledge of and skills mastery in one or more disciplines (performing arts, visual arts, music, media arts, culinary arts, etc.). An arts-related college degree or certifications are a plus. 
• At least one year of experience working with children and young teens in after-school settings HIGHLY preferred  
• A sound understanding of English including reading, writing, and speaking; bilingual abilities a plus  
• Ability to write and implement lessons that are culturally responsive, promote equity and inclusion
• Ability and willingness to collaborate with other team members  
• A genuine enthusiasm for developing professional skills through training opportunities, observation, coaching, and feedback
• After-school availability between 2pm-6pm, approximately 10-20 hours a week; Monday- Friday; some holidays and holiday weeks  
• Compliance with NYDOE and School Age Child Care Clearances (SACC) requirements, including background checks and medical clearances
• Must be empathetic, patient, understanding, and a good listener. Energy and enthusiasm are welcome. 

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED 

Formal arts training, a plus

HOW TO APPLY 

Please send a cover letter and resume detailing your relevant experience to teachingartistresumes@stnicksalliance.org with “Teaching Artist” in the subject line.