| |
Juggling Instructor Needed in Queens ASAP
Posted December 28, 2006
Note: Posted as recieved.
Seeking juggling instructor for two schools in Ridgewood, Queens for a period from January through June
Contact:
Walter Welsh
(718) 456-5437, ext. 228
wwalter331@aol.com
Pay Rate: $25/hr
This past fall, I helped start a small circus arts program at two different schools in Ridgewood, Queens. I have a schedule conflict, so the director of the program is looking for one consistent instructor who can take over the position from January through June and teach four afternoons a week.
Their criteria:
One single instructor, four afternoons a week, January-June, who can teach juggling to 3rd-5th graders
If the instructor can also teach simple partner acrobatics, human pyramids, and/or clowning, that would be great (but not necessary)
They need someone who can really commit to the program and be consistent (they prefer not to have subs)
The program is from 3-6 p.m.; the instructor would need to be there that whole time, although teaching is usually about two hours of that time. The rest of the time you can set up, clean up, and/or help kids with homework.
Salary is $25/hr.
Two different school sites (one is close to the Halsey L stop, the other is about a 20 min. bus ride from the Myrtle-Wyckoff L stop)
Their equipment:
Juggling scarves
Balloon/rice balls
Peacock feathers
(They had ordered juggling balls, but they're too big and need to be exchanged. I am not sure when they will be doing this.)
One school has tumbling mats; the other school is still waiting for mats that were ordered
Other info:
The directors at the two school sites are terrific and very helpful, the counselors are young but generally helpful, and the kids are wonderful and enthusiastic. (I love love love the kids. They make teaching an absolutely pleasure.)
I have been working with a third grade at one school (they want to add a second group at this school in January), and a fourth and fifth grade at another school. Usually we break up the groups so that I am only working with 8-10 kids at once, with one counselor, which has been great. The small group size is incredibly effective and allows for really focused work. Unfortunately, with this setup, I am only able to spend about 45-60 minutes with each group, but we work quickly and do what we can.
All the groups have been working on basic juggling (most kids have yet to graduate to three balls/scarves, but they're close) and some basic partner acrobatics and human pyramids. We've done some group-building games, and some have done a few theatre games.
You are supposed to submit lesson plans to the directors of each site.
My criteria:
(this is just my ideal in terms of the sort of person I would prefer to inherit the program, but I really have no say in the matter and will not be making any hiring decisions)
Someone who can be a "social circus" teacher, not just a skills teacher - i.e. someone who really will work with the kids on how they can better grow as individuals, work together as a group, be respectful and supportive of each other, feel good about themselves and their efforts, communicate effectively, be creative and proactive in putting together a trick or act or show, and take responsibility for their own and each other's safety.
We've worked a lot over the fall on setting up "community rules" for circus class, and most of the kids have really progressed in how they approach the class and how they work with each other. (I have worked the least with the fourth grade, and they need some more consistency and group work.) I try hard to keep all kids included and involved, and to find ways that all the kids - whether shy, off the wall, or grumpy - can participate in the class.
But most important to the program, I think, is to find a teacher who can effectively teach juggling.
I would also suggest that if you are interested, and can't commit to the full time but can at least commit to two or three afternoons a week, you contact the program and let them know what you can do. I know it may be difficult for them to find someone who can commit to four afternoons for six months, so they might need a backup plan.
Please feel free to forward this to anyone that you think would be an appropriate candidate for this position.
If you have any questions about my experiences with the program, please contact Kate at katemag@hotmail.com.
If you are interested in the position, or have any other questions, please contact Walter Welsh of the Greater Ridgewood Youth Council at (718) 456-5437, ext. 228, or at wwalter331@aol.com.
Please contact him ASAP as they are looking to fill the position immediately.
|
