Journalism Teaching Artist

Posted On: January 15, 2021

Media-Related Job

Media Organization: 826NYC

Company Description

826NYC's mission is to encourage the exploration of endless possibility through the power of writing. To empower students with the skills to write their own paths forward, undefined by circumstance. To support new and exciting approaches to writing and inspire student engagement. And to foster generations of creative writers and thinkers, who together will define a better future.

Job Description

826NYC — a Brooklyn-based writing and tutoring nonprofit — is hiring a dynamic and experienced Teaching Artist for its Write All About It program. Write All About It will provide middle school students from marginalized and under-resourced communities in Brooklyn with an ongoing, year-round journalism workshop focused on building expository writing skills, while developing students’ confidence, sense of community, and civic responsibility. 826NYC will publish student pieces on a rolling basis in an online magazine, managed via Medium.

Students enrolled in the journalism program will learn how to conduct interviews, research articles, and write compelling, factual, newsworthy stories rooted in their local community. Students will be encouraged to examine issues that impact and interest them locally, and to draw connections to national events and movements.

826NYC is seeking a Teaching Artists to design the curriculum for and lead this journalism program. Meetings will be once per week from 4-5:30pm, and will be conducted via Zoom until 826NYC resumes in-person programming, after which the program will meet in person at 826NYC’s center in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Seeking a start date as early as mid-February.

The Teaching Artist should not only be a writer with a journalism background, but also be passionate about literacy education and have experience working with students. This position will be supervised and supported by the 826NYC Director of Education. Teaching Artists will also have the support of trained volunteers, who assist students with their writing during workshop sessions. The output of this program will be the regular publication of student work via Medium. The teaching artist will be responsible for overseeing the posting process.

Reports to: 826NYC Director of Education

Supervises: Project volunteers

Duration and Hours: Weekly 90-minute sessions throughout the school year; possible extension into summer; plus planning time

Major Responsibilities

– Design an age-appropriate, project-based journalism curriculum for students grades 5-8
– Facilitate each weekly session
– Communicate regularly with the Director of Education
– Oversee on-site volunteers, acting as a liaison between volunteers and students
– Coordinate the ongoing publication of student work on Medium.com
– Submit lesson plans, timesheets, reports, and other administrative documents

Requirements:

Desired Qualifications

– Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience
– Demonstrated excellence in journalistic writing
– Experience working with youth
– A passion to improve literacy and a deep commitment to student success
– Exceptional communication skills, both written and interpersonal
– Excellent organizational skills: ability to multi-task
– A strong work ethic, a collaborative spirit, self-starter
– Proficient with computer applications — (i.e. Microsoft Office suite)
– A deep passion and commitment to the mission of 826NYC

To Apply

Please submit your application here (https://826nyc.typeform.com/to/jJ2A8NTi). No phone calls, please.

You will need to include the following items in your application:

1. A cover letter explaining your approach to teaching journalism, your relevant experience, and a specific explanation of why you are interested in teaching journalism at 826NYC.

2. A resume that demonstrates your experience as a writer and educator.

3. Brief outlines of two journalism sessions for a group of students grades 5-8, including learning goals, questions for students, and activities to address learning goals. This outline should also include how you would utilize the support of volunteers during each session.

4. Two professional references.