Electives Teacher

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that responds to the world’s worst crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Established in 1933, the IRC has grown to operate in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to providing assistance to refugees and displaced individuals. The organization focuses on various sectors including health, education, economic wellbeing, and protection, aiming to restore safety, dignity, and hope to those affected by conflict and disaster.

Job Overview:
The Electives Teacher position at the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA) is a critical role designed to support newly arrived refugee youth in acclimating to the New York City public school system. This six-week program serves students aged 5 to 21 from diverse backgrounds, providing them with academic and creative opportunities. The Electives Teacher will be responsible for developing and implementing engaging classes for Upper School students (Grades 6-12), focusing on culturally responsive teaching methods. The curriculum may include topics such as film studies or other subjects that align with the interests of the students and the goals of the NYSA instructional leadership. The teacher will work collaboratively with other staff members to ensure a supportive learning environment and will be expected to participate in all mandatory programming, including planning sessions and training.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Electives Teacher will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: participating in mandatory school programming and collaborative planning sessions; developing a culturally and developmentally responsive curriculum for multilingual learners in grades 6-12; submitting daily lesson plans and instructional materials in advance; conducting formative and post-assessments to guide instruction; serving as a mentor for peer mentors in the classroom; leading classroom climate in accordance with the Academy's philosophy; engaging in instructional coaching cycles; recording student observations and completing program evaluations; maintaining student data and progress reports; planning for and incorporating volunteer Peer Mentors; substituting for colleagues as needed; providing early and/or after-care supervision; and completing report cards for each student. Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Electives Teacher position should possess a Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, with a Master’s degree preferred. Classroom teaching experience in New York City public schools or similar educational settings is strongly preferred. Experience in curriculum development and teaching elective subjects, particularly in film or social-emotional learning, is highly desired. Candidates should also have experience working with English Language Learners and refugee or immigrant populations. Strong relationship-building and classroom management skills are essential, along with a highly organized, dependable, and collaborative work style. Cultural humility and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are critical attributes for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have at least a Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, with a preference for those holding a Master’s degree. This educational background should include coursework or training relevant to teaching multilingual learners and developing inclusive curricula that cater to diverse student needs.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have significant classroom teaching experience, particularly within the New York City public school system or similar educational environments. Experience in curriculum creation and teaching elective subjects is strongly desired, along with a background in social-emotional learning and working with refugee or immigrant populations. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of effective teaching practices and the ability to engage students from diverse backgrounds.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in a relevant second language is highly desirable, with languages such as Arabic, Dari, Farsi, French, Fulani, Haitian Creole, Russian, Spanish, and Ukrainian being particularly beneficial for communication with students and families.

Additional Notes:
The working environment for the Electives Teacher is located in a centrally situated school in New York City, and all applicants must be willing to relocate to the area for the duration of the Academy. This position is represented by the OPEIU union and is subject to collective bargaining agreements. Compensation for this role is set at a pay range of $27.50 per hour, with specific offers determined by factors such as work location, candidate experience, and skills. The IRC is committed to equal opportunity employment and adheres to professional standards that promote integrity, service, equality, and accountability. Benefits for short-term employees in the U.S. include a 403b retirement savings plan with immediate vesting, sick leave, and access to an Employee Assistance Program for staff and their families.