Jamaica Queens Teaching Artists (Jamaica & Eastern Queens)

Lead Educators & Teaching Assistants - Jamaica & East Queens Programs

Splat Lab is seeking dynamic, engaging, and adventurous educators to join our team for after-school programs and workshops in Jamaica and all of East Queens. If you are a creative educator looking to grow your practice and thrive in a fun, hands-on program, this is the place for you!

Location Requirements

This position is specifically for our East Queens programs. The ideal candidate will:

• Live in or near East Queens (Jamaica, Flushing, Bayside, or surrounding areas)
• Have reliable transportation - car strongly preferred due to program locations and materials transport
• Have multiple-day availability and flexibility to teach at different schools in the area

Available Programs 

• After-school residencies in Jamaica 5x per week
• Weekly school day pop-ups at different East Queens schools
• Additional opportunities throughout the year

About Splat Lab

Splat Lab partners with 88+ NYC schools to provide high-quality and unique enrichment classes for youth. This year we are running 8-10 week after-school programs, 1-day popup workshops, school day residencies, and summer camps across the city.

Splat Lab (our most popular program): Splat Lab exists for the sole purpose of having fun! Each class has 4 rotating stations:

• Main Splat - hands-on activities like making slime, marshmallow towers, or ooze
• Splat Create - choice activities such as monster puppets or zine making
• Open Splat - butcher paper drawing
• Splat Build - cup towers, dominoes, and construction challenges

We have 3 types of positions available:

Only highly experienced educators will be considered for the following role: Master Teaching Artists ($50/hour)

Minimum 5+ years of experience leading groups of youth in structured educational settings such as after-school programs, camps, schools, or museums

• Master's degree or current graduate study in education or a related field highly preferred

• Able to confidently command and teach a NYC public school class of up to 35 students independently when needed

• Operates at a senior educator level, with the credibility to lead sessions independently and direct Teaching Assistants to maintain high standards

• Possesses the expertise and professional authority to design and lead high-quality professional development for fellow educators

• Exceptional group management skills, including smooth transitions, clear routines, strong pacing, and confident leadership of large groups

• A grounded, dynamic teaching presence rooted in strength-based, restorative practice, with experience as a teaching artist for respected cultural, arts, or educational organizations strongly preferred

Note camps and 5x per week programs are paid at a day rate that combines the Lead / TA rate with a supervision rate.

Lead Educators ($35/hour)

Lead classes independently, delegate Teaching Assistants or school support staff, and serve as the point person for programs.

Qualifications:

• 2-3+ years of working with youth in a leadership role
• A dynamic, magnetic personality that engages all students
• Strong group management skills with the ability to confidently organize transitions, set up structured projects, and create clear rituals and routines
• Experience directing and collaborating with assistants to keep students excited and on task
• Strength-based, restorative, positive discipline approach
• A progressive teaching style
• Strong facilitation and classroom management skills
• Museum educators, teaching artists, or educators with Montessori, Waldorf, or Reggio Emilia backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply

Exceptional candidates with 5+ years of experience leading youth programs may be considered for advanced roles.

Teaching Assistants ($25/hour)

Work with Lead Educators to support classes, manage stations, and ensure all students are engaged and on task.

Qualifications:

• 1-2 years working with youth in group settings (after-school, summer camps, museums, or early childhood)
• Strong group management skills
• Ability to take direction and collaborate effectively
• Experience with positive discipline practices

What We Offer

• Paid non-teaching hours for setup, cleanup, training, and coaching
• Comprehensive training through our "Slime School" onboarding program
• Shadowing and mentorship opportunities
• Ongoing coaching tailored to your needs
• Community of creative, passionate educators
• Potential for promotion to the Master Teaching Artist level with significantly higher pay

Training & Support

We provide virtual training and shadowing opportunities for all educators to learn our teaching methods and curriculum. Lead Educators mentor TAs and give clear directions for each session. Pairs debrief regularly to ensure workshops are high-quality, fun, and smooth.

We take onboarding seriously and provide extensive shadowing, coaching, and training before you lead your first program.

Application Process

Candidates will be invited to an engaging group interview where you'll demo one of our signature projects. Our group interviews are designed to be a community-building experience that gives you a mini-training on how our program works.

Ready to join us? Apply now!