Creative Exchange Instructor

Thank you for considering a career with the Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY).

The team at RFCUNY is made up of dedicated, talented professionals committed to providing the services that allow CUNY researchers, faculty, and staff to focus on their intellectual curiosity and scientific discoveries.

We are pleased that you are interested in exploring opportunities to join RFCUNY.

Primary Location:

Bargaining Unit:

No

Role: Modified instruction for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Schedule: Thursdays, 6:15pm – 8:15pm

Modality: In Person

General Description

Grounded in the Liberal Arts tradition, the College of Staten Island is committed to the highest standards in teaching, research, and scholarship. Drawing on the rich heritage of the City University of New York that has provided access to excellence in higher education since 1847, the College of Staten Island offers that same opportunity in New York City’s Borough of Staten Island.

The Office of Community Educational Engagement (OCEE) is a central resource and bridge connecting the college and community.  Our purpose is to prepare students to more fully participate and thrive through academic programs, supportive learning communities, and collaborations across campus and within the community.

Drawing from our deeply rooted history in disability rights, the OCEE’s Creative Exchange program is a community inclusion program serving adults over the age of 21 with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities. We provide skills training and unique learning experiences in and out of a college classroom for personal growth and self-empowerment that responds to the student’s self-identified needs.

This position reports to the Assistant Director of Lifelong Learning and will plan and teach two, 45-minute modified courses on Adult Living Skills:

The instructor responsibilities include:

Plan and implement lessons that offer engaging learning experience. Lessons should be based on course goals of student wellness and self-discovery, as well as success skills and habits.  

o   Wellness and self-discovery course topics can include but are not limited to: student glows and grows, interpersonal or soft skills development, healthy relationships, self-advocacy, decision-making, conflict resolution, travel training and safety, nutrition and exercise, self-care and hygiene, image and self-esteem, self-regulation, stress management, mental health, and DEI/cultural competency.  

o   Success skills and habits course topics can include but not limited to: basic writing, literacy, time management, goal setting, note taking, dress, etiquette, basic technology training in Microsoft Office, Google and Zoom, financial literacy i.e., opening up a bank account, credit cards, lending money, budgeting needs and wants.

• Ensure hands-on activities are incorporated in lessons where appropriate

• Incorporate strategies that help students reach their self-identified goals in your lesson planning

• Adjust lesson planning and instruction based on student feedback and performance as needed

• Participate in meetings and professional development as required

• Ensure a safe classroom environment, where there is mutual respect and student’s rights are upheld

• Timely submission of daily attendance using the template provided by the program

• Timely completion and submission of Student Ratings

• Plan and feature a student-centered end of semester project, activity, performance, or presentation during Showcase Week

• Guides undergraduate students as needed who are supporting their classes

• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• As a local, lifelong learning program, Creative Exchange honors the lived experience of our staff and instructors. We recruit, screen, and hire professionals who have worked with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, retired Educators, retired professionals, and retired enthusiasts who have passion for their craft to engage our students, regardless of ability.

• Working knowledge of various disabilities

• Excellent communication (written, verbal, and interpersonal) skills, and able to mediate conflict

• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and be proactive

• Excellent time management and organizational skills

• Highly motivated with a willingness to be flexible and creative

• Experience teaching adults with intellectual disabilities and Universal Design training preferred

• Bachelor’s Degree required

Applicants who are invited to interview, must email a copy of their highest credential or transcripts to the hiring manager at [email protected] prior to the interview. Applicants who have specialized license(s) related to the positions who are invited to interview must email a copy of their specialized license(s) to the hiring manager prior to the interview.

Candidates will undergo a criminal background check

All appointments are subject to budgetary guidelines, fiscal constraints, a background check and satisfactory performance assessment with no presumption of retention. 

Pay Range:

$40.45/hour

RFCUNY Benefits
RFCUNY Employee Benefits and Accruals

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Research Foundation of the City University of New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities Act/E-Verify Employer. It is the policy of the Research Foundation of CUNY to provide equal employment opportunities free of discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic violence victim status, arrest record, criminal conviction history, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.