[Summer 2026] Elementary Creative Studio Instructor

Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to annually serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of seven PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports-based youth development programs. Through our commitment to rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, deep family and community engagement, and health and wellness, we create lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom. We dream big, as well, with an aggressive five-year plan to expand to serve 3,500 students across seven schools—growing our organization’s impact and leveling the playing field for all children. To learn more, visit wearedream.org.

Creative Studio Instructors design and lead engaging, hands-on art experiences for elementary students that encourage creativity, exploration, and self-expression. Through mediums such as mural-making, papier-mâché, mixed media, and other tactile projects, instructors create a dynamic studio environment where students can experiment, build, and bring their ideas to life. Instruction should be structured yet flexible, allowing for student choice while maintaining clear guidance and support.

We are looking for instructors who can facilitate open-ended creative projects, introduce a variety of artistic techniques and materials, and foster imagination and problem-solving. Sessions should emphasize collaboration, creativity, and pride in one’s work, while ensuring activities are inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and engaging for all learners.

Specialists deliver 45 to 75 minute sessions to groups of 18–20 students in grades K–5, supported by two Youth Workers.

Responsibilities:
• Design and deliver curricula for enrichment activities that are aligned to the DREAM curriculum and program model;

• Collaborate with Youth Workers, Enrichment Dean, and Dean of Student Life (DSL) to provide a cohesive and fun experience for youth;

• Embed literacy throughout all instruction;

• Prepare all materials before activities begin and facilitate a thorough clean up afterwards;

• Encourage youth to positively participate in activities;

• Serve as a role model while demonstrating professional behavior;

• Implement all health and safety protocols as required, including ensuring child safety and responding appropriately to any incidents;

• Note: Enrichment activities that require materials/resources will be given a conservative budget on an as-needed basis.

Qualifications:
• Must be at least 18 years of age;

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree or certification in related field preferred;

• 2+ years of experience working with groups of youth, or similar experience required;

• Ability to independently lesson plan and implement lessons;

• Clear passion for and knowledge of specialty area;

• Understanding of effective youth development strategies and conflict resolution;

• Exemplary social, organizational, and communication skills;

• Dedication to the program and ability to collaborate with colleagues to ensure a positive, productive youth experience;

• A strong belief in the mission and values of DREAM, including the desire to make a difference in the lives of our students, families, and community.

Commitment:
• Start date: 6/22/2026

• End date: 7/31/2026

• Days & hours: Monday - Thursday: 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM

• Dates and hours are subject to change

Locations:
• This position will work at one of DREAM's three campuses:

• East Harlem: 1991 2nd Avenue, New York, NY

• Highbridge: 1162 River Ave, Bronx, NY

• Mott Haven: 20 Bruckner Boulevard, Bronx, NY

Benefits:
• DREAM offers the following benefits to our part-time employees:

• 403(b) retirement plan, with employer matching up to 4% after one year of employment (12-month continuous period) in which you work a minimum of 1,000 hours;

• Disability benefits;

• Referral bonuses;

• Access to our Employee Discount Program, offering savings on travel, entertainment, retail, and more;

• High-performing part-time staff have the opportunity to apply for the DREAM Teaching Fellowship, through which they can earn a Bachelors or Masters degree and become full-time teachers at DREAM.

Compensation:
• DREAM offers competitive compensation commensurate with relevant experience with the potential for a seasonal increase. The rate for this position for incoming staff is between $25 and $33 per hour. New hires are typically brought into the role at a salary closer to the start of the range depending on qualifications and internal equity.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At DREAM, diversity, equity, and inclusion are a matter of mission.

From our schools to our playing fields, DREAM is committed to building a team where each individual can bring their full identity and experience to work because representation matters—it enriches our team culture, enhances our ability to innovate, and strengthens our impact in and out of the classroom. DREAM engages staff that represent and appreciate the diversity of our majority Black and Hispanic student body, while working to ensure that our practices are equitable, welcoming, and productive. We are dedicated to creating a world where youth, especially youth of color, have permission to dream—along with the tools and opportunities to make their dreams reality.

Come dream with us.

DREAM Maxims

All Kids Can. This Kid Can.
DREAM is Family.
Fun is a Serious Value.
Teamwork Makes the DREAM Work.
Fail. Persist. Exceed.
DREAM Big.

Applying to DREAM

We know applying for a new job can be a daunting process. In addition, studies have shown that historically underrepresented individuals often only apply to roles if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We encourage all applications! You may be just the person we need. If you have any questions about your application or interview process, do not hesitate to ask your recruiter; we are here to help!

DREAM provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. If accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact your recruiter.