Overview:

We are seeking to contract an animation educator to facilitate our Ideas in Animation program for two 10-week sessions in the Spring of 2026.

Pioneer Works Learn and Engage is dedicated to enriching the lives of Red Hook elementary school students through engaging arts, science, and technology programs. Our "Ideas in Animation" program empowers students to explore the world of animation, develop creative storytelling skills, and gain confidence in their artistic abilities. Over 10 weeks, students will learn fundamental animation techniques, scriptwriting, and storyboard development, culminating in the creation of their own short, animated films. Through exposure to diverse artists and animation styles, students will learn to express their ideas and connect with their community.

Program Details:

Duration:

Session 1 - Fall 2025: 10 weeks, October-December

Session 2 - Spring 2026: 10 weeks, February-May

• Schedule: Weekday sessions between the hours of 9 am and 1 pm (1-2 hours per session, flexible scheduling) up to 2 sessions per week
• Location: Pioneer Works and/or Harbor Middle School
• Partnerships: PS 15, Pave Academy and Harbor Middle School
• Class Size: Maximum 20 students per session
• Techniques: Stop motion animation (paper, clay, green screen, pixlation), digital animation (e.g., Stop Motion Studio, Flip a Clip, Veescope, Blocks 3D Junior), and potential for simple game design animation.
• Curriculum: Focusing on placement, framing, direction, speed, scriptwriting, storyboarding and a range of animation materials.
• Culmination: Edit Student-created animated short films into a final reel to be presented at a final showcase.

Teaching Responsibilities:

• Educators are provided with reference material (PW Learning Goals, previous lesson plans and PW lesson plan template) to develop and implement a comprehensive 10-week animation curriculum.
• Lead engaging and interactive animation classes , fostering a supportive and creative learning environment.
• Manage a classroom of young people by establishing and upholding clear expectations for appropriate behavior.
• Instruct students in various animation techniques, scriptwriting, and storyboard development.
• Guide students in the creation of their individual or group animated short films.
• Facilitate discussions and activities that expose students to diverse artists and animation styles.
• Manage classroom materials and equipment effectively.
• Provide constructive feedback and encouragement to students.
• Prepare students for a final presentation of their animated projects.

Requirements:

• Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in animation, film, art education, or a related field, or equivalent experience
  • Minimum 2 years of experience in teaching animation to elementary or middle school students.
  • Experience developing and implementing arts-based curricula.
  • Experience working with diverse student populations.
• Skills:
  • Strong knowledge of animation principles and techniques.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with animation software (e.g., Stop Motion Studio, Flip a Clip, Veescope, Blocks 3D Junior) and/or traditional animation methods.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and classroom management skills.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with partner school administrators and program staff.
  • Basic script writing and storyboarding skills.
  • Ability to adapt teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of students.
• Personal Attributes:
  • Passion for working with young people and fostering their creativity.
  • Enthusiasm for animation and storytelling.
  • Patience, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
  • Reliable and punctual

Compensation:

• $75/hour for 3-5 hours per week (classroom + prep time; hours vary based on school placement) and 3 hours of meetings with PW staff. Total compensation for each 10-week session: $2,475-$3,975.
• Pioneer Works provides all necessary classroom art supplies, animation equipment and software, as well logistical support.