Open Position 1: 1st & 2nd Grade Creative Writing Teacher PositionType: Contract teacher, hourly Compensation: $24/hour Weekly Hours: Up to 5 between August 17 and May 16 (up to 4 during session break)
Open Position 2: 3rd-5th Grade Creative Writing Teacher PositionType: Contract teacher, hourly Compensation: $24/hour Weekly Hours: Up to 10 between August 17 and May 16 (up to 4 during session break)
The Grand Rapids Creative Youth Center (CYC) seeks one contract teacher to lead creative writing programming for twelve 1st & 2nd grade students once per week, and a second contract teacher to lead creative writing programming twice per week for two unique groups of twelve 3rd-5th grade students. Teachers will work with CYC staff and volunteers to foster a safe and supportive community. The organization is especially interested in hiring teachers reflective of its diverse body of students.
Requirements: Minimum Bachelor’s Degree, experience teaching youth, relevant experience with diverse populations, strong interest in and experience with creative writing.
Responsibilities include:
Establishing and maintaining meaningful and constructive relationships with students
Writing, preparing, and teaching weekly creative writing mini-lessons and engaging writing activities, following overarching program year themes and spanning various genres, with support of CYC curriculum and library
Picking students up on foot at MLK and walking back to the CYC for programming
Providing engaging, supportive written feedback on student writing and guiding students to select and polish written work for publication
Working with collaborating artists in a cross-genre project
Overseeing and providing individual support to student-volunteer pairs during Book Club
Addressing harm/conflict as it arises with students and helping students resolve it
Maintaining accurate attendance records and a tidy classroom space
Maintaining clear and open communication with parents, program manager, and volunteers
Successful candidates will possess:
a desire to empower youth through consistent, compassionate leadership
superb classroom management skills
a sense of silliness and adventure
the capacity to support youth in finding and developing their own voices
a passion for diversity, inclusion, and working with the community
a love of writing, reading, and language and the ability to share this enthusiasm with students
a positive, flexible attitude and a willingness to learn and grow
Programming adheres to GRPS holidays and school closings and runs as follows: Start DateAugust 17 Paperwork, trainings, planning timeSession 1: The Book of ExplosionsSeptember 17 – March 14 3rd-5th: Monday & Tuesday, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM 1st-2nd: Wednesday, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PMSession 2: Creative Collaborations April 8 – May 16 3rd-5th: Monday & Tuesday, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM 1st-2nd: Wednesday, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PMYear End Additional HoursMay 22 – Book Launch Dress Rehearsal May 29 – Book Launch
Required Trainings (by the beginning of Session 1): CPR (contractor covers cost), Mandated Reporter (contractor covers cost), Restorative Practices (CYC provides training)
To Apply: Email cover letter, resume, and contact information for two references to Kristin Brace, Executive Director, at kristin@creativeyouthcenter.org by June 8, 2018. Interviews will be scheduled for late June through mid July 2018.