Splat Lab is a beloved magical STEAM and Social Studies enrichment program that engages youth in hands-on Anthropology and STEAM activities. We are seeking highly skilled master-level Teaching Artists to complement our roster of educators with mixed experience.
Howard Beach Placement:
Tues/Thurs 2:45-5:20 Elementary School Aged
Fridays: 2:45-4:20 Middle School
Far Rockaway - ideal candidate speaks Spanish
Mon, Tues, Wed, 2:15-4:00
We work with schools and after-school programs in a number of ways. We offer extended day, school day residencies, and camps. We have a distinct curriculum that is differentiated for ages 3K-8th grade but primarily work with 3K-3rd grade.
Your role would be to facilitate our curriculum and make magic in the classroom.
Splat Lab has 4 unique rotating stations that change each class: Main Splat (messy station like ooblek) Splat Create (art station like making dot snakes) Open Splat (open station like giant drawings) and Splat Build (Building/engineering station like cup towers). We have hundreds of stations we mix and match each session that are differentiated for each age group.
Our Anthropology Arts classes are available for after school programs and school pop ups that complement social studies units. Classes start with a drawing activity, a small mini-lesson, and art-making activity where youth can create their own version of an artifact. Popular workshops include Egyptian canopic jars, Chinese dragon robes, and Incan llamas.
We push right into school schedules and set up our unique 4-station model. Our program is designed with youth development principals, Montessori elements, and experiential learning all mixed together. We provide the educators, all materials, and curriculum.
Our stations always include a sensory station (DIY clay, instasnow), a building station (cup towers, building challenge) an open station (giants collaborative scrolls), and a create station (pizza necklaces, dot snakes). It all happens at once and it's a whole vibe.
Master Teaching Artists facilitate our curriculum and modify projects and group management based on the individual needs of each site. For many placements, you will work with a counselor or teacher from the school (not from Splat) and must be comfortable and strong with delegating and utilizing the extra help. Master Teaching Artists must have strong group management and facilitation skills, especially since each assignment will be made up of new students who you are meeting for the first time. We will provide all the materials and logistical support. Master Teaching Artists ensure the workshops are magical, highly professional, and engaging for all students.
We will provide high-quality training for educators to learn the teaching method and curriculum. When Master Teaching Artists are paired with a Splat TA, you will give clear directions for their role in each session. Pairs will debrief and communicate frequently about how to make sure workshops are continually high quality, fun, and smooth.
Position Qualifications: We are looking for Master Teaching Artists who can learn any kind of curriculum and make it fun and intellectually satisfying. We need the type of person who kids can’t wait to see, with group management skills to ensure a smooth, fun, and exciting class.
- Minimum 5 years as a working teaching artist, specialist, or museum educator working with youth in a leadership role: leading groups in after school, summer camps, museums, or early childhood settings.
- BA required, Masters preferred
- Must be able to work alone and manage 20 students or delegate non-Splat after-school program staff to assist in leading workshops
- For daytime, school-based workshops must be comfortable pushing into a large DOE classroom and managing the room and timing with school teachers
- For this position, the applicant must be strong at keeping up with emails, curriculum folders, schedules, and communication with your manager that is virtual.
- A dynamic, cool, magnetic personality that will engage all students.
- Strong group management skills with the ability to confidently organize and lead transitions, set up structured projects, and create clear rituals and routines.
- The ability to direct and collaborate with TAs to keep all students excited and on task.
- Experience with strength-based, restorative, positive discipline practices.
- Must be fully vaccinated.
- Must be over 18.
Master Teaching Artists Background and Training
Anthro: Content knowledge or interest in social studies, history, anthropology or art, and the ability to learn curriculum/content that may be new.
Splat Lab: Strong facilitation and classroom management skills, STEM knowledge a plus
- Museum educators, teaching artists or educators with a background in Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia etc. are highly encouraged to apply.
- Experience with under-resourced schools and special needs populations will be an advantage for some placements.
- Spanish speaking or second language knowledge a plus for many placements