High School Speech and Debate Instructor

Position: High School Speech and Debate Instructor,

Where: IN PERSON at 610 W 112 th Street, New York, NY 10025

When: October 2026 – May 2027

Day/Time: Saturdays Part Time/ Hourly Paid 10 am -2:30 pm

Liberty LEADS seeks qualified teachers for our 2026-27 after school program. We are seeking an energetic instructor to teach students public speaking and interpersonal communication and collaboration skills that will help them find their voice and use it effectively. Issues will include how government and democracy works and expose students to social and political issues using real-world experiences and engage students with challenging material that is relevant to their lives and interests.

Instructors must have experience engaging students in person or using Zoom if circumstances dictate changing from in person to online classes. Curriculums and daily lesson plans are required for review and approval. Weekly lesson plans must be submitted for review one week prior to class. During remote classes, instructors must appear on camera at all times and persuade students to communicate and participate in the same way. Instructors are expected to deliver a final project to showcase during our end of year celebration.

The Liberty LEADS Program at Bank Street College is a college access and college success program serving students throughout New York City. We offer a comprehensive academic program and a wide range of resources for students in grades 5 through 12, Monday through Saturday, for 10 months of the year. Liberty LEADS works to ensure that youth with few economic resources have access to the support necessary to realize their potential, make positive contributions to society, and smoothly make the transition into college or an entry-level career. The program is guided by the principle that all children have gifts, talents, and great potential and can contribute to one another's social and academic growth.

This position is an hourly paid for after-school and/or Saturday hours.

Responsibilities:

- Create, adapt and implement curriculum for groups of 10 students online or up to 25 students in person that teaches civics, advocacy and the duties and responsibilities of citizens and how government functions
- Engage students and modify curriculum according to needs of students
- If circumstances require online classes, Instructors must have reliable wifi and computers. Instructors must have cameras on at all times and appear on camera in order to persuade students to communicate and participate in the same way
- Manage in person and remote classrooms using positive behavior management strategies
- Meet regularly with the Liberty LEADS High School Adviser/Program Coordinator for supervision and debriefing
- Prepare presentation with students for ‘end of year’ celebration
- Provide lesson plans to supervisor one week in advance for approval.

Qualifications:

- NYS Teacher Certification or professional proficiency in content area preferred
- Special Education teachers strongly urged to apply
- Must possess a Bachelor’s degree; Master’s preferred
- Knowledge and understanding of the Common Core preferred
- Previous experience working with high school youth
- Able to motivate students about Civics and the social science of citizenship.

Hourly Paid Rate Range $50-$60