Instructor

ABOUT THE ROLE
To continue advancing the impact we have across the communities we serve, Commonpoint is hiring a “LIST ACTIVITY” Instructor situated within the Youth Education Services Department. The Youth Education Services Department provides safe, engaging, and enriching afterschool programs that promote academic success, social-emotional development, youth leadership, and overall well-being for children and families.

The individual hired as a “LIST ACTIVITY” Instructor will design and facilitate high-quality, engaging lessons within their area of expertise while fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Instructors inspire youth through hands-on learning experiences that build skills, confidence, creativity, and social-emotional growth while supporting the goals of the program.
Across the agency, our seasonal and part-time staff play a crucial role in driving our initiatives forward by supporting daily operations, program delivery, and organizational goals.

This role reports directly to the Program Director.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
Agency Expectations
● Support agency initiatives by carrying out assigned duties accurately and efficiently, while following established processes and contributing to basic data collection, reporting, or documentation as required.
● Use agency resources responsibly by following established procedures, safeguarding equipment and materials, and/or supporting cost-effective operations.
● Work effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and cross-department teams to ensure clear communication, timely task completion, and a positive, respectful work environment.
● Follow all safety protocols, policies, and procedures to maintain a safe work environment for staff, partners, and the public, and promptly report concerns or incidents.

Role Expectations
Instruction & Curriculum Delivery
● Develop and implement engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans aligned with program goals, learning objectives, and the approved curriculum.
● Deliver high-quality instruction within an assigned content area, such as STEM, Literacy, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Health & Wellness, Leadership, College & Career Readiness, Financial Literacy, or other enrichment areas.
● Prepare instructional materials, supplies, and classroom spaces to support organized, engaging, and effective learning experiences.
● Differentiate instruction to meet the academic, developmental, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of diverse learners.
● Foster creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving through hands-on, project-based, and interactive learning experiences.
● Assess student participation and progress through informal observations, projects, demonstrations, and other age-appropriate methods.

Youth Development
● Build positive relationships with youth while creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment.
● Incorporate Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies into daily instruction through relationship building, reflection activities, teamwork, and positive behavior modeling.
● Promote student engagement, leadership, confidence, and active participation in all instructional activities.
● Utilize positive classroom management strategies that reinforce respectful behavior and support student success.

Program Operations
● Maintain accurate attendance and complete required program documentation in a timely manner.
● Promptly communicate participant concerns, behavioral issues, injuries, or program-related concerns to the Program Director or Assistant Program Director.
● Assist with completing incident reports and other required documentation as needed.
● Organize, maintain, and properly care for instructional materials, equipment, and learning spaces.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
● Collaborate with Group Leaders, Program Aides, and program leadership to ensure instructional activities support overall program goals.
● Participate in staff meetings, coaching sessions, classroom observations, and professional development opportunities.
● Assist with participant surveys and other program data collection efforts to support continuous quality improvement.
● Support family engagement events, student showcases, culminating projects, and other special events as assigned.

Compliance & Professionalism
● Follow Commonpoint, DYCD, and SACC policies related to participant safety, active supervision, attendance, behavior management, mandated reporting, and required documentation.
● Maintain the privacy and confidentiality of participants and families by following agency policies regarding confidentiality, photography, video recordings, personal devices, and social media. Do not take, share, or post program-related photos, videos, or information without agency authorization.
● Ensure instructional practices are inclusive, equitable, and accessible for youth of all abilities.
● Attend required staff meetings, training, and professional development sessions to continuously strengthen instructional practice.
● Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations.

QUALIFICATIONS & KEY ATTRIBUTES:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
● Minimum of two years of experience teaching, facilitating, or leading activities for school-aged youth in a school, afterschool, camp, or community-based setting.
● Demonstrated knowledge, experience, or expertise in the assigned content area.
● Experience developing and implementing age-appropriate lesson plans and engaging instructional activities.
● Strong classroom management, behavior management, and youth engagement skills.
● Ability to differentiate instruction to support diverse learning styles, abilities, and developmental needs.
● Proficiency with Google Workspace and other technology used to support instruction and program documentation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
● Bachelor's degree or current enrollment in Education, Child Development, Human Services, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, STEM, Physical Education, or another related field relevant to the instructional area.
● Experience supporting youth with IEPs, 504 Plans, English Language Learners (ELLs), or diverse learning needs.
● Familiarity with Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), and trauma-informed practices.
● Experience in a DYCD, Community Schools,, 21st Century, Beacon, school-based, camp, or other youth development program.
● Availability to work Monday through Friday during program hours.
● Bilingual or multilingual skills are welcomed. Fluency in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, Hindi, Uzbek, or other commonly spoken languages is a plus.

KEY ATTRIBUTES of an Instructor
● Instructional Excellence: Designs and delivers engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction that promotes learning, creativity, and skill development.
● Content Expertise: Demonstrates strong knowledge within the assigned instructional area and applies best practices to create meaningful learning experiences.
● Youth-Centered Approach: Builds positive relationships with youth while fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
● Planning & Organization: Develops thoughtful lesson plans, prepares instructional materials, and manages classroom routines effectively.
● Adaptable & Growth-Oriented: Responds positively to changing priorities, incorporates feedback, and continuously improves instructional practice.
● Professional & Safety-Minded: Demonstrates professionalism, maintains confidentiality, follows agency policies, and prioritizes participant safety and well-being.
● Collaborative Team Player: Works effectively with program staff and leadership to support high-quality programming and positive youth outcomes.