Afterschool Enrichment Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Afterschool Enrichment Teacher is responsible for developing and delivering engaging, project-based activities that inspire middle school students to explore new interests and develop essential skills. Key responsibilities include managing classroom dynamics, leading group activities, and building strong relationships with students to foster a sense of community and belonging. This position requires a creative, adaptable individual who can connect with students and ignite their curiosity in new and exciting ways. 

This is a part time role. Approximately 4 hrs per week, plus planning time.

OUR CULTURE: 

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.  We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Design and Implement Enrichment Activities: Develop and deliver a diverse range of enrichment activities that align with the program’s goals, including STEM, arts, humanities, physical activities, and more. Tailor lessons to meet the interests and needs of middle school students. 
• Engage and Inspire Students: Create a dynamic and supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to explore new ideas, take risks, and develop critical thinking skills. 
• Collaborate with Staff and Partners: Work closely with other program staff, community partners, and volunteers to ensure a cohesive and enriching experience for all students. Share ideas and resources to enhance program offerings. 
• Assess and Support Student Progress: Monitor and assess student participation and progress, providing feedback and support to help them reach their full potential. Adapt activities to ensure all students are engaged and learning. Conduct pre/post evaluations to assess student growth. 
• Foster a Positive and Inclusive Environment: Promote a culture of respect, inclusivity, and collaboration among students. Address any behavioral issues promptly and effectively, maintaining a safe and positive atmosphere. 
• Communicate with Families: Keep parents and guardians informed about program activities, student progress, and any concerns. Build strong, supportive relationships with families to foster student success. 
• Administrative Duties: Complete necessary administrative tasks related to lesson planning, attendance, and program evaluation. Assist with program logistics as needed. 
• Act as a professional role model: Maintain good public relations with parents and school personnel and understand that you represent the YMCA and maintain a positive disposition, demeanor, and attire. 

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: 

• Engaging Community: Builds bridges with others in the community to ensure the Y’s work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit.  
• Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, equity and inclusion, and cultural competence.  
• Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause.  
• Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment.  
• Program Management: Ensures programs or project goals are met and intended impact occurs.  
• Emotional Maturity: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations.  
• Developing Self & Others: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in education, Child Development, or a related field is required. Current teaching certification is preferred. Preference will be given to Cranston Public School Teachers.   
• Experience: Prior experience working with middle school students in an educational or enrichment setting is highly preferred. Experience in after-school programming is a strong advantage. 
• Passion for Education: A genuine interest in working with young adolescents and helping them develop academically, socially, and emotionally. 
• Creativity and Innovation: Ability to design and deliver creative, hands-on activities that engage middle school students and make learning fun. 
• Strong Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to connect with students, families, and colleagues. 
• Classroom Management: Strong classroom management skills with the ability to create a structured, yet flexible learning environment. 
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with other staff members, volunteers, and community partners. 
• Certifications required within the first 60 days of hire: YMCA approved basic lifesaving skills such as CPR, First Aid, AED, and Emergency Oxygen. This position must be able to respond to safety and emergency situations.  

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Work is performed in a fast-paced school environment. Position requires attending meetings at different off-site locations.  
• Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to safely supervise children’s activities. 
• Visual acuity is required for reading computer screens and/or documents and making changes as necessary/required.  
• This job requires high levels of alertness and concentration. This position requires analytical abilities and multitasking to identify problems and recommend solutions.  
• This job requires accuracy and attention to detail, organizational, and time management skills, while maintaining high levels of initiative to work within deadlines. 
• Occasional stooping and bending with regular lifting of up to 20 pounds is required.  
• The incumbent must be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time, and the ability to manipulate keyboards, telephone keypads, and writing utensils is essential.