Job Title: Film Educator – Freedom School Summer Film Program (contract)

Program Dates: July 6 – August 13, 2026

Location: Red Hook Initiative, 767 Hick Street, Brooklyn NY 11231

Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Compensation: $6,000 total (includes, program preparation, teaching, final presentation preparations and meetings)

Position Description
Join the Freedom School Summer Film Program! In partnership with Red Hook Initiative, this program is designed to uplift young voices through filmmaking. Pioneer Works is seeking an experienced and dynamic Film Educator to develop and lead a six-week documentary filmmaking intensive for high school students (grades 9–10), most of whom will be new to film. This is an opportunity to mentor emerging storytellers as they explore their creativity, build technical skills, and produce a short film or documentary film grounded in the stories relevant to their lives in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

This program is part of Pioneer Works’ Learn & Engage youth programming, which connects artists and educators to young audiences through free, interdisciplinary learning experiences. Learn & Engage initiatives emphasize access, experimentation, and collaboration across art, science, technology and education, creating inclusive spaces where participants can connect with world class creatives, develop new skills and express themselves.

Working with a small cohort of up to 10 students, the Film Educator will guide participants through every stage of the filmmaking process—from ideation and research to production and post-production—culminating in a public screening of their completed work. The role is ideal for an educator who is passionate about youth development, community storytelling, and hands-on, project-based learning.

Key Responsibilities
Curriculum Development & Instruction

• Design and implement a structured, engaging curriculum focused on short film and/or documentary filmmaking
• Develop lesson plans aligned with a six-week production timeline:
  • Week 1: Concept development, ideation, and research
  • Week 2: Planning and pre-production
  • Weeks 3–4: Production (filming on location)
  • Weeks 5–6: Post-production (editing and finalizing films)
• Introduce foundational film concepts, including storytelling, cinematography, sound, and editing
• Adapt teaching methods to support beginners with no prior filmmaking experience

Student Engagement & Mentorship

• Teach and mentor high school students in a supportive, inclusive learning environment
• Facilitate both individual and collaborative creative work
• Guide students in conducting interviews, researching topics, screenwriting, character development, and engaging with community-based storytelling
• Encourage confidence both in front of and behind the camera

Production Oversight

• Supervise and guide all stages of a short film or documentary production.
• Support students in using film and audio equipment safely and effectively
• Oversee on-location shoots and ensure smooth coordination of production activities
• Lead post-production workflows, including sound editing, film editing and refining final projects

Technical Guidance

• Provide hands-on instruction in film and sound editing software and workflows
• Assist students in assembling and polishing their final documentary or short film
• Troubleshoot technical challenges during filming and editing processes

Program Coordination

• Participate in up to 24 hours of planning and preparation to include meetings,responding to emails, curriculum development, and final film preparations
• Manage classroom setup and cleanup as part of daily sessions (paid 30 minutes is allotted before and after each 2 hours class for set up and clean)
• Support and guide preparation for final screenings and public presentations at Red Hook Initiative block party with the students

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience as a lead film educator, teaching youth or high school students
• Demonstrated experience developing film curriculum, particularly in short film and documentary filmmaking
• Strong film editing skills (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or similar software)
• Ability to teach beginner-level students with no prior experience in filmmaking
• Strong classroom management, communication, and mentorship skills
• Ability to foster a collaborative, creative, and inclusive environment
• Flexibility, creativity, and enthusiasm for youth development and arts education
• Ability to manage a full production process within a limited timeframe

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Experience working with small cohorts in hands-on, project-based learning environments
• Knowledge of community-based storytelling practices
• Background in documentary production or non-fiction storytelling
• Experience in sound editing .

Program Outcome

The Film Educator will support students in producing a completed short documentary film to be publicly screened at Red Hook Initiative’s Summer Block Party and Pioneer Works’ September Second Sundays.

Time Commitment

• 72 hours of in-class instruction (24 sessions, 3 hours each)
• Up to 24 additional hours for planning, meetings, and final film presentation preparation

This role is ideal for a passionate educator and filmmaker who is committed to empowering young storytellers and guiding them through a meaningful, community-centered creative process.