Overview

Term: May 25 – July 22, 2020. Meetings and individual prep in April / May.

Job Type: Part-time, seasonal, non-exempt, at-will, hourly employee

Orientation, Prep and Post Program: May 28 – 31; July 15-17

Program Dates: June 3- July 12; Monday – Friday. Possible weekends

Hours: Average 4 – 6.5 hours / day. 4-5 days/week

About the Program: Prescott Circus Theatre’s Circus and Academic program is a six-week, performing arts education and academic program that serves a core group of 25 – 30 OUSD students ages 8 – 17, primarily between 8 – 11 years old.   Students work daily with a team of teaching artists, an academic lead, and apprentices to learn and build circus and performance skills, increase literacy and critical thinking, and create an original production. The program culminates in a Family Literacy Day and our annual free community performance series that takes place at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts the week of July 8. Program takes place at Prescott Elementary School in West Oakland. 

Academic Lead Position: The academic leader’s job is to prepare and facilitate the delivery of a 5-week academic curriculum that supports participants’ retention, practice, and advancement of academic skills in the areas of literacy, math, and critical thinking.  Academic activities take place in the morning and through small group afternoon rotations and focus on literacy and math skills through project based learning. They encompass approximately 30 – 40 hours of program time during the 5 weeks.  The AL will also assist in day to day student engagement during circus training sessions, choice time, and lunch and meals.  

Resources and Supports:  Now in our 25+ summer season, Prescott Circus has a great deal of lesson plans and curriculum templates from which to work.  There is no need to “reinvent the wheel,” but we do want your creative spin!  You will have the support Prescott Circus’ Summer Director, Program Manager, Executive Director, and teaching artist staff as collaborators to co-create a program that flows with the performing arts curriculum and themes of the summer.  

Qualifications 

  • Teaching Credential or certificate is not required.
  • Demonstrated teaching skills with children 5-14 years old
  • Experience working in an informal education, afterschool and/or summer programs 
  • Ability to collaborate, take initiative, and work independently
  • Ability to prioritize student achievement while creating a nurturing environment
  • Experience with and interest in working with students of different ages, backgrounds, and skills
  • Experience developing and implementing open-ended learning activities for children and youth
  • Bachelor’s degree required; degree in Education, Science, Engineering, Design or a related field is a plus
  • Availability for all weeks and orientation
  • People of color strongly encouraged to apply
  • Special preference for individuals who hold or are working towards CA Multiple Subject teaching credential 
  • CA Drivers License preferred

Summer Program Academic Objectives

  • Students will retain and build on learned math facts, reading, and comprehension skills to prepare them for the coming year
  • Students produce personal statements and letters to community members and supporters of PCT
  • Students develop deeper understanding about cultural connections of circus / performing skills to specific historic, geographic roots (PCT has materials and past curriculum)
  • Older youth engage in a self-driven research project that can introduce new information / content to the entire program

http://www.prescottcircus.org/getinvolved/

Download the job description here

Click here to see samples of students’ work from past summers.