Friends Seminary educates students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, adhering to the values of the Religious Society of Friends. We strive to build a diverse school where students exercise their curiosity and imagination as they develop as scholars, artists and athletes. In a community that cultivates the practices of keen observation, unhurried reflection, critical thinking, and coherent expression, we listen for the single voice as we seek unity. The disciplines of silence, study, and service provide the matrix for growth: silence opens us to change; study helps us to know the world; service challenges us to put our values into practice. At Friends Seminary, education is rooted in the Quaker belief in the Inner Light – that of God in every person. Guided by the testimonies of integrity, peace, equality, and simplicity, we prepare students to engage in the world that is and to help bring about a world that ought to be.
Founded in 1786, Friends Seminary, the oldest continually operating coeducational, independent Quaker school in New York City, seeks a dynamic individual with a passion for working with young learners to join our after-school program. This role involves guiding and supporting elementary-aged children in various activities in collaboration with the Extended Programs team and through independent initiative. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator who enjoys the energy of an elementary school and is dedicated to fostering positive, motivating, and safe learning experiences for children beyond the traditional school day.
This position requires on-site presence at the School from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday, on days that school is in session.
Responsibilities
- Lead or assist classes for students in kindergarten through grade 2 and/or grades 3 through 6.
- Supervise and ensure a secure and positive environment for all students.
- Effectively implement age-appropriate games, crafts, projects, and assist with homework.
- Encourage cooperation, conflict resolution strategies, and respectful communication among students.
- Manage time, program materials, and student groups effectively.
- Promptly communicate issues or concerns to the Director of Extended Programs.
- Implement positive discipline techniques in accordance with Responsive Classroom and address behavioral issues effectively.
- Escort students to and from program spaces.
Qualifications
- At least two years of relevant experience in coaching, after-school, camps, or similar enrichment programs.
- Knowledge of and ability to apply classroom management techniques.
- Experience leading games and activities with elementary school-age children is required.
- Enthusiastic team player with strong interpersonal skills.
- Detail-oriented with outstanding organizational skills.
- Ability to remain calm, patient, and supportive toward students in various situations.
- Punctuality and commitment to the program and students.
Required Education
- Bachelor’s degree required.
Compensation
The pay for this position is $31.00 per hour. This position is not eligible for a benefits package through the School.
To apply, please submit the following:
- Completed Friends Seminary employment application
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Contact information for three to five personal references
When submitting your materials, kindly be sure to reference your first and last name, the position for which you are applying, and where you heard about the position in the subject line. i.e. [last name], [first name] - After-School Instructor - Friends Seminary website. You will receive a confirmation email when you submit your application. No phone calls, please.
Friends Seminary actively promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in all its programs and operations, including admissions, financial aid, hiring, and all facets of the educational experience. To form a community which strives to reflect the world’s diversity, we do not discriminate on the basis of race or color, religion, nationality, ethnicity, economic background, physical ability, sex, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Friends Seminary is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of color and members of other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. We urge all applicants to identify and express their individuality and the ways in which they might enrich and diversify the School community.
Moreover, all successful applicants, whether for a faculty or administrative staff post, must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in their professional lives. Applicants for a faculty position should highlight ways their curriculum, pedagogy, and classroom culture may advance these goals. Applicants for an administrative staff position should highlight ways they seek to promote these goals in their office work, programming, or operational endeavors.
