Position: Instructor (1 position available)

Contract, Temporary

Location: Dallas, TX 

Target Start Date: March 2023

About the Organization

826 is a national network of youth writing and publishing centers whose goal is to encourage the exploration of endless possibilities through the power of writing.  With the support of 826 National, local organizations including UNT Dallas, Big Thought, and Writers Garrett, are working together to bring a chapter of 826 to Dallas; this working group is called the 826 Dallas Project.

Inclusion Statement

As an organization committed to encouraging youth in their creative expression, personal growth, and academic success, 826 National and its chapters recognize the importance of diversity at all levels and in all aspects of our work. In order for us to serve students in a manner that is respectful, culturally sensitive, and effective, we must collectively and intentionally invest in building a diverse and inclusive organization where all are safe and welcomed. 

UNT Dallas Foundation prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, marital status, English fluency, parental status, citizenship, military service, or disability of any person employed by or seeking employment with the UNT Dallas Foundation. The UNT Dallas Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.

About the Role

826 Dallas Project seeks a part-time Instructor to support in-person writing instruction at a school-based Writers’ Room at West Dallas STEM School. This opportunity is ideal for early-career educators looking to build their skillset in program facilitation with a growing organization dedicated to amplifying student voice.  

This position reports to the West Dallas Project Lead with additional support by the 826 Dallas Project Program Manager. The individuals who will be most successful in this role are comfortable working with and advocating for middle school-age youth, committed to collaboration and relationship-building, and are looking to grow their capacity as a teacher and facilitator. 

About the Position

• Instruction and Curricular Facilitation:

• • Cultivate a classroom culture of joy and excitement around writing and creative expression
  • Provide individualized support to students as they navigate the writing process to become more confident writers and develop strong writing samples to be included in publication projects
  • Co-facilitate culturally-responsive, TEKS-aligned writing lessons to support students in producing writing that authentically reflects their voice and ideas
  • Adhere to the project instructional calendar

• Program Support:

• • Assist the Project Lead in maintaining the Writers’ Room space, equipment, and supplies and ensures that program materials are prepared for each lesson.
  • Check-in weekly with the West Dallas Project Lead
    • Align on student and pilot goals and program timeline
    • Determine additional needs or areas support for the pilot
  • Document pilot programming through reports and photography.

Compensation

The Instructor will receive an hourly rate of $25/hour; paid monthly. Benefits are not included with this part-time role.

Time Commitment

The Instructor is committed to the entire duration of the project. Overall hourly commitment between 5-8 hours per week. Details below:

• Classroom Instruction: 

• • Classes with students will run from March-April on Monday afternoons from 3-5pm, and Thursday during the school day from 9:00-2:30. Classes will be conducted in person at schools in West Dallas. 
  • In May and June, the Instructor will also assist 826 Dallas staff in editing student work for our upcoming book publication, as well as planning the book lunch party for the community. 
  • Approximately 5 hours of instructional time and 1-2 planning and prep hours each week.

• Planning: 

• • Weekly in-person check-ins with Project Lead.
  • Attendance at monthly virtual programs team meetings is optional but encouraged (time will be compensated).

Strong Candidates Will Bring:

• Preferred candidates are current college students with completed coursework in Education, Reading, Child Development, Speech/Language, English, Literacy majors, or experienced / retired literacy or writing teachers looking for some part-time employment.
• If you enjoy fostering a culture of creativity with young people and are enthusiastic about writing and student voice, this job is for you. 
• We are seeking candidates that bring out positive aspects in every challenge.
• You must enjoy being a part of an instructional team environment and passionate about helping secondary (middle & high school) students become stronger writers.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Progress towards a college degree in English, Education, Reading & Literacy, Child Development, or related field required; completion of a Bachelor’s Degree is preferred. 
• Some prior experience facilitating learning experiences required (inclusive of experience conducted as a volunteer); prior experience working with middle or high school-aged youth preferred.
• Proven track record of being dependable, a continual learner, flexible and have a strong work ethic.
• Qualified candidates must complete a background check and submit fingerprints as required by Uplift Education.

Interested Applicants should submit the following to dallasprograms@826national.org:  

• Updated Resume as a PDF
• Brief letter of interest that includes details of prior teaching experience and experience working with youth
• Please use ‘West Dallas Instructor Application’ in the subject line of the email. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For questions, please contact dallasprograms@826national.org.