Position: Project Lead (1 position available)

Contract, Temporary

Location: Dallas, TX 

Target Start Date: January 2022

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 Project Lead to lead in-person writing instruction and manage the day-to-day operations of a school-based Writers’ Room pilot at Uplift Atlas Preparatory School. This opportunity is ideal for early-career educators looking to build their skillset in program facilitation and coordination with a growing organization dedicated to amplifying student voice.  

This position reports directly to the 826 Dallas Project Program Manager and will include some supervisory responsibilities of an additional program Instructor and volunteers assisting in the Writers’ Room Space. The individuals who will be most successful in this role are comfortable working and making decisions independently, 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
  • Facilitate culturally-responsive, TEKS-aligned writing lessons to support students in producing writing that authentically reflects their voice and ideas
  • Collaborate with classroom teacher and campus to ensure program materials support instructional goals for students, as well as plan recognition celebrations for participating classes at conclusion of programming
  • Adhere to the project instructional calendar
  • 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

• Program Support:

• • Maintain the Writers’ Room space, equipment, and supplies and ensure that program materials are prepared for each lesson
  • Supervise and give direction to the program Instructor and any volunteers assisting in the Writers’ Room space, which includes logging hours worked/volunteered
  • Collect pre- and post-program surveys from students and teachers, and ensure that student writing is documented after each program
  • Document pilot programming through reports and photography.
  • Meet weekly with the Program Manager and campus staff to:
    • Align on student and pilot goals and program timeline
    • Coordinate volunteer needs and participation
    • Determine additional needs or areas support for the pilot

Compensation

The Project Lead will receive an hourly rate of $30/hour; paid monthly. Benefits are not included with this part-time role.

Time Commitment

Project Leads are committed to the entire duration of the project. Overall hourly commitment between 10-15 hours per week (approximately 6 hours of instructional time and 4 hours of planning and prep hours weekly). Details below:

• Classroom Instruction: 
  • Classes with students will run from January 16 through April 13, 2022, possibly extending through May 2022. Classes will be conducted in person at Uplift Atlas in East Dallas.
  • Minimal lesson planning or curriculum development is needed–the bulk of instructional resources will be provided to Project Leads prior to the start of programming with opportunities to modify and refine curriculum throughout the project in partnership with the 826 Dallas Project Program Manager.

• Planning: 

• • Weekly instructional planning meetings with Program Manager + check-ins with campus staff.
  • Preparation of program materials and assembly of publication projects.
  • Some prep work and meetings can be conducted remotely from home on a flexible schedule as needed. 

Strong Candidates Will Bring:

• Preferred candidates are experienced / retired literacy or writing teachers looking for some part-time employment or recently graduated college students with completed coursework in Education, Reading, Child Development, Speech/Language, English, Literacy majors.
• If you can take a lesson plan and create excitement and love of learning to impact our future leaders, then 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:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in English, Education, Reading & Literacy, Child Development, or related field required. 
• At least 2 years prior experience facilitating learning experiences required (inclusive of experience conducted as a volunteer); prior experience working with middle or high school-aged youth preferred. 
• At least 2 years prior experience supervising support staff or working with volunteers is highly desirable. 
• 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.

Please complete this application form, and email the below materials to the 826 Dallas Project at dallasprograms@826national.org:

• Updated Resume as a PDF
• Brief letter of interest that includes details of prior teaching experience and experience working with youth

Submit by Wednesday, January 25; Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For questions, please contact dallasprograms@826national.org.