Teaching Artists - Signature Performing Arts Programs

Learning Through an Expanded Arts Program•New York, NY

10d•$45 - $65•Onsite

About The Position

LEAP seeks passionate and skilled Teaching Artists to join our Signature Performing Arts Programs (SPAP) team. Teaching Artists lead specialized residencies in K–12 schools across New York City, facilitating standardized curriculum frameworks for programs such as LEAP 360 (musical theater + history), Project VIBE (movement + spoken word), Young Artivists (arts + activism), and LEAP OnStage (playwriting). They guide students through project-based, inquiry-driven creative processes that integrate storytelling, history, social justice, and arts-based learning. Teaching Artists collaborate with students, educators, school partners, and LEAP staff to culminate residencies in original performances that showcase student voice and celebrate diverse stories and perspectives.

Requirements

Minimum 2 years of experience teaching in K–12 school settings
Demonstrated excellence in one or more performing arts disciplines listed
Proven ability to implement a standardized, project-based, arts-integrated curriculum
Experience directing and staging culminating performances that reflect student learning, creativity, and artistic excellence
Familiarity with culturally responsive and inclusive teaching practices, including experience working with Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners
Strong communication, organizational, and classroom management skills
Passion for using the arts to honor diverse stories, identities, and perspectives and to create learning spaces where all students thrive
Punctual, responsible, resilient, and self-motivated, with a proactive approach to problem solving
Flexible schedule and willingness to travel to sites across multiple boroughs
Bachelor’s degree in the Arts or Education, or equivalent professional experience

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated proficiency in one or more disciplines, including musical theater, theater, dance, vocal music, piano, guitar, playwriting, or spoken word
Ability to direct and stage culminating performances that reflect student voice, creativity, and artistic excellence
Commitment to artistic rigor and the creative process, ensuring students build strong artistic skills and confidence while exploring their creative voices
Strong teaching practice grounded in project-based learning, student inquiry, backwards planning, and arts-integrated instruction
Experience implementing and adapting a standardized curriculum framework to meet diverse classroom needs while maintaining program fidelity and learning outcomes
Ability to connect artistic practice to academic content, historical context, and social issues to deepen student learning and engagement
Capacity to create a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment where students feel supported, challenged, and empowered
Skill in fostering ensemble collaboration, facilitating productive group dynamics, and cultivating student discipline, leadership, and accountability
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build and sustain positive relationships with students, educators, school partners, and program staff
Collaborative approach and ability to work effectively within a creative team to align instructional strategies, plan lessons, and support culminating events
Deep commitment to honoring diverse stories, identities, and perspectives and weaving them meaningfully into arts learning experiences
Experience working with Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners, ensuring that all students can participate fully and thrive
Dedication to continuous learning and growth as an educator and artist through professional learning communities and organizational training
Flexibility and adaptability in responding to classroom dynamics, student needs, and program goals across multiple school settings
Commitment to ongoing reflection and practice to continually strengthen approaches to arts education and creative youth development

Responsibilities

Facilitate a standardized curriculum framework for Signature Performing Arts Programs; (LEAP 360, Project VIBE, Young Artivists, and LEAP OnStage) - guiding students through a project-based, inquiry-driven creative process that integrates arts and academics and culminates in original performances.
Direct and stage high-quality final performances that showcase student voice, artistry, and learning for school communities, families, and citywide festivals.
Lead engaging, student-centered lessons that connect storytelling, history, social justice, and performance while fostering creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
Create inclusive and supportive classroom environments where students explore, express, and grow as artists and scholars.
Adapt the standardized curriculum framework to meet classroom needs while maintaining program fidelity and learning goals.
Collaborate with SPAP leadership, fellow teaching artists, and school partners to align strategies, support student progress, and prepare for culminating events.
Integrate reflection, ensemble-building, and artistic rigor into the creative process to deepen student understanding, expression, and academic connections.
Complete required documentation such as lesson plans, attendance, assessments, and performance details accurately and on time.
Participate in professional learning communities and trainings to strengthen instructional practice and align with LEAP’s creative youth development approach.
Support performance logistics, including timely supply requests and production preparation.