Position: Instructor (1 position available)

Part-time, Contract

Location: Dallas, TX 

Target Start Date: September 2024

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, 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 our school-based writing programs, primarily in West Dallas. 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 K-12 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 instructional space, equipment, and supplies and ensure program materials are prepared for each lesson.
  • Check-in weekly with the West Dallas Project Lead or Program Manager
    • Align on student and program goals and timeline
    • Determine additional needs or areas of support for programs
  • Work closely with Champion Teachers to make adjustments to schedules, programming calendar, and lessons.
  • Monitor student progress.
  • Document programming through reports and photography.
  • Collect and organize student work.
  • Assist with editing student work for publications.
  • Assist with planning the book launch community event.
  • Distribute and collect program surveys and consent forms. 

Compensation

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

Time Commitment

The Instructor is committed to the entire duration of the project. Overall hourly commitment between 5-8 hours per week; approximately 5 hours of instructional time and 1-3 planning and prep hours each week. Details below:

• • Instruction: 
    • Classes will be conducted in person. 

• Classes will run during regular school days and hours.

• • Program staff may also facilitate writing workshops for high-school age youth on occasional weekends or weekday evenings.
• Planning and Instructional Preparation:
  • Weekly check-ins with Project Lead or Program Manager.
  • Attendance at monthly team meetings is optional but encouraged (time will be compensated).
  • Prepare instructional materials as needed for programming.

Strong Candidates Will Bring:

• Preferred candidates are college graduates or 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 students become stronger writers. 
• Proven track record of being dependable, a continual learner, flexible and have a strong work ethic.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Progress towards a college degree in English, Education, Reading & Literacy, Child Development, or a 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.

To apply, please complete the online application here. You will be required to upload your resume. Please include your last name in the file title (example: Smith_Resume). If you do not have a Google address or have trouble uploading your documents, please email your files to 826dallasproject@826national.org with subject line “Instructor Application”. 

Candidates are encouraged to apply before August 31, 2024. Position will remain open until filled.

For questions, please contact 826dallasproject@826national.org.