Teaching Artist

Are you a creative leader and an educator with a background in facilitating youth development content through the arts? Are you passionate about teaching social justice and alternatives to violence? If you answered yes, join DREAM! 

About DREAM!

Dare to Revitalize Education thru Arts & Mediation (DREAM!) is a community-based organization on a mission to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline by encouraging creative confidence in young people and equipping educators with practical skills to support positive student engagement and academic success. DREAM! serves this mission through programs that integrate Restorative Justice Practices and Peer Mediation training in and through the arts.   

DREAM! collaborates with students, families, and educational partners to create positive youth-centered school cultures. Our team utilizes our passions and professional talents to help shape successful learning environments where school violence, suspensions, and arrests are reduced annually.

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Program Manager, Teaching Artists’ will be responsible for the planning, facilitation, and organizing of our in-school and after-school arts-based conflict resolution programs. Teaching Artists will work directly with our youth participants in middle and high schools across NYC. 

The ideal candidate will be an organized artist with a passion for youth development and the arts. In addition, the ideal candidate will possess the ability to:

• Integrate conflict resolution skill-building into arts education 
• Motivate youth to become agents of change
• Serve as a trusted partner and resource for the schools' community

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Teaching Artist -Mediation Facilitation Responsibilities 

• Work closely with the schools' leadership and Restorative Justice team to establish and sustain a student-led Peer Mediation program
• Coordinate and co-host school-wide assemblies introducing and promoting the arts-based Peer Mediation program to middle and high school communities
• Plan and host a weekly arts-based peer mediation campaign club showcasing different art 
• forms that promote the importance of Peer Mediation, Restorative Justice Practices, safe spaces, and creative alternatives to violence
• Schedule and facilitate mediation training for new cohorts of mediators
• Plan and execute project-based arts campaign milestones
• Document and digitize program artwork for showcases, fundraising, and individual youth portfolios   
• Establish mediation policies and protocols for each school 
• Create and facilitate engaging project-based lesson plans emphasizing conflict resolution through the arts for elementary, middle, and high school communities.  
• Track progress and program effectiveness through pre and post-assessments, progress reports, and/or one-on-ones with participants
• Find and schedule exposure opportunities for participants outside of the program immediate area 
• Guide participants in planning and hosting end-of-cycle showcases 
• Assist with program outreach and retention efforts 

Essential Qualifications:

• BA in Arts and/or Education, BFA or related training preferred
• Proficiency in all aspects of your art medium
• A minimum of 3 years experience teaching an art medium, curriculum development, and working with youth 
• Strong oral and written communication skills and an ability to work as part of a team
• Prior work experience with schools and organizing in urban communities or similar
• Give a minimum commitment thru July 2022.

Skills and Approach to Work

• Integrity, credibility, and a commitment/ passion for DREAM!’s mission
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to problem-solve, work with a team, and ask for help 
• Demonstrate effective classroom management skills and the ability to maintain a structured, positive learning environment
• Attend monthly staff meetings 
• Communicate and follow-up regularly with the Program Manager

Compensation

• $45 per hour - Part-time/placement based
• 30 hours of paid training in Peer Mediation, Restorative Justice Practices, and Assistant Mediation Coordination in and through the arts 

 
Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

DREAM! encourages individuals of all ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds to apply for this position. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization, as we want to engage all those who can contribute to this effort.
 
DREAM! is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information or characteristics (or those of a family member) or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

How to Apply

Please email info@dreambx.org a complete application package including:

• Resume
• A cover letter outlining how your skills and qualifications meet the position requirements
• Any salary requirements