310 Best joyful Jobs in New York, NY (June 2025)

Location: NYC-based (approximately 90% in-person, 10% remote). Must be able to travel between program sites which are primarily in the Bronx with some additional sites in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. Compensation: $25–$28/hour (non-exempt, hourly) Commitment: We are seeking someone who can commit to the full 2024–2025 school year (August/September 2025 through June 2026) at a minimum. Hours: ~15 hours/week in summer ~30 hours/week during the school year (excluding school closures and breaks) Position Overview SNACC is seeking a dynamic, youth-focused educator with a passion for food, wellness, and community to join our team as a Food Educator & Youth Wellness Instructor. This is not a culinary role—we're looking for someone who loves food, enjoys working with students, and brings high energy, creativity, and flexibility to educational settings. The ideal candidate has a background in education, experience working directly with youth (grades K–12), and a genuine enthusiasm for food, cooking, health, and community well-being. Light cooking and food prep skills are helpful, and while a background in hospitality is a plus, it’s not required. Key Responsibilities In-School Programming (In-Person): - Lead fun, hands-on food and wellness lessons multiple times per week in NYC public schools - Deliver SNACC’s food education curriculum aligned with DOE standards and youth development practices. - Create a warm, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment. - Procure, prep and transport materials/groceries for lessons (costs covered by SNACC). - Collaborate with school staff and SNACC leadership to tailor programming to student needs. Other Duties: - Attend periodic training and team check-ins with SNACC staff to review program progress and needs. - Inventory management, expense reporting - Support documentation, reflection, and continuous program improvement. - Complete background check and adhere to SNACC’s youth safety policies. Who You Are - Educator-first: You have experience teaching or facilitating youth programs (in schools, after-school, camps, etc.). - Youth-focused: You know how to connect with young people across age ranges (K–12) and build trust and enthusiasm. - Food & wellness enthusiast: You believe in the power of food as a tool for community-building, confidence, and health. Enjoy light cooking & food preparation. - Flexible & dependable: You can adapt to shifting schedules and environments, and you communicate clearly and proactively. - Organized & responsible: You can manage materials, time, and logistics with care and attention to detail. Preferred Qualifications - Background in education, public health, social work, or youth programming - Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred - NYC-based and able to travel to school sites - Able to transport groceries, food supplies, or light equipment (up to 30 lbs) - Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills - Passionate about equity, food justice, and youth empowerment - Able to work independently and collaboratively with a small, mission-driven team - Willingness to complete CPR, Food Safety, and other certifications as required (costs covered by SNACC) What You’ll Gain As a SNACC Food Educator, you’ll be at the forefront of helping young people and their families build healthy habits, confidence, and connections through joyful food education. You’ll contribute to a mission-driven organization making a real impact in NYC communities.

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Little Scholars in Chelsea

🌟 Now Hiring: Preschool Teacher at Little Scholars (NYC) 🌟 Do you believe in the magic of early childhood? Are you passionate about inspiring curiosity, joy, and a lifelong love of learning? Then you might be the perfect fit for Little Scholars — a growing network of vibrant, high-quality early childhood centers in New York City! We're looking for warm, passionate, and professional Preschool Teachers to join our dynamic team and help shape the hearts and minds of tomorrow’s leaders. 🌈 What You'll Do: Create a nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment Foster emotional intelligence, independence, and social skills Collaborate with co-teachers and leadership to deliver our enriching curriculum Build strong relationships with children, families, and team members Bring joy, structure, and creativity to every school day 🧠 What We're Looking For: DOE/DOHMH qualification (or ability to qualify) Experience in early childhood education (minimum 1 year preferred) Strong knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice Passion for play-based, whole-child learning A positive, proactive, and team-first attitude 📍 Locations: Little Scholars has multiple centers across NYC, including Downtown Brooklyn, Upper East Side, and Chelsea. 💼 What We Offer: Competitive salary, based on experience and certification Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time Ongoing professional development and career growth A joyful, collaborative, and mission-driven work environment The chance to be part of something truly special 🧩 Join a Team That Believes In: High standards + big hearts Joyful classrooms + structured support Creativity, diversity, and lifelong learning 📩 Apply today to become part of a community where your work makes a difference — every single day.

Early Childhood at Manny Cantor Center is a pioneering integrated preschool program, blending Head Start, UPK and private funding to serve families across the economic spectrum on the Lower East Side. Our inspired, responsive and progressive program is built on a few simple principles: All children are competent, capable and curious. All families have something to contribute. We are stronger together. Working within inspired and dynamic teams, our Associate Teachers are helping to build a vision for progressive education in Chinatown and the Lower East Side. Inspired by progressive schools around the world, we believe that all children learn through inquiry, exploration and play in the context of strong relationships and a sense of belonging. Our teachers create responsive, safe, joyful and nurturing learning environments for children for children aged 0-5 that foster inquiry, exploration, learning & reflection; collaborate with co-teachers to plan an emergent curriculum based on observations of children’s interests and development; document children’s learning through photographs, anecdotes, panels and mini-stories; facilitate communication and collaboration between the family and the preschool. This position would be for a “floater” teacher who would work across different classrooms. SCOPE OF INFLUENCE Facilitate daily life and plan learning experiences in the classroom Work with a diverse community, including a significant Mandarin-speaking population Build relationships with families and communicate about children’s learning and development in person and through documentation. Partner with the teaching staff and administration in the overall philosophy and direction of the preschool KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES Planning, Preparation + Curriculum Development Co-constructing curriculum, based on children’s interests, questions and development Documenting, reflecting and planning from observations Participating in weekly planning meetings with teaching team Meeting the needs of all children, including English language learners ** Classroom Environment** Planning and creating a classroom environment with inquiry, exploration, learning and respect in mind Nurturing children’s home languages through curated books, materials and the physical environment Creating a warm and inclusive environment where children and families feel welcome Organizing physical space and selection of materials in a way that is inviting and accessible to children Creating visual evidence of the narratives and curriculum occurring in your classroom Interactions with Children Speaking and listening to children with respect and mindfulness Supervising the whole group, while giving individual attention Managing classroom procedures including transitions, routines and small groups Engage students in exploration and ongoing project work Scaffolding children through conflict and problem solving Relationships with Families Building respectful and reciprocal relationships with families Communicating consistently with families Professional Responsibilities Documenting children’s learning, development and progress Maintaining collaborative and professional relationships with colleagues Mentoring Associate and Assistant teachers Participating in weekly professional learning meetings Showing professionalism including integrity, ethical conduct and decision making The candidate will be reflective, ask questions, be willing to take risks and make mistakes JOB REQUIREMENTS BA preferred Bilingual Mandarin/English a plus Minimum 3 years of professional teaching experience in an early childhood setting preferred Available to work a mix of morning and afternoon shifts to cover extended day preferred Strong oral and written communication with parents, children and co-workers

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