Application Guide

How to Apply for Teaching Artists - GENuine Connections®

at DOROT

🏢 About DOROT

DOROT is a nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating social isolation among older adults and fostering intergenerational connections. They uniquely bridge the gap between teens and seniors through innovative programs, making a tangible difference in the lives of both generations. Working here means being part of a mission-driven team that values creativity and human connection.

About This Role

As a Teaching Artist for GENuine Connections®, you'll lead weekly online workshops that bring together teens and older adults for shared experiences in creative arts, storytelling, wellness, and more. Your role is to facilitate engaging activities that spark conversation, collaboration, and mutual understanding, directly contributing to DOROT's mission of reducing isolation and building community.

💡 A Day in the Life

On a typical day, you'd log onto Zoom 15 minutes early to set up your virtual space and greet participants as they join. You'd lead a 60-90 minute interactive workshop, using creative activities to spark conversations and build relationships between teens and older adults. Afterward, you'd reflect on the session, jot notes for next week, and coordinate with DOROT staff to ensure everything runs smoothly.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who DOROT Is Looking For

  • Experienced in facilitating groups, especially with diverse age ranges (teens and older adults), and comfortable with virtual platforms like Zoom.
  • Creative and innovative, with a portfolio of workshop ideas in areas like creative arts, music appreciation, story circles, technology, games, wellness, or mindfulness.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to create an inclusive, safe, and engaging environment for all participants.
  • Flexible and reliable, able to commit to a consistent schedule (1-2 times per week, Mon-Thu, 4:30-6:30pm) and adapt activities to participant needs.

📝 Tips for Applying to DOROT

1

In your cover letter, explicitly describe 2-3 specific workshop ideas you'd love to lead, including how you'd adapt them for a virtual intergenerational audience.

2

Highlight any previous experience working with both teens and older adults, even if in separate contexts, and emphasize your ability to bridge generational gaps.

3

Since the role is remote, mention your comfort and proficiency with Zoom, including features like breakout rooms, chat, and screen sharing, and how you'd use them to foster interaction.

4

Tailor your resume to showcase facilitation, program development, and any experience with creative arts, storytelling, or wellness activities.

5

Address the schedule directly: confirm your availability for the required days/times and express enthusiasm for the program's mission to connect generations.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your genuine passion for intergenerational connection and understanding DOROT's mission to combat social isolation among older adults.", "Your unique workshop ideas and how they align with the program's goals of fostering conversation, collaboration, and connection.", 'Your experience and skills in facilitating engaging, interactive online sessions for diverse groups.', "Your flexibility and reliability as a contractor, including your ability to commit to the program's schedule."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Visit DOROT's website (dorotusa.org) to learn about their history, mission, and the various programs they offer beyond GENuine Connections®.
  • → Read about the GENuine Connections® program specifically, including any testimonials or participant stories to understand its impact.
  • → Research best practices for intergenerational programming and virtual facilitation to inform your workshop ideas.
  • → Look up DOROT's recent news or social media to get a sense of their current initiatives and tone.
Visit DOROT's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through a workshop you've led before. How did you engage participants and handle challenges?
2 How would you adapt a specific workshop idea for a group of teens and older adults on Zoom?
3 How do you ensure that all participants feel included and heard, especially those who may be less tech-savvy?
4 Describe a time you had to pivot a planned activity due to unexpected circumstances. How did you handle it?
5 Why are you interested in working with DOROT specifically, and how does your background align with the GENuine Connections® program?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic application; ensure your cover letter and resume are clearly tailored to this role and mention DOROT specifically.
  • Avoid focusing solely on your artistic skills without demonstrating how you'd use them to facilitate connection between generations.
  • Don't overlook the importance of the schedule; if you can't commit to the required hours, it's a red flag, so be upfront about your availability.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to DOROT!

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