The National Book Foundation (NBF) is seeking writers or other literary professionals who have experience working with young people to serve as Teaching Artists for BookUp, a free, after-school book club-style program for middle-school students. This 24-session program meets regularly once per week for 90-minute sessions, plus two Saturday half-day field trips. Participants select up to 12 books to read each year, engage in book club-style discussions and creative response activities, and interact with the local literary community through field trips and other events.
The program is held at partnering sites across New York City. NBF is seeking to fill one additional site in the South Bronx. Applicants must be able to travel to the site for a 3pm start time on Mondays and/or Tuesdays throughout the school year.
All programs will convene in-person and will run from October 2024 through June 2025. Teaching Artists report to NBF’s Education Programs Manager.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead up to twenty-four 90-minute after-school sessions for approximately 15 students in grades 6 through 8
- Serve as liaison between NBF, partnering site, and other program stakeholders
- Create and submit weekly lesson plans and book orders in a timely manner
- Organize and document student work in preparation for a printed anthology
- Participate in 3 teaching artist cohort meetings per year
- Participate in bi-weekly check-in calls with NBF’s Education Programs Manager; maintain regular email communication
- Assist with the coordination of and attend field trips and a culminating event
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Undergraduate degree in creative writing, literature, or other related field; graduate work preferred
- Previous experience working with young people required; experience with middle school students strongly preferred
- Experience working in an after-school or out-of-school time setting strongly preferred
- At least one published book (or book under contract) preferred
- Experience teaching English Language Learners and/or Spanish language skills preferred
- Willingness to travel to program sites located across the five boroughs
- A patient, flexible, and collaborative spirit
COMPENSATION:
This position pays $150 per session for planning and teaching time; Teaching Artists are compensated for additional planning time beyond regular sessions.
TO APPLY:
Send cover letter and resume as PDFs to bookup@nationalbook.org with the subject line: BookUp Teaching Artist (South Bronx). Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this role.
The National Book Foundation is committed to inclusivity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, marital status, parental status, military service, or disability.