Literacy Leader (Part-Time, After-School)
About the role
St. Nicks Alliance is hiring Literacy Leaders to lead after-school literacy programming at elementary and middle school sites across North Brooklyn (Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Bushwick, and Bed‑Stuy). Literacy Leaders lead twice‑weekly literacy lessons for groups of 10‑20 students using an internally developed curriculum. No teaching certificate is required. The role provides the curriculum, weekly paid professional development, and one‑on‑one instructional coaching. Literacy Leaders also give feedback to curriculum writers, shaping future materials. Ideal for paraprofessionals, teaching assistants, teaching artists, education or English students/recent graduates, and anyone exploring an education career who wants real classroom experience with strong support.
Responsibilities
- Lead twice‑weekly literacy lessons for groups of 10‑20 elementary or middle school students using the internally developed curriculum.
- Provide targeted small‑group and individual instruction incorporating Science of Reading elements and the day school's literacy techniques.
- Build lessons that draw on students' home culture, values, interests, and language.
- Assess student work formally and informally to determine growth and next steps; document learning through notes, work collection, and photos.
- Collect literacy outcome and attitudinal data for the School Success Model research program.
- Keep site directors and group leaders informed about each student's strengths and challenges.
- Participate in regular professional development and coaching sessions with the Instructional Coach or Associate Director of Education.
- Give feedback to curriculum writers on what is working and what is not.
- Collaborate with the school's literacy team to align curriculum with school goals.
- Coordinate with the BK Story Voyager coordinator on book selection and programming.
- Partner with reading specialists, tutors, teaching artists, and the school's SEL transformational coach.
- Follow DOHMH, OCFS, and CDC safety protocols; stay actively engaged in supervising students across all program components (meals, transitions, outdoor play, field trips, arrival, dismissal).
Requirements
- At least two years leading lessons or structured activities for groups of ten or more children.
- No teaching certificate required.
- Competency in lesson leadership, including effective transitions, student engagement, and clear directions.
- Ability to build productive relationships with students while maintaining appropriate adult‑child boundaries.
- Strong self‑awareness and interest in or experience with Social Emotional Learning.
- Prior professional development in literacy, youth development, or teaching.
- Exceptional communication skills for working with leadership, program directors, colleagues, students, parents, and school faculty.
- Understanding of the strengths and challenges of the student population, including familiarity with their neighborhoods, cultures, languages, and values.
- Capacity to adapt in dynamic after‑school environments.