Digital Arts & Game Design Educator, Full-Time

ABOUT URBAN ARTS (“UA”): 

Urban Arts is a non-profit organization that believes a quality education shouldn’t depend on a child’s zip code. We design and implement educational programs rooted in the arts and technology for underrepresented students. Learn more at www.urbanarts.org. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Digital Arts and Game Design Educator is a creative, culturally responsive educator with a passion for storytelling, computer science, and game-based learning. Rooted in Urban Arts’ mission to uplift students through arts and technology, this educator works closely with multilingual learners, using visual arts, coding, and game design to build computer science literacy, strengthen social-emotional skills, and foster creative expression.

Based at an Urban Arts Community School site in Washington Heights, this role combines in-school and after-school teaching with curriculum design, teacher collaboration, and community engagement. The educator will also support the use and upkeep of school-wide learning devices and digital platforms to ensure students have consistent, reliable access to technology.

This is an exciting opportunity for a flexible, innovative educator who wants to reimagine how youth engage with technology, language, and identity through culturally grounded digital storytelling.

Instruction & Curriculum Design: 

• Lead engaging, in-school instruction that integrates storytelling, digital arts, game design, and computer science principles during the school day
• Collaborate regularly with classroom teachers to align interdisciplinary projects to grade-level content and goals.
• Develop and adapt original, standards-aligned curricula that reflect student interests and school priorities.
• Incorporate creative technologies—such as Scratch, Tynker, or Minecraft Education—into project-based learning experiences.
• Support students in building digital portfolios, interactive stories, games, or exhibitions that showcase their learning.
• Stay informed about emerging tools, platforms, and pedagogical approaches related to creative technology and arts integration.

Community Engagement

•  Facilitate opportunities for students to share their work through showcases, exhibitions, or community events.
• Contribute to a vibrant school culture by helping plan and lead events, workshops, and school-wide creative initiatives.
• Participate in family engagement events and co-develop experiences that center student and family voice and creativity.

Technical Responsibilities

• Support the inventory, upkeep, and general maintenance of school-wide student learning devices, including laptops, tablets, and peripheral equipment used across classrooms.
• Ensure devices and software platforms (e.g., Minecraft Education, Google Suite, Unity) are updated, functional, and ready for instructional use.
• Collaborate with school staff to troubleshoot and resolve basic technical issues, escalating complex problems to designated DOE IT when necessary.
• Monitor and document device usage, recurring issues, and repair needs to support long-term planning and resource allocation.
• Promote responsible digital citizenship, guiding students in safe, respectful, and appropriate use of technology.
• Coordinate with school leadership on classroom tech needs to ensure seamless integration of technology into instruction.

Program Documentation & Operations

• Track attendance, collect student work, and support documentation and evaluation efforts.
• Ensure accurate reporting and timely communication with the Urban Arts team and school leadership.
• Uphold school protocols, schedules, and community expectations.
• Attend all Urban Arts and school-based meetings, trainings, and planning sessions.
• Support the broader success of the partnership by taking on additional duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Strong background in education. Computer science/programming background or a willingness to upskill in these areas. 
• Experience in developing, adapting, and implementing curriculum. 
• Knowledge of media arts and arts education practices. 
• Experience teaching elementary school students. 
• Strong communicator; a capable multi-tasker and proven troubleshooter. 
• Knowledge of PC and Mac hardware, applications, and operating systems (ex google ecosystem) 
• A dedicated team player who is able to take initiative and work independently. 
• Ability to cultivate strong relationships with school communities. 
• Ability to receive and process deliveries of materials weighing up to 25 lbs. 
• Bachelor’s Degree and/or Bootcamp certification required. 
• Must be able to complete and pass an NYC DOE background check. 
• Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus. 
• Scheduling flexibility, including availability to support programmatic and community events on select Saturdays throughout the year.

The Digital Arts and Game Design Educator will be expected to work in-person within a UA partner school. 

TO APPLY: 

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to [email protected] with “Digital Arts and Game Design Educator (Full Time) ” in the subject line. 

UA is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and/or people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Must be legally authorized to work in the US.