2026-27 After School Teachers needed (Fishtown, Philadelphia, PA)

After School Teacher (PlayArts — Fishtown / Philadelphia)

PlayArts is seeking creative, dependable, and energetic After School Teachers to join our school-year team. Our programs combine the structure and safety of a high-quality afterschool program with the creativity, playfulness, and imagination of an arts-centered environment.

This is a great fit for artists, educators, camp counselors, teaching artists, childcare professionals, and creative people who enjoy working with elementary-aged children and want to help create a warm, engaging, and joyful afterschool experience.

Our teachers support children during the afterschool day through creative activities, group games, outdoor play, snack, homework support, transitions, and community-building. The ideal candidate is enthusiastic, reliable, patient, and able to balance fun with clear expectations and strong supervision.

Responsibilities

After School Arts Teachers are expected to:

• Lead or support engaging activities in areas such as visual art, music, theater, dance, storytelling, creative play, STEM/STEAM, games, or other enrichment areas
• Supervise children during snack, outdoor play, transitions, dismissal, and group activities
• Help maintain a safe, respectful, inclusive, and engaging program environment
• Use positive behavior guidance strategies and clear expectations to support student success
• Build warm, appropriate relationships with children while maintaining professional boundaries
• Collaborate with Site Directors and fellow teachers to support daily program needs
• Communicate important student, safety, or behavioral concerns to program leadership
• Help maintain organized, clean, and safe program spaces
• Follow PlayArts policies, safety procedures, and licensing/compliance expectations

Qualifications

Strong candidates will have:

• Experience working with children in an afterschool, camp, school, childcare, tutoring, arts, coaching, or youth development setting
• A genuine interest in working with elementary-aged students
• Strong reliability, communication, and teamwork skills
• The ability to stay calm, flexible, and solutions-oriented in a busy afterschool environment
• Comfort leading or supporting creative activities with children
• A commitment to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all students
• Classroom or group management experience preferred
• Experience in visual arts, music, theater, dance, creative writing, STEM/STEAM, or other enrichment areas preferred
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred, or willingness to obtain required training
• Ability to complete required background clearances and onboarding requirements before beginning work
• OCDEL licensing requirements mandate that teachers must have at least 2,500 hours of prior experience working with children

Schedule
This is a part-time, school-year position during afterschool hours. Exact schedules may vary by site and program needs.

Typical shifts fall between approximately 2:30–6:00 PM, Monday–Friday, with occasional opportunities for additional hours during full-day camps, school closures, or seasonal programs.

Why Join PlayArts?
At PlayArts, teachers are part of a creative and child-centered team. We value staff who bring their interests, talents, and personalities into the program while also showing up consistently, communicating clearly, and helping children feel safe, known, and excited to participate.

This position is especially well-suited for people who enjoy the energy of afterschool, believe in the value of creative learning, and want to make a meaningful impact in children’s daily lives.

PlayArts is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, identities, and artistic or educational experiences.

Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a valid/active NSOR certificate (valid in the past 5 years)?
• Please list any of the following clearances you have: PA Child Abuse History Clearance; PA Criminal History PATCH; FBI Fingerprinting Clearance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Childcare: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• CPR Certification (Preferred)
• Teaching Certification (Preferred)

Location:

• Fishtown, PA (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Fishtown, PA (Required)

Work Location: In person