JOBS

About 826NYC:
826NYC is a nonprofit organization that focuses on encouraging the exploration of endless possibility through the power of writing. Our mission is to create spaces where students can build the skills to write their own paths forward, undefined by circumstance, and to support new and exciting approaches to writing and inspire student engagement. Our mission is based on the understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with individualized attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success.

Teaching Artist (creative writing specialty)

826NYC is now hiring Teaching Artists for programs in the 2026-2027 school year. Please be sure to read the list of priority qualifications at the end of this job description.

Teaching Artists lead creative writing programs in New York City public schools and nonprofit organizations. These programs include Extended Day, Young Writers Publish, and Personal Statement Workshops. Programs serve grades 1-12 and can range in length from 6 workshops to a full semester or school year. Projects culminate in an anthology of student work, which is professionally designed and printed, and/or a student reading and celebration.

Teaching Artists are assigned to projects throughout the year based on availability and expertise.

Some projects utilize 826NYC’s genre-based writing curriculum, while others are designed in partnership with classroom educators to align with learning goals and the interests of participating students. Teaching Artists’ responsibilities include adapting existing curriculum and creating new curriculum in accordance with program needs, which may include supporting students with learning differences and English Language Learners.

Teaching Artists should be writers who are passionate about literacy education and have experience teaching writing at the elementary, middle, and/or high school level. This position will be supervised and supported by the 826NYC Director of Education. Teaching Artists may also have the support of trained volunteers during workshops, as schedules allow. Lesson planning and administrative hours are flexible and can usually be completed asynchronously and remotely.

Reports to: 826NYC Director of Education
Oversees: Project volunteers, as needed
Duration and Hours: Project-based during the school year; limited summer projects may be available.
Pay: $50/hr in the classroom plus $25/hr paid time for planning, administrative tasks, and training

PLEASE NOTE: This round of hiring will prioritize candidates who…

  • Speak Spanish at an advanced or fluent level, and/or have sufficient experience teaching English Language Learners to lead writing workshops for Spanish-speaking ELLs.
  • Are available to work in one or more of the following neighborhoods: Brooklyn (Cypress Hills, Coney Island), Manhattan (East Harlem, Washington Heights), Queens (Briarwood, Hunters Point).
  • Are available to lead programs during after-school hours (weekdays, 2:30-5:30)

Major Responsibilities:

  • Design age-appropriate, project-based writing curriculum for grades ranging from 4-12
  • Adapt and implement existing 826NYC curriculum for grades ranging from 1-8
  • Facilitate each in-class session of the program
  • Communicate regularly with the Director of Education and school or partner staff 
  • Support in-class volunteers, sharing workshop plans in advance and providing guidance for working with students during sessions
  • Collect student writing for publications and performances
  • Administer feedback surveys; take attendance; collect publication consent forms
  • Collaborate with other 826NYC staff for the publishing student anthologies and/or student performances
  • Submit lesson plans, timesheets, attendance reports, and other administrative documents

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience
  • Artistic excellence in one or more writing disciplines
  • Experience working with youth in NYC public schools
  • Experience teaching writing, whether in a classroom setting or out-of-school-time learning programs, for elementary, middle, and/or high school-aged students
  • Experience working with youth with a wide variety of learning needs, including students with IEPs and English Language Learners
  • A passion to improve literacy and a deep commitment to student success
  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and interpersonal
  • Excellent project management and organizational skills
  • A strong work ethic, a collaborative spirit, self-starter
  • Proficient with Google tools
  • A deep passion and commitment to the mission of 826NYC

How to Apply:

Please fill out a short application and share your resume here, and you will be contacted if your materials demonstrate a strong fit for 826NYC’s current or upcoming projects. No phone calls or emails, please. At this time, 826NYC is unable to act as a visa sponsor and can only hire teaching artists with prior work authorization.