Youth Programs Instructor: Manhattan & Bronx; Part-Time

Position Type:

Part-time, hourly

Senior Program Manager

Approximately 6-8 hours/week, schedule TBD

$25/hour

TFFJ partner sites in Manhattan and the Bronx

Teens for Food Justice (TFFJ) is building a food-secure future through school-based, youth-led hydroponic farming, providing local, sustainably-grown produce to food desert communities, and building health, education, and opportunity equity. TFFJ trains students in Title I elementary, middle, and high schools to maintain indoor hydroponic farms through hands‑on farm education in STEM, health, and culinary school day classes, as well as food justice and nutrition-focused after school programming.

Partner with TFFJ to build an equitable, sustainable, and healthy food system throughout New York City through school- and community-based, youth-led hydroponic farming! TFFJ is seeking a part‑time Youth Programs Instructor to support our hands‑on food justice, hydroponics, urban agriculture, culinary, and youth leadership programming across TFFJ partner sites in Manhattan and the Bronx. Reporting to the Senior Program Manager, the Instructor will adapt, lead, and co‑lead engaging youth activities in school- and community-based settings, including after school programs, school-day classes, farm‑based learning experiences, workshops, community events, and special programming.

Working closely with our Program staff and site partners, and using prepared lessons and activities, this role will support youth engagement and classroom management, prepare and reset materials, and contribute to safe, joyful, and inclusive learning environments for all participants. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working directly with young people, brings strong facilitation skills, and is excited about helping students and educators explore food, farming, health, science, and community change through hands‑on learning.

Please note:

This is a part‑time role intended for the duration of the 2026-27 school year. Opportunities to extend the role are dependent upon funding.

• Lead and co‑lead hands‑on activities related to hydroponics, food justice, urban agriculture, sustainability, nutrition, cooking, STEM, and youth leadership.
• Facilitate prepared TFFJ lessons, workshops, after school club sessions, and community‑based youth programs, adapting when required to meet the needs and engagement levels of participating youth.
• Support students and educators in making connections between food, farming, health, the environment, community, and equity.
• Help create activities and learning experiences that are accessible, participatory, and responsive to students’ varied learning styles and prior knowledge.

• Build positive, respectful, and appropriate relationships with youth participants, informed by Positive Youth Development principles.
• With support from the Senior Program Manager, use clear expectations, positive behavior management, and restorative approaches to support participation.
• Actively supervise youth during activities, transitions, and program routines following TFFJ and partner‑site policies.
• Create a program environment where all young people and partner staff feel welcome, capable, and excited to participate.
• Support inclusive participation for students across age levels, learning styles, language, and comfort levels with hands‑on learning and food and farm experiences.

• Prepare, organize, transport, set up, and clean up program materials, always returning partner sites to their original state.
• Support basic data collection, participation and engagement notes, and program…