After School Instructor (4701)

Position Summary

We are searching for energetic instructors with superb social skills, great attention to detail and a passion for working with children & youth. Afterschool instructors will be working directly with incoming 1st through 12^th graders in small and large groups. Candidates for this position should be comfortable planning activities, interacting with all age groups of children and youth, and also be able to make decisions under pressure, while keeping students safe. Instructors should have a growth mindset, be team players, and possess stellar communication and leadership skills.

Afterschool Instructor Responsibilities:

• Plans, leads and implements activities for youth in conjunction with C&Y Coordinators and Manager of C&Y Programs.
• Supervises students and ensures their safety, development, growth, skill achievement and general well-being, in and out of the building
• Ensure that curriculum and lessons are tailored to meet diverse learning styles and abilities of the students attending programs.
• Fosters a positive and inclusive classroom atmosphere where students feel motivated, supported and challenged. Encourage curiosity, creativity and critical thinking through an interactive curriculum.
• Implement classroom management strategies to promote student engagement and behavior management.
• Assists in maintaining accurate program records, including incident reports, and daily attendance.
• Mediates any student disputes; model good sportsmanship and respectfulness
• Assists in the care and cleanliness of the facility used by students during the program
• Communicate clearly, honestly and respectfully with staff, students, parents, and volunteers.
• Knows and understands all emergency procedures associated with the program.
• Responsible for assessing and making recommendations to the C&Y Coordinators and/or the Manager of C&Y programs as to program equipment and supply needs

Note

This position is Full-time during summer: Mon- Friday, 8a- 5p. For select candidates, they can continue part-time during the school year: Wednesday evening availability (5p – 9p), Saturday availability (8a-1:30p). 

Core competencies:

1. Classroom Management and Discipline
   1. Behavior Management: Ability to create and maintain a positive, structured environment where students are engaged and respectful.
   2. Conflict Resolution: Skill in addressing conflicts among students in a constructive way, fostering a peaceful and collaborative atmosphere.
   3. Setting Expectations: Establishing clear expectations and rules for behavior and ensuring consistent enforcement to maintain order.
2. Instructional Skills
   1. Lesson Planning: Ability to design engaging, age-appropriate, and educational activities that align with students' interests and learning goals.
   2. Differentiated Instruction: Ability to adapt teaching methods to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of students, including those with special needs or language barriers.
   3. Hands-on Learning: Utilizing hands-on activities, games, and projects that promote active learning and student engagement after school hours
3. Student Engagement and Motivation
   1. Building Relationships: Establishing trust and rapport with students to create a safe and supportive learning environment.
   2. Motivation Techniques: Using positive reinforcement, encouragement, and tailored challenges to keep students motivated and invested in their learning.
   3. Social-Emotional Learning: Promoting the development of social and emotional skills through group activities, team-building exercises, and individual reflection.
4. Communication Skills
   1. Clear and Effective Communication: Ability to communicate clearly with students, parents, and colleagues, both verbally and in writing.
   2. Collaboration with Team Members: Working with fellow teachers and staff to coordinate activities, share best practices, and ensure that students are supported across all areas of development.
5. Adaptability and Flexibility
   1. Adaptability to Changing Needs: Ability to adjust lesson plans or activities based on students' needs, interests, and unexpected changes.
   2. Problem-Solving: Quick-thinking and solution-oriented in addressing challenges, whether it’s a student’s behavior, a scheduling conflict, or a resource issue.
6. Knowledge of Child Development
   1. Understanding Developmental Stages: Familiarity with the physical, cognitive, and emotional development of children to ensure that activities and lessons are appropriate and supportive of their growth.
   2. Supporting Individual Growth: Understanding the unique needs of each child, including those with different learning abilities or backgrounds, and providing the appropriate support.
7. Safety and Risk Management
   1. Ensuring Student Safety: Ability to follow safety protocols and procedures to prevent accidents, injuries, and other risks during afterschool activities.
   2. Emergency Preparedness: Knowledge of emergency procedures (e.g., fire drills, evacuations, first aid) and the ability to remain calm and responsive in crisis situations.
8. Program Development and Organization
   1. Planning and Preparation: Creating structured, well-organized schedules for afterschool activities that balance fun with learning, keeping students engaged throughout the session.
   2. Resource Management: Effectively using available materials and resources to enhance the learning experience, ensuring that activities run smoothly and that students have everything they need to participate.
9. Cultural Competency and Inclusivity
   1. Respecting Diversity: Understanding and valuing the diversity of students, including their cultural backgrounds, abilities, and life experiences.
   2. Promoting Inclusivity: Ensuring all students feel included and valued, and addressing any disparities in participation or access to activities.
10. Professionalism and Continuous Learning
    1. Professional Conduct: Demonstrating a positive, professional attitude, reliability, and accountability in interactions with students, parents, and colleagues.
    2. Self-Reflection and Growth: Commitment to ongoing professional development, staying informed about new teaching strategies, and reflecting on one’s own teaching practices to improve outcomes.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated history of responsibility, dependability and maturity; ability to be flexible, creative, and adaptable to situations
• Ability to relate to young people and keep a professional distance is a must
• A self-starter with strong organizational and time management skills
• Possess ability to work in a team in various environments with minimal supervision
• Comfortable assisting people of diverse economic, social and ethnic backgrounds
• Must have a driver’s license; ability to drive a 15 passenger van
• Bachelor’s degree (BA, BS); at least three years of experience and/or training that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Willing to consider non-degreed applicant with 2-5 years of experience.
• Previous experience with early childhood education and/or special education students is a plus.
• Bilingual preferred but not required