Children and Youth Teaching Artist, Accessible Art

Position Title: Children and Youth Teaching Artist, Accessible Art

Reports to: Manager of Children and Youth

Position Classification: Independent Contractor

Wage Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt

Start Date: Saturday, September 7, 2024

End Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024

Job Description:

Fleisher Art Memorial is looking for an energetic, flexible, and motivated lead teaching artist for our new Kindergarten-5th Grade Accessible Art Class for children with disabilities. This class is part of our Saturday Young Artist Program and designed for students with disabilities who would benefit from a small class size and specialized curriculum. The class will explore materials and processes by scaffolding projects based on a student's individual needs. The Teaching Artist will work closely with the Manager of Children and Youth to design, launch, and evaluate the class. Applicants must be available Saturdays starting September 7 and ending November 16 from 9:00 am to 10:30 am.

Who you are:

You are an arts educator with experience establishing inclusive learning environments for students who learn, communicate, behave, or use their bodies differently than many of their peers. You have worked with students with disabilities in an arts environment, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). You have a solid artistic skill set and the ability to work in multiple mediums including drawing, painting, sculpture, and crafts. You are enthusiastic about creating a positive and thoughtful classroom and are looking for an opportunity to work with a diverse population.

Teaching Artist Key Qualifications:

Knowledge and understanding of various special needs populations

Familiarity with Universal Design for Learning and Differentiated Instruction

Effective use of accommodations and behavior management skills

Creating and adjusting a curriculum based on student needs

Strong communication skills; as needed communicates in a timely fashion with Fleisher staff and student caregivers

Thoughtful, fun, creative, and culturally appropriate lesson plans and curricula for elementary students

Flexible and can work in a variety of studio environments with large and diverse groups of people

Punctual and organized

Language skills in Spanish, Mandarin or Cantonese a plus

Teaching Artist must have, or obtain, prior to January the following clearances:

Report of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP)

Child Abuse History Certification from the Department of Human Services (Child Abuse)

A fingerprint based federal criminal history (FBI) submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent

Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training Certificate

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

Communicates with caregivers; as needed informs families of students' progress and behavior

Maintains classroom records including attendance and behavioral log

Design and implement a well-planned curriculum for students with disabilities

Communicate with Fleisher staff about basic supply needs, curriculum development, and scheduling

Arrive 15-30 minutes before class to set up

Manage classroom time to appropriately clean the studio space with students before the end of class

Respectful of students, parents, partner employees, and Fleisher Staff

Inform the relevant Manager of any unexpected change of plans such as illness or other absences as soon as possible

Benefits:

This position is classified as an Independent Contractor. The Teaching Artist will be paid $150 per class each week which includes 1.5 hours of teaching, one hour of day of prep and clean up, and an additional hour for class related communications with student caregivers. In addition, the teaching artist will receive $200 for course development.

Annual Fleisher Faculty Exhibition

One free Fleisher class per term

Digital PMA ID badge with free admittance to many area museums

Professional development resources

Additional discounts on other Fleisher programming for yourself and immediate family members

To apply: If this position seems like a good match for your personality, skills, and career goals, please submit the following via Submittable:

Cover Letter and Current résumé

Images of current work (maximum of 12)

Images of work created by students (maximum of 12)

Three professional references

Course descriptions and curriculum outlines for previous courses taught

Other supporting documentation, including evaluation and assessments of previous teaching experiences (*Optional)

Interview Process: Interviews will be held starting the first week of August and will include an in-person interview and tour with the Manager of Children & Youth Education and another person from the Education Department. The candidate chosen will receive notification no later than August 15, 2024.

Fleisher’s core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and to maintain a diverse and inclusive environment. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position.

Fleisher strongly encourages individuals from marginalized and underrepresented groups to apply. Fleisher is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

ABOUT FLEISHER ART MEMORIAL:

Founded by industrialist Samuel S. Fleisher in 1898 as one of the nation’s first community-based art centers, Fleisher Art Memorial is renowned for its long-standing mission of making art accessible regardless of economic means, background, or artistic experience. In 2023, Fleisher celebrates its 125th anniversary as the center continues to provide free and low-cost studio art classes along with opportunities for emerging and seasoned artists to exhibit their work. Extensive arts education and community-based programming also reflects the organization’s commitment to serving and strengthening communities in Philadelphia by developing, sharing, and promoting creative resources. To learn more, visit fleisher.org.