Try Teaching

AmeriCorps provides opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to give their time and talent to serve communities and help organizations address local needs (including education). There are hundreds of part-time and full-time opportunities to support, mentor, inspire and connect with local students across New York. Training is provided for every position.

As an AmeriCorps New York participant, you’ll work with a local organization and receive a small living allowance, as well as an educational award once you complete your service. You can use this award to pay for education expenses like tuition and student loans! Depending on your program, you may also receive benefits such as supplemental health insurance, loan deferment and childcare.

Positions available for: High school graduates

Breakthrough New York empowers motivated students from low-income backgrounds to graduate from college and pursue a fulfilling career. Breakthrough’s tuition-free program provides students with the opportunities, resources and relationships to succeed academically and professionally. Breakthrough New York hires Teaching Fellows, mentors and interns to work closely with students and further its mission.

Teaching Fellow positions and scholarships available for: Undergraduate students and high school sophomores, juniors and seniors

EnCorps STEMx Tutors help underserved middle school students who are under-performing in math, in order to prepare them for high school math. Quality math education can help underserved students break the cycle of poverty, pursue higher education and secure jobs in the 21st century. Want to empower students and inspire the next generation of STEM leaders? Join EnCorps today!

Volunteer positions available for: Bachelor’s degree holders who have at least one year of hands-on STEM industry work experience, or who have an advanced degree in a STEM field

ExpandED Schools supports more than 900 afterschool programs throughout New York City offering enriching learning opportunities in partnership with public schools. ExpandED School’s staff and partners work every day to ensure the system of school-community partnership is vibrant and supported, so that all New York City children thrive.

Teaching Assistants—known as paraprofessionals in NYC—work closely with classroom teachers to support students. 

As a teaching assistant, you might help plan and schedule class activities, work one-on-one with students to practice skills like reading or math, supervise students during lunchtime or field trips…your role can change daily, so the work is always new and rarely boring. Plus, if you decide to become a certified teacher, some districts will help pay for paraprofessionals’ tuition! 

Important: To become a teaching assistant, you’ll need to meet a few requirements. Learn more here. 

Paid positions available for: High school graduates Visit the SchoolSpring website or check your local school district’s website to find teaching assistant or paraprofessional openings.

Reading Partners has paired thousands of community volunteers with low-income schools to provide personal attention to students and help kids master basic reading skills and narrow their achievement gaps. Reading Partners’ 1-on-1 tutoring empowers students to succeed, while simultaneously empowering volunteers to make a lasting difference in their communities. Reading Partners New York City currently serves students in 21 schools.

Volunteer positions available for: Anyone 14 years of age or older

Co-founded by Sal Khan of Khan Academy, Schoolhouse.world is a free virtual tutoring platform for SAT prep and math—from pre-algebra to calculus. Within a few hours of training and onboarding, you can become a Schoolhouse.world tutor and start hosting group tutoring sessions for learners from 80+ countries.

Volunteer positions available for: Anyone 13 years of age or older

Substitute teachers (sometimes called guest teachers or per diem teachers) fill in when full-time teachers can’t be in the classroom. As a substitute, you’ll practice classroom management, lesson planning and instructional skills. Substitute teaching is a flexible way to explore teaching in different grades and subject areas—and districts need skilled substitute teachers more than ever! 

"Welcome to Substitute Teaching," a course developed by Substantial Classrooms, will set you up for success as a substitute teacher! Build your understanding of your role in your school community, find information on what to expect and get resources for managing a classroom and facilitating instruction. 

Teachers can almost always use classroom volunteers! Volunteering in the classroom lets you get a front-row view of how educators keep their classrooms running. As a volunteer, you might help out behind the scenes, organizing books and preparing classroom materials—or you might work directly with students, reading, tutoring or helping out with student clubs. 

If you’re interested in teaching but want to explore more, volunteering can give you experience with different grade levels and subjects while making a difference in your community.