Middle School Rites of Passage Instructor & Program Support Aid

The Harlem Educational Activities Fund (HEAF) is a comprehensive supplemental education and youth development organization that works to help motivated students develop the intellectual curiosity, academic ability, social values, and personal resilience they need to ensure success in school, career, and life. HEAF identifies scholars in middle school and supports them until they graduate from college through a variety of after-school, Saturday, and summer educational and youth development programs.

Position Description:

HEAF (Harlem Educational Activities Fund) is seeking a dedicated and creative instructor to lead our High School Transition (Rites of Passage) course for middle school students. This course is designed to help students across grades 6 to 8 develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to successfully transition to high school.

A central focus of the course will be supporting 8th graders with the high school admissions process in the Fall including research, application support, and decision-making, while also engaging younger students in readiness activities that prepare them for the journey ahead. The course will integrate creative arts, conversation, and healing-centered practices to help students reflect on their identity, strengthen resilience, and build community as part of their Rites of Passage.

The instructor will also support classroom management and student engagement during other enrichment classes, including Podcasting and Culinary Quest (led by other instructors), and may participate in special on-site events and occasional team meetings.

Position Type: Part-Time, Contract

Program Details:

• Program Dates: Tuesday October 7th, 2025 - Wednesday December 17th, 2025
• Instructional Hours: 11 hours/week
• Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:30–7:30 PM (on-site), 3 administration hours (hybird/remote)*
• Locations: Police Athletic League Harlem (PAL) 441 Manhattan Ave. NY, NY 10026 & 2090 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd., 10th Floor NY, NY 10027

Responsibilities:

• Plan and deliver engaging lessons that support middle school students’ academic, social, and emotional readiness for high school.
• Provide structured guidance to 8th graders navigating the high school admissions process.
• Incorporate creative arts, storytelling, and healing-centered practices into weekly sessions.
• Adapt and adjust lessons based on week-to-week needs of the group.
• Support classroom management and student participation in Podcasting and Culinary Quest classes led by other instructors.
• Foster a supportive, inclusive classroom environment that encourages student voice, collaboration, and growth.
• Communicate regularly with HEAF leadership about student progress and program needs.
• Participate in occasional team meetings and assist with special events.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the course, students will:

• Build confidence and skills to transition successfully into high school.
• Gain familiarity with the NYC high school admissions process (8th graders specifically).
• Strengthen study habits, time management, and personal goal-setting strategies.
• Develop resilience and a stronger sense of identity through arts and healing-centered activities.
• Build community and practice collaboration with peers.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Counseling, Youth Development, or a related field.
• Experience teaching or mentoring middle school students.
• Familiarity with the NYC high school admissions process strongly preferred.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and classroom management skills.
• Ability to use creative and healing-centered practices in instruction.
• Commitment to culturally responsive teaching and youth empowerment.

Compensation:

$25/ hour

HEAF is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate based on actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.

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