Part-time Instructor

Brooklyn Boatworks:

Mission:

Harnessing the unique craft of wooden boatbuilding and maritime-centered exploration, we inspire young people to uncover the confidence, skills, and courage to chart pathways to their own success in and outside the classroom.

Brooklyn Boatworks teaches and promotes the values of hands-on learning among students who stand to benefit most from it.

Our flagship Optimist Program takes place in middle schools throughout New York City, both during and after the regular school day. Beginning in the Fall with three sheets of marine plywood, students plan, plot, and construct a full-sized, seaworthy Optimist pram (sailboat), which they launch and sail with their fellow Boatworks students at the end of the school year. Along the way, they are guided by Brooklyn Boatworks instructors through important lessons in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Our learning environments are grounded in respect, support, and dignity for all students, enabling each individual to make tangible gains in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), especially self efficacy, confidence, collaboration, problem solving, and grit.

Students who complete our school-based Optimist Program are automatically eligible for our exciting new Explorers Program. Through three successive years of activities, students broaden their introductory STEM and SEL skills while taking part in academic and career opportunities along the NYC waterfront.

At Brooklyn Boatworks, we meet students where they are. Everyone has a voice, and we value the many different ways our instructors and students contribute to the team.

BKBW Program Locations:

We hold programming indoors, outdoors, on the water, and at the waterfront.

• Boat-building programming, both school-year-long and one-time events
• On-water programming, both one-time and progressive
• Maritime & STEM related field trips

Position: Part-Time Instructor ($30/hour)

• Do you have experience working directly with young people?
• Are you passionate about youth development & hands-on learning?
• Do you have a basic familiarity with hand tools and are eager to learn more and share this experience with others?

If you answered yes to these three questions, you are a great candidate for this position!

Responsibilities Include:

• Engage students in-person:
  • Serve as a lead instructor, teaching hands-on and STEM skills through wooden boat building.
  • Working with volunteers and/or a co-instructor create a safe, nurturing, respectful, and academically rich learning environment in the classroom

This is primarily an educational role. If you have basic tool skills and experience working with young people, we will train you in boatbuilding.

• Set up classroom for students, modify classroom setup as needed, and Leave No Trace in the classroom following each session
• Utilize required BKBW curriculum and assessment tools to ensure students are meeting learning objectives throughout the year
• Carry out administrative duties related to classroom management including maintaining and updating a student roster and conducting student surveys
• Document learning and reflection – taking pictures, students quotes and feedback, summarize stand-out moments and incorporate into student stories
• Serve as an organizational ambassador in schools and with partner agencies
• Participate in a paid weekly program meeting when scheduled
• Carry and lift items weighing up to 50 pounds
• Work in both indoor and outdoor environments, across four seasons
• Additional duties as required

Qualifications Sought:

• Demonstrated teaching skills with young people ages 10 to 18 in a respectful manner
• Desire and willingness to participate in ongoing training in BKBW pedagogy, culturally competent education, build skills, restorative justice practices, classroom management, and more
• Outstanding communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills
• Experience following detailed lessons and build plans
• Experience working with hand tools in a safe and secure manner
• Belief in Brooklyn Boatworks’ mission, vision, and values
• Desire to work as a team at a small but growing non-profit organization
• Ability to adapt in an ever-changing environment
• Flexibility and an ability to change direction in the classroom in order to engage all students
• Experience in New York City classrooms preferred
• Experience using Google (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Forms, Meet) preferred

Term:

• Must be available to work during the 2025/26 school year through June 2026. This includes:
  • Attending training(s) in late-September/early October
  • Beginning programming in-schools in early/mid October
  • Program work post-June 2026 may be possible at the discretion of Program Director

To Apply:

Send email to pat@brooklynboatworks.org using the subject line “Part-Time Instructor” that includes:

1. 1. Cover Letter (in email or as attachment)
   2. Resume

Please, no phone calls.