Branching OUT Teaching Artist

Written By Amplifi Digital

Job Description

Treehouse Shakers’ is seeking committed, high-energy teaching artists to be a part of our school programming Branching OUT. Branching OUT is an arts in education program for ages 12-18. This program, taught either in the general classroom, as a small group, or as an After-School program, is for young people who identify as LGBTQIA+, or are seeking to become better allies. Branching OUT centers on discovering and exploring one’s story and identity through an intentionally artist-led format. The program is a creative practice that nurtures a safe and supportive environment between participants and teaching artists. During the program, young people create and explore personal narratives that are turned into a podcast episode, dance, song, artwork or poetry. This group helps to address the unique challenges faced by queer and gender non-conforming youth, and their allies, while also sharing information about Queer history, and learning about different performance art-making practices. We aim to foster both connections and community that will aid LGBTQIA+ young people to gain creative skills, build peer connections, and develop powerful coping mechanisms that can be applied to the world around them.

Job Requirements 

  • MUST be an advocate for LGBTQIA+ people and show a willingness to continue learning as identity and language constantly evolves

  • TA’s must have demonstrated previous experience teaching in their discipline, in NYC public school settings or youth-centered spaces.

  • Fingerprinted with NYCDOE and in compliance with NYCDOE health guidelines. If not fingerprinted, must be willing to be fingerprinted and receive a background check.

  • 3+ years of teaching experience.

  • Experience working with LGBTQ+ youth ages 11-18.

  • Possess the skills to build a curriculum with a focus on queer history and arts-integrated lessons, with a focus on social action, that teach academic content while collaborating with other teaching artists and managers, providing weekly lesson plan feedback.

  • Comfortability in maintaining a student-led structure within large classes, with a high-level of classroom management, and/or without a co-teacher.

  • Proficient in all Google Suite applications (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms, etc.)

  • Excellent communication skills and can confidently handle challenging conversations and problem-solve effectively.

  • Expertise in an arts discipline exhibited through an educational degree and/or professional

  • accomplishment (published writing, exhibited artwork, performance, dance, etc.)

  • Must list Two References.

Qualifications

  • Participate in Treehouse Shakers’ Teaching Artist Training Session

  • Creating a learning curriculum that celebrates Queer history, activism, and builds community for young people.

  • Work independently to implement programming.

  • Serve as a mentor and committed to being a positive role model.

  • Encouraging the principles of unity, equity, creativity, artistry and joy.

  • Working independently to prepare lesson plans, after-class reflections and check-in with the Treehouse Shakers leadership.

  • Being an Exemplary Representative of the Treehouse Shakers team when in the school.

  • TA’s report directly to the Program Coordinator, and are supported by Treehouse Shakers’ Artistic Leadership Team.

Details

Start Date: Fall 2025
Salary:
$100-$130 per-hour
Half-Day Pay Rates $250 (3 classes or less)
Full-Day Pay Rates $300-$400, dependent on school (4 classes or more)

To Apply 

Submit the following materials to artsined@treehouseshakers.com

  • Resume/CV

  • 45-minute lesson plan exploring a person in queer history that contains interactive art activities in theater/dance/songwriting/poetry etc.

  • One page document answering the following questions: 

    • Branching OUT is a space where students can share as much or as little about their identities. Sometimes topics on racism, transphobia, homophobia, ableism, and classism come up in student discussions. Provide an example of how you have addressed one of these issues in your past discussions with youth. What steps do you currently take to advocate for others?

    • How do you make sure students feel empowered and supported while teaching art-based lessons? 

Applicants will be notified if an interview is requested.

Amplifi Digital https://amplifi.digital
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Casting Notice: Fall 2025