[2026-2027] Step Instructor

DREAM; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 52,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) retirement plan

Disability benefits

Referral bonuses

Discounted school meals

Employee Discount Program

DREAM Teaching Fellowship

Job summary

DREAM in New York City seeks Enrichment Specialists for its after-school program serving Pre-K to 8th grade students across East Harlem and the Bronx. The role runs Monday-Thursday, 3:00–6:15pm, with flexible three-day selection, in a program that emphasizes arts, culture, STEM, and literacy integration.

You will design and deliver engaging lessons, collaborate with Youth Workers, and uphold health and safety protocols while supporting a positive youth experience at multiple DREAM sites.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age by the role’s start date.
• High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 2+ years experience working with groups of youth or similar experience preferred.
• Ability to independently plan and implement lessons in specialty area.
• Clear passion for specialty area and youth development.
• Strong social, organizational, and communication skills.
• Commitment to DREAM’s mission and values; in-person work during program hours.

Responsibilities

• Grades PreK-3: design and deliver lesson plans for enrichment aligned to DREAM model and early elementary interests;
• Grades 4-8: design and deliver enrichment that culminates in a project or presentation;
• Collaborate with Youth Workers and leadership to provide cohesive, engaging experiences;
• Embed literacy throughout instruction;
• Prepare materials before activities and clean up afterward;
• Encourage positive participation;
• Serve as a professional role model;
• Implement health and safety protocols and respond to incidents;
• Note: materials/resources budget to be provided as needed.

Skills

Youth engagement

Lesson planning

Communication

Classroom management

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor’s degree or certification in related field

Job description

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.

Reporting to the Dean of Student Life, K-8 After School Enrichment Specialists create diverse learning experiences that focus on, but are not limited to, artistic, cultural or STEM activities for students in grades Pre-K to 8 in REAL Kids and DreamBuilders, DREAM’s nationally recognized after school program. Enrichment classes drive toward a collaborative culminating project or performance. Previous enrichment activities offered include Martial Arts, Hip-Hop Dance, Slam Poetry, Art Club, Robotics, STEM, and World Languages. Specialists deliver 45 minute-long sessions to teams of 18-20 students in grades Pre-K-8, supported by one Youth Worker.

Responsibilities

• Grades PreK-3: Design and deliver a series of lesson plans for an enrichment activity aligned to the DREAM program model and that supports interest exploration and enrichment exposure for early elementary students;

• Grades 4-8: Design and deliver a series of lesson plans for an enrichment activity aligned to the DREAM program model and that culminates in a project or presentation;

• Collaborate with Youth Workers, Dean of Student Life and Associate Director of Extended Learning and Enrichment 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: 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 by the role’s start date;

• High school diploma required;

• Bachelor’s degree or certification in related field preferred;

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

• Ability to independently plan and implement lessons in specialty area;

• Clear passion for 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;

• Ability to work in-person during all program hours required;

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

Location

• East Harlem: 1991 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10029
• Mott Haven: 20 Bruckner Blvd Bronx, NY 10454
• Highbridge: 1162 River Ave Bronx, NY 10452

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;

• Discounted school meals through our in-house Scratch Food Program;

• 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.

Commitment

• Start date: 8/25/2026

• End date: 6/4/2027

• Days & hours: Monday-Thursday, 3-6:15pm, Employees can choose any three of those four days, in coordination with their manager.

• Dates and hours are subject to change.

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 $30 and $38 per hour. New hires receive an offer within the range based on relevant experience, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role. Enrichment Specialists are eligible for seasonal compensation increases based on tenure, in accordance with DREAM’s compensation practices. Compensation for Enrichment Specialists who continue their employment with DREAM may exceed the incoming range band above.

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.