About the Role
LEAP seeks passionate and skilled Teaching Artists to lead specialized residencies in afterschool programs across New York City. Teaching Artists will facilitate standardized curriculum frameworks for programs such as LEAP 360, Project VIBE, Young Artivists, and LEAP OnStage. They will guide students through project-based, inquiry-driven creative processes integrating storytelling, history, social justice, and arts-based learning, culminating in original performances that showcase student voice and celebrate diverse stories.
Responsibilities
- Facilitate a standardized curriculum framework for Signature Performing Arts Programs, guiding students through a project-based, inquiry-driven creative process that integrates arts and academics and culminates in original performances.
- Direct and stage high-quality final performances that showcase student voice, artistry, and learning for afterschool communities, families, and citywide culminating activities.
- Lead engaging, student-centered lessons that connect storytelling, history, social justice, and performance while fostering creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
- Create inclusive and supportive classroom environments where students explore, express, and grow as artists and scholars.
- Adapt the standardized curriculum framework to meet classroom needs while maintaining program fidelity and learning goals.
- Collaborate with Afterschool & SPAP leadership, fellow teaching artists, and school partners to align strategies, support student progress, and prepare for culminating events.
- Integrate reflection, ensemble-building, and artistic rigor into the creative process to deepen student understanding, expression, and academic connections.
- Complete required documentation such as lesson plans, attendance, assessments, and performance details accurately and on time.
- Participate in professional learning communities and trainings to strengthen instructional practice and align with LEAP’s creative youth development approach.
- Support performance logistics, including timely supply requests and production preparation.
Requirements
- Minimum 2 years of experience teaching in an afterschool school setting.
- Demonstrated excellence in one or more performing arts disciplines.
- Proven ability to implement a standardized, project-based, arts-integrated curriculum.
- Experience directing and staging culminating performances that reflect student learning, creativity, and artistic excellence.
- Familiarity with culturally responsive and inclusive teaching practices, including experience working with Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners.
- Strong communication, organizational, and classroom management skills.
- Passion for using the arts to honor diverse stories, identities, and perspectives and to create learning spaces where all students thrive.
- Punctual, responsible, resilient, and self-motivated, with a proactive approach to problem solving.
- Flexible schedule and willingness to travel to sites across multiple boroughs.
- Pre-employment screening is required for this position, including criminal history checks.
Skills
- Musical theater
- Theater
- Dance
- Vocal music
- Piano
- Guitar
- Playwriting
- Spoken word
- Project-based learning
- Student inquiry
- Backwards planning
- Arts-integrated instruction
- Classroom management
- Ensemble collaboration
- Verbal communication
- Written communication
- Cultural responsiveness
- Working with Students with Disabilities
- Working with English Language Learners
- Adaptability
- Reflection
- Problem solving
Location
- Bronx
- Manhattan
- Brooklyn
Work Type
- Part-Time
- On-Site (1) Day Per Week
- Multiple locations
Experience Level
- Commensurate with experience
Education Level
- Bachelor’s degree in the Arts or Education, or equivalent professional experience
Salary/Compensations
- $35-$50 per hour
About the Company
- At LEAP, we don’t just build great programs — we build a great place to work.
- You’ll thrive here if you’re excited to be part of a mission-driven, people-centered, and joy-filled team.
- Community-oriented, believing in a shared moral responsibility.
- Creative, flexible, and open-minded.
- Collaborative and mission driven.
- Accountable to ourselves, each other, and our goals.
- Committed to feedback and clear, consistent communication.
- Champions of a compassionate and inclusive culture.
- Supporters of self-care and the well-being of others.
- And above all… FUN!
- At LEAP, you’ll be empowered to grow, lead, and make a lasting impact — all while being part of a community that values who you are and what you bring.
Equal Opportunity
- WE ARE AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
- LEAP does not sponsor individuals on O-1 visas.
