Activity Specialist / Enrichment Instructor  (PS 161)

P.S. 161 Juan Ponce De Leon School
628 Tinton Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455

Organization: Areté Education
Position Type: Part-time (School Year and Summer Programming)
Schedule: Monday - Friday (3:30pm - 5:30pm); 13 holidays (12:00pm - 5:00pm); Summer Rising Program (12:00pm - 5:00pm)
Location: On-Site, Bronx, NY
Salary Range: starting rate $25/hr (depending on experience) 

About Areté Education

Areté Education is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving 1,500 students and families annually in the Bronx, Washington Heights, and Bed-Stuy. Through afterschool, summer, and career-connected programs, Areté delivers 5,000+ program hours per year with a 97% graduation rate and 76% post-secondary enrollment. For more information, please visit www.areteeducation.org. 

Position Summary

The Arete Enrichment Instructor will lead engaging and safe learning activities for Arete Education in a Elementary school afterschool Program. We expect excellent performance in the areas listed below. 

Enrichment Areas of Interest

Areté Education is seeking passionate and experienced Enrichment Instructors to lead engaging, hands-on activities for elementary school students in our afterschool program. We are particularly interested in instructors with experience or expertise in the following areas:

• Team Sports & Athletics – Basketball, soccer, flag football, fitness, and team-building activities

• Arts & Crafts – Visual arts, painting, drawing, crafts, and creative expression

• Music – Instrumental music, singing, rhythm, and music appreciation

• Cooking & Culinary Arts – Hands-on cooking, food preparation, and nutrition education

• Photography & Digital Media – Photography, creative storytelling, and digital arts

• Dance & Performing Arts – Dance, drama, theater, and performance

• STEM & Game-Based Learning – Science, technology, engineering, creative problem-solving, and strategy games

• Other Enrichment Specialties – We welcome instructors with unique skills, creative ideas, and specialized interests that can provide meaningful learning experiences for students.

We are looking for creative, reliable, and enthusiastic individuals who can develop age-appropriate lessons, encourage student participation, and create a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Responsibilities & Expectations

• Regular attendance for assigned weekly shifts during program 

• Timely arrival to work

• Completion and regular revisions to curriculum map

• Daily planning of engaging, high-impact learning activities

• A commitment to excellence in your work with students as demonstrated by your positive and caring presence with students and families

• Collaboration with colleagues and supervisors

• Best practices related to keeping accurate attendance of students

• Participation in all professional learning opportunities provided

• Willingness to reflect on strengths and areas for growth to improve individual and team performance

• Accountability for student engagement in your course(s)/club(s)

• Friendly and open communication with families

• Regular communication with supervisors and Areté headquarters staff (email, phone)

• Flexibility in weekly scheduling to best support needs of students and families in program 

• This position is grant-funded and subject to budget considerations

Education and Experience

• 5+ years experience working with youth

• Curriculum and lesson plan writing experience

• Prior internship or work experience working with Arete Education preferred

• Mandated Reporter, Sexual Harassment and Foundations in Health and Safety online trainings required (8-hours) to begin

• Department of Education PETS background clearance

• College diploma, masters preferred

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

• Must be able to traverse the classroom and adjust one’s tone and height, by bending or leaning, in order to support program activities 

Potential Schedule:
Monday - Friday (3:30pm - 5:30pm) - Total hours per week: 10 hours
Summer Program and Holiday Schedule (12:00pm - 5:00pm) - 25 hours