Instructor

Commonpoint Queens (Samuel Field YM and YWHA); United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Commonpoint Queens (Samuel Field YM and YWHA) seeks a Dance Instructor for its Youth Education Services Department to design and deliver engaging, age-appropriate dance lessons within an afterschool program. The role focuses on creating a safe, inclusive learning environment and promoting creativity, confidence, and social-emotional growth.

With up to 19 hours per week, in-person Monday–Friday afterschool sessions, this position reports to the Program Director and supports program goals through

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience teaching, facilitating, or leading activities for school-aged youth in a school, afterschool, camp, or community-based setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge, experience, or expertise in the assigned content area.
• Experience developing and implementing age-appropriate lesson plans and engaging instructional activities.
• Strong classroom management, behavior management, and youth engagement skills.
• Ability to differentiate instruction to support diverse learning styles, abilities, and developmental needs.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and other technology used to support instruction and program documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans aligned with program goals, learning objectives, and the approved curriculum.
• Deliver high-quality instruction within the assigned content area, such as Performing Arts.
• Prepare instructional materials, supplies, and classroom spaces to support organized, engaging learning experiences.
• Foster creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving through hands-on learning experiences.
• Assess student participation and progress through informal observations, projects, demonstrations, and other age-appropriate methods.
• Build positive relationships with youth and create a welcoming environment.

Skills

Dance instruction

Lesson planning

Youth engagement

Differentiated instruction

Education

Bachelor's degree or current enrollment in Education, Child Development, Human Services, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, STEM, Physical Education, or related field

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE

To continue advancing our impact across the communities we serve, Commonpoint is hiring a Dance Instructor within the Youth Education Services Department. The Youth Education Services Department provides safe, engaging, and enriching afterschool programs that promote academic success, social-emotional development, youth leadership, and overall well-being for children and families. The individual hired as a Dance Instructor will design and facilitate high-quality, engaging lessons within their area of expertise while fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Instructors inspire youth through hands‑on learning experiences that build skills, confidence, creativity, and social‑emotional growth while supporting the goals of the program. Across the agency, our seasonal and part‑time staff play a crucial role in driving our initiatives forward by supporting daily operations, program delivery, and organizational goals. This role reports directly to the Program Director.

Agency Expectations

• Support agency initiatives by carrying out assigned duties accurately and efficiently, while following established processes and contributing to basic data collection, reporting, or documentation as required.
• Use agency resources responsibly by following established procedures, safeguarding equipment and materials, and/or supporting cost‑effective operations.
• Work effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and cross‑department teams to ensure clear communication, timely task completion, and a positive, respectful work environment.
• Follow all safety protocols, policies, and procedures to maintain a safe work environment for staff, partners, and the public, and promptly report concerns or incidents.

Instruction & Curriculum Delivery

• Develop and implement engaging, age‑appropriate lesson plans aligned with program goals, learning objectives, and the approved curriculum.
• Deliver high‑quality instruction within an assigned content area, such as STEM, Literacy, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Health & Wellness, Leadership, College & Career Readiness, Financial Literacy, or other enrichment areas.
• Prepare instructional materials, supplies, and classroom spaces to support organized, engaging, and effective learning experiences.
• Differentiated instruction to meet the academic, developmental, behavioral, and social‑emotional needs of diverse learners.
• Foster creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and problem‑solving through hands‑on, project‑based, and interactive learning experiences.
• Assess student participation and progress through informal observations, projects, demonstrations, and other age‑appropriate methods.

Youth Development

• Build positive relationships with youth while creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment.
• Incorporate Social‑Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies into daily instruction through relationship building, reflection activities, teamwork, and positive behavior modeling.
• Promote student engagement, leadership, confidence, and active participation in all instructional activities.
• Utilize positive classroom management strategies that reinforce respectful behavior and support student success.

Program Operations

• Maintain accurate attendance and complete required program documentation in a timely manner.
• Promptly communicate participant concerns, behavioral issues, injuries, or program‑related concerns to the Program Director or Assistant Program Director.
• Assist with completing incident reports and other required documentation as needed.
• Organize, maintain, and properly care for instructional materials, equipment, and learning spaces.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with Group Leaders, Program Aides, and program leadership to ensure instructional activities support overall program goals.
• Participate in staff meetings, coaching sessions, classroom observations, and professional development opportunities.
• Assist with participant surveys and other program data collection efforts to support continuous quality improvement.
• Support family engagement events, student showcases, culminating projects, and other special events as assigned.

Compliance & Professionalism

• Follow Commonpoint, DYCD, and SACC policies related to participant safety, active supervision, attendance, behavior management, mandated reporting, and required documentation.
• Maintain the privacy and confidentiality of participants and families by following agency policies regarding confidentiality, photography, video recordings, personal devices, and social media. Do not take, share, or post program‑related photos, videos, or information without agency authorization.
• Ensure instructional practices are inclusive, equitable, and accessible for youth of all abilities.
• Attend required staff meetings, training, and professional development sessions to continuously strengthen instructional practice.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations.

QUALIFICATIONS & KEY ATTRIBUTES

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience teaching, facilitating, or leading activities for school‑aged youth in a school, afterschool, camp, or community‑based setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge, experience, or expertise in the assigned content area.
• Experience developing and implementing age‑appropriate lesson plans and engaging instructional activities.
• Strong classroom management, behavior management, and youth engagement skills.
• Ability to differentiate instruction to support diverse learning styles, abilities, and developmental needs.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and other technology used to support instruction and program documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or current enrollment in Education, Child Development, Human Services, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, STEM, Physical Education, or another related field relevant to the instructional area.
• Experience supporting youth with IEPs, 504 Plans, English Language Learners (ELLs), or diverse learning needs.
• Familiarity with Social‑Emotional Learning (SEL) and trauma‑informed practices.
• Experience in a DYCD, Community Schools, 21st Century, Beacon, school‑based, camp, or other youth development program.
• Availability to work Monday-Friday during program hours.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills are welcomed. Fluency in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, Hindi, Uzbek, or other commonly spoken languages is a plus.

KEY ATTRIBUTES of an Instructor

• Instructional Excellence: Designs and delivers engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction that promotes learning, creativity, and skill development.
• Content Expertise: Demonstrates strong knowledge within the assigned instructional area and applies best practices to create meaningful learning experiences.
• Youth‑Centered Approach: Builds positive relationships with youth while fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
• Planning & Organization: Develops thoughtful lesson plans, prepares instructional materials, and manages classroom routines effectively.
• Adaptable & Growth‑Oriented: Responds positively to changing priorities, incorporates feedback, and continuously improves instructional practice.
• Professional & Safety‑Minded: Demonstrates professionalism, maintains confidentiality, follows agency policies, and prioritizes participant safety and well‑being.
• Collaborative Team Player: Works effectively with program staff and leadership to support high‑quality programming and positive youth outcomes.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Commonpoint offers competitive base salaries benchmarked against comparable nonprofit organizations in the New York metropolitan area. Salaries are determined based on internal and external equity, as well as each position’s scope, qualifications, and organizational impact. We believe in compensating staff fairly and consistently, ensuring that all salary decisions align with our mission‑driven commitment to equity and transparency. To maintain fairness across the organization, salary offers are set according to established salary bands and are not subject to negotiation. New hires typically start near the beginning of the salary range to allow for growth based on performance, professional development, and tenure.

WORKING CONDITIONS & JOB DETAILS

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed primarily in a school or office setting, with regular activities conducted in classrooms, gyms, cafeterias, outdoor spaces, and other program environments as needed.
• Position may require exposure to varying environmental conditions, including outdoor weather, loud noise, and other conditions associated with school‑age and community‑based programming.
• Requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, and use a computer and other office equipment for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Must be able to lift and carry materials, supplies, and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds, with occasional assistance for heavier items as needed.
• Requires flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends, and extended hours to support program operations, special events, training, family engagement activities, and agency initiatives.
• Travel between program sites, schools, agency locations, and community events may be required based on program, operational, and funding needs.
• Temporary reassignment to alternate program sites, including summer program locations, may also be required to support agency operations.

JOB DETAILS

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday. Typical afterschool hours are approximately 2:45 PM-5:30 PM. Schedules may vary based on program needs and may include earlier start or end times, as well as full‑day shifts during school breaks, holidays, training, meetings, and special events. Up to 19 hours per week. Non‑union position. In Person.

Commonpoint Queens is a community‑centric nonprofit, serving diverse audiences through every chapter of life, across the five boroughs and beyond. We offer a rich range of services through our vast network of professionals, social workers, and volunteers, giving people the tools and resources to succeed. Originally founded in Queens in the early 1960s, we are guided by values of service and justice as we meet the evolving needs of 80,000 people through our wide‑ranging dynamic programs at over 75 locations, including flagship sites in Little Neck, Forest Hills and Elmhurst. And with an inclusive, personalized approach, our exceptional services reflect, nurture, and embrace the breadth of lives we serve across New York and beyond. At every stage and every age, people can look to Commonpoint to find care during a crisis, access opportunities to grow, and deepen their sense of connection to those around them. From summer camps and job training to food pantries and private pool clubs, Commonpoint is by your side. We are proud of our clients, partners, and team members who lift each other up, building relationships for a lifetime. Because being a part of Commonpoint is investing in a community where everyone is invited and welcome.