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Afterschool Instructor

The Why Project
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SWSP Afterschool Instructor: Digital Media Arts (EDEY Program)

Host Organization: The Why Project (TWP)
Primary Work Site: Add B. Anderson Elementary School (1034 S 60th St, Philadelphia, PA 19143)
Target Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students enrolled at Pennsylvania colleges/universities
Compensation: $18.00/hour starting rate, with performance-based quarterly merit step increases up to $25.00/hour maximum
Work Schedule & Hours: 10–12 hours per week (6 in-person instructional hours spread across 2 days afterschool; 4–6 hours for prep, administrative logging, and staff meetings)
Term: First week of November 2026 to the last week of May

Position Summary

The Why Project (TWP) is seeking energetic, creative, and youth-focused Undergraduate and Graduate Student Instructors to facilitate afterschool Digital Media Arts and STEAM workshops for middle school students (6th–8th grade, ~15 students) at Add B. Anderson Elementary School in West Philadelphia.

Operating within the Extended Day Extended Year (EDEY) pilot funded through PHMC and the School District of Philadelphia, this role delivers hands-on instruction in Music Production or Video Production, integrating creative expression with real-world technical skills and early career readiness. Positioned as a Pennsylvania State Work-Study Program (PHEAA SWSP) role, this position offers paid professional experience directly aligned with your postsecondary field of study.

Expected Responsibilities

  • Direct Workshop Instruction: Facilitate engaging, project-based afterschool sessions for small cohorts of middle school students in Music Production (FL Studio, beat-making, audio mixing) or Video Production (camera operation, lighting, storyboarding, post-production editing).
  • Classroom Management & Youth Mentorship: Cultivate a safe, collaborative, and inclusive learning environment using trauma-informed care and positive Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies.
  • Youth Safety Compliance: Maintain active supervision and uphold strict child safety standards in accordance with PA Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) and Act 126 Mandated Reporter regulations.
  • Data & Administrative Logging: Record daily student attendance in Cityspan by 8:00 PM, submit bi-weekly timesheets, and participate in weekly planning check-ins with supervisor and Director.
  • Equipment & Asset Care: Oversee sign-in/out logs and secure handling for sensitive media equipment (cameras, microphones, laptops, audio interfaces).
  • Professional Learning: Participate in 20 hours/year of required Continuous Quality Improvement (CPI) staff development modules in Cityspan.

Minimum Requirements

  • Postsecondary Enrollment: Current undergraduate or graduate student enrolled at an accredited Pennsylvania college or university in a career-related major or minor (e.g., Music, Film/Video, Education, Computer Science, Visual Arts, Communications, STEAM).
  • Required Pre-Hire Clearances (PA Public School & Child Safety Laws):
  • Location & Availability: In-person attendance afterschool at Add B. Anderson Elementary in West Philadelphia.

Specific Skills We Are Looking For

1. Core Technical Skills (Music or Video Track)

  • Music Production Track: Experience or body of knowledge in FL Studio, digital audio workstations (DAWs), audio engineering, music arrangement, instrumentation, or digital recording hardware.
  • Video Production Track: Experience in camera operation, lighting/set design, video editing software (Adobe Premiere / Creative Cloud), storyboarding, or broadcasting.

2. Preferred STEAM Overlay Skills (Bonus / Non-Required)

  • Experience or willingness to incorporate STEAM overlays into media arts lessons, such as:
    • Computer Science & Audio Coding: Digital audio software logic, app/software development concepts.
    • Acoustics & Framing Geometry: Sound wave physics, spatial ratios, lighting angles.
    • ELA Storytelling: Narrative building, scriptwriting, character design, illustration.

3. Interpersonal & Operational Soft Skills

  • Classroom Leadership: Passion for youth development, personable communication, and ability to manage 10–15 middle school students.
  • Proactive Professionalism: Punctuality, strong organizational habits, critical thinking, and a growth mindset.
  • Adaptability: Openness to learning new technical tools and adapting lessons to meet unique student needs.