[2026-2027] Debate Club Leader - Middle School
Summary
Design and deliver debate enrichment lessons and projects for middle school students, collaborating with staff to provide cohesive learning experiences.
Reporting to the Dean of Student Life, K-8 After School Enrichment Specialists create diverse learning experiences that focus on, but are not limited to, artistic, cultural or STEM activities for students in grades Pre-K to 8 in REAL Kids and DreamBuilders, DREAM’s nationally recognized after school program. Enrichment classes drive toward a collaborative culminating project or performance. Previous enrichment activities offered include Martial Arts, Hip-Hop Dance, Slam Poetry, Art Club, Robotics, STEM, and World Languages. Specialists deliver 45 minute-long sessions to teams of 18-20 students in grades Pre-K-8, supported by one Youth Worker.
Responsibilities
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Grades PreK-3: Design and deliver a series of lesson plans for an enrichment activity aligned to the DREAM program model and that supports interest exploration and enrichment exposure for early elementary students;
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Grades 4-8: Design and deliver a series of lesson plans for an enrichment activity aligned to the DREAM program model and that culminates in a project or presentation;
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Collaborate with Youth Workers, Dean of Student Life and Associate Director of Extended Learning and Enrichment to provide a cohesive and fun experience for youth;
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Embed literacy throughout all instruction;
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Prepare all materials before activities begin and facilitate a thorough clean up afterwards;
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Encourage youth to positively participate in activities;
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Serve as a role model while demonstrating professional behavior;
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Implement all health and safety protocols as required, including ensuring child safety and responding appropriately to any incidents;
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Note: Activities that require materials/resources will be given a conservative budget on an as-needed basis.
Qualifications
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Must be at least 18 years of age by the role’s start date;
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High school diploma required;
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Bachelor’s degree or certification in related field preferred;
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2+ years experience working with groups of youth, or similar experience preferred;
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Ability to independently plan and implement lessons in specialty area;
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Clear passion for specialty area;
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Understanding of effective youth development strategies and conflict resolution;
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Exemplary social, organizational, and communication skills;
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Dedication to the program and ability to collaborate with colleagues to ensure a positive, productive youth experience;
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Ability to work in-person during all program hours required;
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A strong belief in the mission and values of DREAM, including the belief that all students can succeed, and a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of our students, families, and community.
Location
- East Harlem: 1991 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10029
- Mott Haven: 20 Bruckner Blvd Bronx, NY 10454
- Highbridge: 1162 River Ave Bronx, NY 10452
Benefits
DREAM offers the following benefits to our part-time employees:
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403(b) retirement plan, with employer matching up to 4% after one year of employment (12-month continuous period) in which you work a minimum of 1,000 hours;
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Disability benefits;
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Referral bonuses;
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Discounted school meals through our in-house Scratch Food Program;
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Access to our Employee Discount Program, offering savings on travel, entertainment, retail, and more;
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High-performing part-time staff have the opportunity to apply for the DREAM Teaching Fellowship, through which they can earn a Bachelors or Masters degree and become full-time teachers at DREAM.
Commitment
- Start Date: 8/25/2026
- End date: 6/ 4/2027
- Days & Hours: 3 times a week; 3:00pm -6:15pm
Compensation
As published by lever
Resume/CV, Full name, Pronouns, Email, Phone, Current location, Current company, LinkedIn URL, Other website
- Please share your full legal FIRST name, as it appears on official documents (e.g., government-issued ID, social security card, passport)
- Please share your full legal LAST name, as it appears on official documents (e.g., government-issued ID, social security card, passport)
- What is your preferred FIRST name? (name you wish to be called and to appear on all non-legal documents)
- What is your preferred LAST name? (name you wish to be called and to appear on all non-legal documents)
- Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? choose one
- Do you now (or will you in the future) require DREAM to sponsor an employment visa (e.g., H-1B)? choose one
- Are you currently or have you ever been a DREAM employee? choose one · optional
- Are you a DREAM Legend? (You are a Legend if you are a past participant of a DREAM/Harlem RBI program, or a graduate of DREAM Charter Middle School or DREAM Charter High School) choose one
- Do you have any immediate family members or persons with whom you have a close personal relationship who are employed by DREAM? Immediate family includes: spouse, parent, child, sibling, in-law, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, grandparent, grandchild, and members of the household. Please write in the name(s) of the person(s) or N/A if this does not apply.
- Were you referred by someone for this role? choose one · optional
- If you were referred to DREAM, please provide the name of the person who referred you: optional
- Please select the role that best describes the person who referred you to DREAM. yes / no · optional
- If the person who referred you is not a DREAM employee, please provide their email address or contact information: optional
- How did you hear about DREAM? choose one
- Other optional
- Will you have a High School Diploma or Equivalent by the start date for this role? choose one
- DREAM embraces the responsible use of AI to enhance work and learning. Candidates are welcome to use AI to support their applications, however, we've noticed an increase in AI-generated responses that provide little insight into one’s candidacy. We encourage you to ensure your responses communicate your own voice, specific experiences, and unique perspectives. yes / no · optional
- DREAM’s mission is to level the playing field by providing resources and empowering all children to recognize their potential and realize their dreams. Please describe your interest working in support of this mission and children from underserved communities. written answer
- Describe the enrichment activity you propose leading in DREAM’s after school elementary or middle school program. Include: Course/Club Title, Learning Objectives, and a 4-6 sentence pitch you would use to encourage students in your target age group to sign up. written answer
- Tell me about a time when you received significant constructive feedback. What was the feedback, and how did you respond? written answer
- Please confirm your availability to work in-person during the role’s hours: choose one
- DREAM is hiring for our sites in East Harlem and the South Bronx. Which locations are you interested in being considered for? Check all that apply. yes / no · optional
- Check this box to affirm that all information included in this application is accurate. yes / no · optional
- We may text you with updates about your application, like your offer letter. choose one