ORGANIZATION
Spark Central is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that ignites the creativity, innovation, and imagination necessary for people to forge the path to their best future. We break barriers to creativity like cost, confidence, and access by offering transformative programs, access to innovative technology, and a welcoming creative community for people of all economic backgrounds.
As a charitable organization, we rely on the generosity of the community to keep our membership and programs available at no cost so that income is never a barrier to opportunity.
OVERVIEW
The STAR After-School Lead Teacher teaches 3rd-5th graders Tuesdays-Fridays at Holmes Elementary. This position is $20 per hour for an average of 13 hours per week: 8 hours of teaching, 4 hours of preparation and cleanup, and 1 hour of meeting with the Education and Community Engagement Manager. The position starts Monday, September 28, 2026 and ends on Friday, June 4, 2027 with hours fluctuating during school breaks.
DESCRIPTION
A STAR Lead Teacher is someone who works to foster a culture of creativity and a supportive, learning environment that fosters healthy, sustainable engagement among students, volunteer mentors, and guest Teaching Artists at Spark’s after-school program. This position is supervised by the Education and Community Engagement Manager and serves on a team of two other Lead Teachers at different school sites.
The Lead Teacher in our STAR after-school program will foster a sense of community among Holmes Elementary School participants by promoting a safe and consistent environment that encourages learning, growth, and exploration through art and social-emotional learning. Lead Teachers will be responsible for teaching pre-prepared lesson plans, setting expectations through classroom management and daily routines, following both school and Spark Central procedures, and fostering a strong culture within the group.
The Lead Teacher will create continuity and consistency in the classroom as they are joined by rotating Teaching Artists who will bring their disciplinary area of expertise to STAR. Lead Teachers will prepare the students by building enthusiasm and setting clear expectations for classroom structure. They will draw connections between different art disciplines and explain to students how these skills build on one another toward larger projects and celebrations.
VITAL CHARACTERISTICS
- Exceptional, demonstrated creativity
- Collaborative spirit and flexibility
- Fabulous sense of humor and play
- Core values of empathy and understanding
- Able to quickly pivot while maintaining a sense of fun and wonder
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Create space for students to share about their lives and artistic expression
- Model and promote healthy boundaries to students
- Draw written and verbal connections between Teaching Artists to connect cross-disciplinary dots
- Written and verbal communication to students, parents and guardians, volunteers, Teaching Artists, and supervisors
- Manage student behavior in the program by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures.
- Deliver lesson plans to facilitate active learning
- Administer pre- and post-surveys and other data tracking metrics developed by the program staff
- Instruct and monitor students in the use of materials and equipment
- Use relevant technology and tools to support and differentiate instruction
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree or higher preferred
- Degrees in education, social work, literacy, behavioral science, or arts preferred
- Experience working with youth
- Teaching, volunteer coordination, social work, after-school program, or camp experience preferred
- Availability from 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm, Tuesday – Friday
- Ability to meet social and emotional needs and learning outcomes through a variety of research-backed classroom management strategies
- Strong communication skills with a variety of age groups and backgrounds
- Ability to improvise or alter plans
- Ability to promote a sense of welcome and safety for youth
- Reliable vehicle or other means of transportation to travel to and from schools and transport materials
COMPENSATION
- $20 per hour.
SCHEDULE
Tuesday through Friday at Holmes Elementary School, for an average of 13 hours per week: 8 hours of teaching, 4 hours of preparation and cleanup, and 1 hour of meeting with the Education and Community Engagement Manager. The position starts Monday, September 28, 2026 and ends on Friday, June 4, 2027 with hours fluctuating during school breaks.
TO APPLY
Send a resume and cover letter to Aimee Brooks at aimee@spark-central.org. Applications will be accepted through August 2, 2026.
