Girls First is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), out-of-school program for girls in grades one through four that provides tuition-free services.
The mission of Girls First is to build character, instill a positive sense of self, and provide tangible life skills through a creative curriculum of arts exploration, academic reinforcement, and emotional learning.
Girls First provides a safe, stable environment where students practice respect for self and others, exercise appropriate interactions with peers and adults, discover new skills and talents, and develop tools that will allow them to achieve greater success in school and beyond.
Opportunities Available: Teaching Artist Apprenticeship Program
To apply, please complete this application form: https://forms.gle/HJ2h6uU6Ww16wX8m9.
Please contact Alyssa Franklin, Director of Education, (alyssa@girlsfirst.org) with any questions.
Girls First is seeking enthusiastic, motivated, compassionate, and reliable individuals to complete a part-time 8-month Teaching Artist Apprenticeship Program over the course of the 2024-2025 school year. We are currently searching for a DANCE Teaching Artist for the upcoming program year.
The Teaching Artist Apprenticeship Program equips teaching artists to create a learning environment that is trauma-informed and provides equitable opportunities for growth academically, artistically, and socio-emotionally in a community setting.
Specifically seeking qualified candidates in the field of dance with prior teaching experience. If you are an individual with a background in theatre with dance experience, please do not hesitate to apply.
Apprentices will receive a $1100 monthly stipend for participation, plus paid time off.
Program Description:
Girls First is a free, after school program located in Norristown, PA, for girls in grades 1 through 4. The mission of GF is to build character, instill a positive sense of self, and provide tangible life skills through a creative curriculum of arts exploration, academic reinforcement, and emotional learning. GF provides a safe, stable environment where students practice respect for self and others, exercise appropriate interactions with peers and adults, discover new skills and talents, and develop tools that will allow them to achieve greater success in school and beyond.
Apprenticeship Program Time Requirements
Must be available to attend 20 hours of paid training prior to beginning teaching (September 23 – 26; times TBD)
Must be available Monday – Thursday afternoons from 2:30 – 6:30pm between September 30, 2024 and May 28, 2025 (exception of holidays and school breaks)
Must attend monthly apprentice team professional development meetings (2:00-3:00pm) and monthly individual check-ins
Learning Opportunities:
Gain experience teaching social, emotional, and academic skills through arts explorations
Receive mentorship and professional development throughout the program year
Learn best practices in trauma-informed, arts-based programming
Understand brain-based learning and teaching methods
Opportunity to renew contract for the following program year
Responsibilities:
Promote a safe, fun, and engaging environment for all students
Attend mandatory training sessions, apprentice team professional development meetings, and monthly individual check-ins
Using provided lesson plans, lead two classes per week for up to 10 students
Create and lead weekly Creative Explorations activities inspired by the monthly theme
Complete student assessments
Reflect upon teaching and student interaction experiences and be prepared to discuss and invite feedback
Assist with program mealtime preparation, set up, and program clean up
Provide support to students with program activities
Respond compassionately and effectively to varying student concerns and behavioral reactions
Commitment to ensuring an inclusive environment where all members of the Girls First community are treated with dignity and respect
Qualifications:
Previous teaching experience preferred
Previous experience working or volunteering with youth
Must have reliable transportation to Norristown
Demonstrated proficiency in chosen art discipline
Passion for the arts, education, and community engagement
Possess interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with diverse groups of students, parents, and staff
Ability to practice patience, flexibility, and creative problem-solving abilities
Clear & prompt communication abilities
Ability to work collaboratively in a team and/or group environment
Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check Clearance (Act 34)
Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151)
Federal Bureau of Investigation Record Check Clearance (Act 114)
Girls First is located in Norristown, PA. Please contact Alyssa Franklin, Director of Education, (alyssa@girlsfirst.org) with any questions.
Then send your resume and 3 professional references to alyssa@girlsfirst.org. Resumes will not be considered without the completed application form.
Girls First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, neurodiversity, age, parental status, socio-economic background, military service, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.
