After-school Activities Specialist - Competitive Activities - Debate, Chess, Step, Math club (2026-2027)

Manhattan Youth Recreation and Resources, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 71,000; Part time

Job summary

Manhattan Youth Recreation and Resources, Inc. is hiring part-time After-school Teachers/Activities Specialists for the 2026-2027 year.

You will lead clubs such as debate, chess, math, and step, guiding students in social, emotional, and academic development across sports, arts, enrichment, and leadership. Among the responsibilities are curriculum design, lesson planning, and coordinating with Education Directors.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of teaching or youth program experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience with educational technology instruction is a plus.
• Ability to engage diverse groups of children and families.
• Strong communication and collaboration with staff.

Responsibilities

• Work with Education Directors to design program curriculum.
• Create lesson plans and curriculum aligned with class descriptions and goals.
• Structure instruction to promote student-centered, project-based learning.
• Lead activities and manage daily schedules for 2:30–6:00pm clubs.
• Promote core values and a positive classroom culture.
• Collaborate with staff to foster a supportive community.
• Provide progress updates to Program Director and participate in staff meetings.
• Ensure student safety during activities and field trips; address emergencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Teaching

Youth development

Program design

Classroom management

Curriculum planning

Communication skills

Multi-site flexibility

Teamwork

Creativity

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Manhattan Youth is looking for several part-time After-school Teachers/Activities Specialists to join our dedicated team for the 2026-2027 school year. We are seeking dynamic and energetic individuals to lead our competitive club activities including debate team, chess club, math competition, and step team. After-school teachers are expected to guide students in their social, emotional, and academic development across a range of areas including sports, arts, academic enrichment, and leadership. We are looking for creative, energetic, curious, and enthusiastic teachers with a commitment to positive behavioral approaches and teamwork. Qualified applicants are proactive, caring and results-oriented teachers devoted to evidence-based practices that promote student achievement and well-being. The ability to maintain a positive, caring, and fun attitude; to learn and grow from mistakes; and to set an example as a continuous, open-minded learner is critical. After-school teachers will exhibit creativity, innovation and passion in teaching and are expected to help create an environment that encourages in children creative thinking, verbal communication, independent exploration, self-confidence, self-awareness, and a problem-solving approach to conflict. We are looking to fill multiple roles in order to return our after-school programs to in-person learning. These are part-time, hourly positions available during the school year from September through June, following the NYC DOE schedule. After-school programs operate Monday – Friday from 2:30 - 6:00pm and clubs are 1.25 to 2.5 hours long. Individual schedules will vary by school. Opportunities exist to teach multiple clubs at different schools.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with Education Directors to design program curriculum
• Create lesson plans and curriculum based on Manhattan Youth’s class descriptions and goals.
• Structure classroom instruction to promote student-centered, project-based learning
• Plan, organize and prepare activities and materials for daily schedule and lead children in classroom activities
• Promote and model Manhattan Youth’s core values and behaviors for staff and students
• Collaborate with other staff to create a positive community and showcase of student work
• Actively update Program Director regarding classroom progress and challenges
• Participate in MY staff meetings, development sessions and comply with training requirements
• Ensure safety of groups of children during classroom activities, recreation and field trips, and address emergency situations
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Skills Knowledge and Expertise

• 2+ years teaching experience with middle or elementary school children, after-school setting preferred;
• Bachelor’s degree preferred;
• Demonstrative knowledge of and passion for content area, professional experience a plus;
• Experience with educational technology instruction and practice;
• Ability to build and maintain positive and respectful relationships with families, students and coworkers of diverse backgrounds and identities;
• Proactive problem-solver, able to anticipate issues and thoughtfully handle unanticipated events;
• Willingness to hear feedback, self-reflect, learn and work to improve performance and outcomes;
• Excellent communication skills, ability to articulate ideas and knowledge clearly;
• Multi-site flexibility (may be asked to work at different sites depending on need);
• Ability to love, understand, listen to, nurture, support, and accept all children;
• Proficiency or coaching in some of Manhattan Youth’s program areas (sports, arts, academic enrichment, leadership, etc…), past participation in varsity or college sports and/or theatre a plus.

Benefits

• $44/hour