Teaching Artist

Part time / $30 hourly / Swiss Institute / New York, NY

The Teaching Artist role (part-time) is the lead for Swiss Institute’s on-site programming for youth and teens. Programs take place across six to ten weeks during three seasons: October-December, February-April, and July-August. Planning for programs begins a month prior. The Teaching Artist takes on a variety of roles within the program including, but not limited to: educator, facilitator, and mentor.

Teaching Artists should have demonstrated experience with a diverse range of ages in informal educational settings, a practice in visual or media arts, and be passionate about cultivating brave learning environments to foster creative exploration, community-building, and career readiness. Teaching Artists report to the Education and Community Engagement Manager.

Must be flexible working in a fast-paced, non-profit environment. Experience or interest in arts education with diverse age and audience groups is critical. This position works primarily at our program site on St Marks Place in the East Village. Must be willing to use personal equipment such as cell phone and laptop/tablet when working remotely. Must be willing to undergo clearances/background checks.

Salary & Schedule:

o Part-time, contractual position.
o $55/hour for teaching, $30/hour for planning and prep.
o Position is expected to work 4-10 hours a week during weekday after-school hours, and 20 hours a week in the summer, but exact schedule to be determined with input from Teaching Artist on a seasonal basis.
o Starting date will be sometime in early-mid September.
o Candidate must be open to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Requirements

Duties and Responsibilities:

o Creating original curriculum that is developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive for elementary, middle, and high school students with an emphasis on teens
o Serving as the programmatic lead for Teen Class and Teen Council programs, with possibilities for other programs
o Guiding learners of all ages through reflection and process-oriented learning experience, hands-on artmaking, and close-looking at art over the course of multi-session programs
o Orienting students to the timing, offerings and guidelines for their respective programs and setting expectations
o Experience planning culminating presentations and exhibitions with students
o Providing mentorship to teens to actualize their own ideas and goals and support career readiness and personal and professional development
o Planning and establishing a safe and brave learning environment for all students and artists
o Participating in meetings pre-, during, and post-programs with the Teaching Assistant and Education and Community Engagement Manager
o Tracking program agenda, successes and challenges for each session and share ongoing and final reflections with Education and Community Engagement Manager
o Reporting weekly with Education and Community Engagement Manager any concerns including lesson content, student engagement and attendance, and facility issues
o Completing administrative tasks including regular email correspondence with and submitting invoices to Education and Community Engagement Manager
o Performing other duties as assigned

Desirable Skills & Qualifications:
o At least 2 years of working experience in a similar role in an arts or educational non-profit
o Experience teaching STEAM-related arts projects with K-12 students, with a focus on teens
o Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following arts disciplines: photography, drawing, painting, sculpture, animation, mixed media or media arts
o Strong knowledge of contemporary artists and art in an international capacity
o Knowledge of working pedagogic theories and best practices
o Interest and passion for the intersection of art, the environment, and social justice
o Cultural competency to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and foster open communication
o Some experience in community organizing is helpful, team building and group dynamics
o Ability to work independently, be flexible, and manage multiple priorities and projects
o Work well in a team-oriented environment and maintain harmonious relationships
o Proficient computer skills, especially using Microsoft and Google Suite applications
o Detail-oriented with excellent communication, organizational, interpersonal, and writing skills
o Experience with public speaking and presentations
o English/Spanish bilingual, multi-lingual, and/or ASL preferred