NYSA Photography Teaching Assistant Intern (Unpaid)

About the role

The Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA) is a six-week program designed to help newly arrived refugee youth succeed in the New York City public school system. Up to 135 students from various countries will participate in academic, creative arts, physical education, and life skills classes.

Responsibilities

• Photography Class Duties:
  • Assist the lead photography instructor in facilitating weekly lessons, ensuring students understand concepts such as camera operation, composition, lighting, and storytelling.
  • Plan and lead photography learning sessions under the supervision of the lead photography instructor.
  • Provide one-on-one and small group support to students during class activities, helping with camera settings, troubleshooting technical issues, and providing feedback on their work.
  • Set up and break down equipment (cameras, tripods, lighting, etc.) before and after each class.
  • Support the preparation of class presentations or visual aids as needed and ensure all necessary materials are available for each session.
  • Aid in equipment management and maintenance, ensuring cameras and accessories are properly handled, stored, inventoried, and kept in good working condition.
  • Assist with file management, including organizing, labeling, and archiving student images and maintaining clear digital folder structures.
  • Help students with photo editing software (e.g., Adobe Lightroom), enhancing their images and teaching basic editing techniques.
  • Accompany the group on photography field trips, providing supervision and assisting students with their photography projects in real-world settings.
  • Communicate with parents and students about class updates, special events, or any issues that may arise during the program.
  • Translate written materials into different languages through a language service (training provided).
• Collaborative Photo Project:
  • Track progress on different parts of the project and communicate updates to the team.
  • Document project activities, behind-the-scenes moments, and events through photo and/or video.
  • Assist with exhibit planning, coordination, and production as requested.

Learning Objectives

• Gain experience in photography education and mentoring, particularly in working with refugee and immigrant youth.
• Develop skills in classroom management, lesson planning, and providing individualized instruction in a creative subject.
• Build professional experience in an educational, nonprofit setting with a focus on youth development and cultural integration.
• Enhance planning and facilitation skills by supporting photography-based partnerships between IRC NY and other IRC departments.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled or graduated from a college or master’s program in Photography, Art, Design, Media Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of 1 year of coursework in photography or visual arts (can include continuing education programs).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience using DSLR cameras, either through formal education or self-directed/personal projects.
• Portfolio of 5–10 original images that demonstrate a strong understanding of composition, lighting, and visual storytelling.
• Experience working with youth, particularly those from refugee or immigrant backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with students and work collaboratively in a classroom setting.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in managing class logistics and student work.
• Photo equipment management skills and file management skills for organizing digital assets.
• Fluency in written/verbal English required; preferred but not required fluency in any of the listed languages: Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, Mandarin, Haitian Creole, Dari, Pashto, and/or Arabic.
• Self-starter and team player.
• Competency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Google Apps (i.e. Google Drive), and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Must be based in US, must be a US citizen or have US work authorization.
• Willing to adhere to IRC intern and workplace policies.