Jabali Academy Lead Teacher of Diaspora Studies

https://jabaliacademy.org/jobs/

Job Title: Lead Teacher of Diaspora Studies

Program: Roots of Knowledge Empowerment Institute

Reports To: Academic Director / Head of School

Employment Type: Short-Term Contract (Week-Long Institute)

Position Overview

The Roots of Knowledge Empowerment Institute seeks a knowledgeable, dynamic, and culturally grounded educator to serve as Lead Teacher of Diaspora Studies for its week-long cultural enrichment program. This role centers the exploration of key historical moments, cultural movements, and global connections within the African Diaspora in an age-appropriate and empowering way for elementary and middle-grade students.

The Lead Teacher will design and facilitate engaging lessons that connect history, literature, identity, and character development. The program also introduces students to influential African American writers and explores themes of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride through selected texts and guided discussion.

This position requires a strong commitment to culturally responsive pedagogy and the ability to cultivate curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking in young scholars.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and lead daily interactive lessons focused on significant movements, figures, and themes within the African Diaspora
• Introduce students to selected works by African American writers and facilitate thoughtful, age-appropriate literary discussions
• Connect historical content to themes of identity, resilience, and global citizenship
• Develop hands-on learning activities that reinforce understanding through creative expression, group work, and reflection
• Collaborate with sports instructors (tennis and golf) to reinforce connections between discipline, character, and cultural empowerment
• Prepare students for a culminating presentation, showcase, or reflection activity
• Maintain a structured, affirming, and intellectually stimulating learning environment
• Communicate regularly with program leadership regarding student engagement and progress

Qualifications

• Experience teaching African Diaspora studies, African American history, social studies, humanities, or related subjects
• Demonstrated knowledge of key historical movements, global African connections, and African American literary traditions
• Ability to translate complex historical themes into age-appropriate instruction
• Strong facilitation skills that encourage student voice and critical thinking
• Commitment to culturally responsive and identity-affirming education
• Excellent organizational and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in African American Studies, History, Diaspora Studies, Humanities, or Education (or equivalent experience)
• Experience working in independent schools, cultural institutions, or enrichment programs
• Background in integrating literature with historical instruction
• Experience leading project-based or discussion-centered learning

Core Competencies

• Cultural fluency and historical grounding
• Ability to inspire confidence and intellectual curiosity
• Skilled discussion facilitator
• Strong curriculum planning and instructional design
• Commitment to empowering students through knowledge and character development