Teaching Assistant for The School of The New York Times
Our pre-college programs deliver industry-immersive classes to connect learners directly to industry experts and educators from around the world. Held in New York City, The School of The New York TImes offers two-week courses throughout the summer and a one-week course during the winter. During this time, students learn, investigate, and explore while having fun, making lasting connections with peers, mentors, and instructors who share their passions and interests.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Teaching Assistants (TAs) play an essential role in supporting the academic and community experience of SoNYT programs. They work closely with Faculty Coordinators, Lead Instructors, Instructors, and the Academics Team to ensure that courses run smoothly, that students are engaged and supported, and that the classroom experience reflects SoNYT's standards of academic rigor, inclusivity, accessibility and care, and independent journalism.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Support faculty in delivering high-quality, rigorous academic content for students across pre-college programs.
Provide pedagogical assistance in the classroom, including facilitating small-group work, helping clarify readings, and guiding students through assignments and projects.
Serve as a mentor and an approachable point of contact for students, fostering a welcome and supporting learning environment.
Coordinate daily classroom logistics, including technology setup, whiteboards, and multimedia materials.
Liaise with the Academics Team to assist with guest speakers, site visits, and special events.
Accompany students on site visits throughout New York City, ensuring a safe, and positive educational experience.
Maintain familiarity with all instructional materials, rubrics, and learning objectives to better support student understanding.
Assist in monitoring student behavior and communicate relevant updates to program leadership.
Perform additional academic or administrative tasks as assigned by the Faculty Coordinator, Academics Team, and faculty.
Knowledge & Abilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed here are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Under the ADA, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a commitment to professionalism.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in fast-paced environments.
Familiarity with Canvas, Zoom, and classroom technology (AV systems).
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multitask and adapt quickly to changing classroom or logistical needs.
Strong understanding of youth mentorship, academic support, and inclusive teaching practices.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain composure in high-energy educational settings.
Commitment to supporting and embracing diversity and inclusion in all interactions.
Enthusiasm and passion for supporting and mentoring young students, especially those aged 14-18.
Content knowledge. Please see each school’s respective website for the course catalog:
The School of The New York Times
Education, Work Experience and/or Licensure
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Previous youth development and/or program support experience (e.g., summer camps, residential programs)
Previous teaching, tutoring, or other educational experience is desirable.
Content knowledge.
At least two years of undergraduate experience.
CPR/First Aid certification required or willingness to obtain certification at your own expense.
Three professional references are required.
Other Requirements
As Teaching Assistants work closely with minors, candidates must pass a criminal background check and successfully complete all required trainings.
Schedule
Summer Term Dates (excluding weekends):
Term 1: June 8th - June 19th
Term 2: June 22nd - July 3rd
Term 3: July 6th - July 17th
Term 4: July 20st – July 31st
Hours range from 36-40 hours per week:
Monday-Friday (week 1), Monday-Thursday (week 2).
Please be aware that this position may require work on certain holidays, including Juneteenth (June 19th) and Fourth of July (July 4th), depending on program needs.
Candidates should specify their availability for all four terms. Ideally, candidates should be available for all four terms, as well as for training sessions usually scheduled for the week prior to the start of the first term.
Physical Demands
The physical demands listed here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of his/her job. Under the ADA, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, travel up and down stairs, crouch, stoop and reach.
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics listed here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Under the ADA, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Basic office environment
Basic classroom environment
NYC trips involve a variety of settings and environments.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an individual assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. The School of The New York Times reserves the right to modify this job description in its sole discretion.
Stipend: $1800 per term.
Application requirements
Resume
Cover letter explaining your interests and qualifications, with specific reference to which SoNYT course you are interested in being a Teaching Assistant. Please note that, while we will make every effort to honor your placement preference, you may be assigned to a different school depending on the needs of each program.