Program Description:The ArtReach program is a community-based, after-school art education program for youth living in underserved areas of greater Indianapolis. ArtReach Instructors create and implement high-quality lesson plans that adhere to a contemporary understanding of Discipline-Based Art Education (DBAE). ArtReach instructors work to cultivate a creative, supportive, and safe atmosphere that fosters positive self-expression and interaction with peers; encourages exploration and problem solving; and promotes hands-on learning. This is a part-time position up to 29 hours per week, renewed each semester, contingent on positive teaching review(s) and site availability.Job Summary: The Indianapolis Art Center promotes life-long learning through hands-on art classes and activities. These programs serve a wide variety of ages, audiences, and skill levels of students. An ArtReach instructor teaches off-site in various community centers and schools with occasional on-site programming at the Art Center. Instructors promote and nurture the education of students by planning and tailoring courses of study; providing a safe, supportive, and positive environment conducive to learning; and keeping students informed about various Art Center efforts and other opportunities. Instructors must be friendly and enthusiastic ambassadors of the Indianapolis Art Center's mission and provide exemplary customer service to our students and patrons.Essential Job Functions: Prepare course material within specified timelines.
- Develop classroom lesson plans focusing on art making, art history, aesthetics, and criticism, with an additional emphasis on dialogue and community building.
- Research knowledge about art, artists, and cultures to be presented in class, with a focus on past and contemporary subject matter.
- Prepare art examples as necessary, including but not limited to presentations, demonstrations, visual aids, and handouts.
- Tailor lessons to meet student and site-specific needs.
- Manage time effectively.
- Ensure accurate documentation of class outcomes by taking attendance, facilitating student surveying, and completing requested student documentation.
Manage materials effectively and resourcefully.
- Maintain a semester budget.
- Keep consistent communication with Outreach Coordinator for material needs.
- Outreach teachers are required to transport art materials, tools, equipment, and/or student artwork to and from the Art Center and partner site locations.
- Ensure all materials, supplies, tools, and equipment are managed and handled appropriately.
- Work cooperatively with students to set expectations around material maintenance and clean up.
- Engage in equipment safety training, as necessary.
- Clean all materials, equipment, and studio space at the end of each class session and return items to the Art Center material supply room in a timely fashion.
- Collect and prepare artwork for exhibition, as necessary.
Uphold best teaching practices that align with the mission and standards of the Art Center.
- Engage students through a combination of discussions, projects, exhibits, visual aids, demonstrations, and critiques with an emphasis on encouraging feedback and dialogue.
- Maintain a safe, secure, and healthy educational environment by establishing classroom behavior expectations with consistent enforcement, communicating safety information and procedures to students, and following all Art Center policies and procedures.
- Design lessons that are adaptable and open to modifications. Tailoring lessons to those with various artistic abilities and interest levels, learning styles, prior student experience, special needs, and physical limitations is critical to this role.
- Maintain positive interactions with site coordinators and assistants, including communicating with them about youth challenges and achievements, and overall needs for upholding ArtReach standards and expectations.
- Address classroom concerns with supervisor and students as needed and through appropriate channels.
- Maintain student privacy and confidentiality.
Be an engaged team member of the Outreach Department and a positive ambassador of the Art Center.
- Attend meetings, trainings, and key program events as determined by supervisor, including semester exhibitions as assigned.
- Respond to emails from administrative staff and students in a timely manner.
- Maintain positive interactions and relationships with Art Center staff and faculty, as well as Partner Site staff.
- Assist in the promotion and retention of Art Center programs and activities. Actively engage in the classroom observation and annual review exercises.
Competency Requirements (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):
- Possesses the proficiency (either through education and/or experience) to teach various mediums, concepts, and techniques across multiple disciplines. Applicants with experience in a wide variety of 2D and 3D art practices will be given preferences.
- Basic computer competency and familiarity with virtual platforms and technologies.
- Time management, organization, and planning skills.
- Ability to engage, enlighten, and inspire students while demonstrating compassion and empathy.
- Flexibility, resourcefulness, and problem solving as related to effective instruction.
- CPR certification, or the ability to complete training, is required for all Outreach instructors.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in visual art, art education, art therapy, or closely related field. Those with a combination of education, training, and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree in art or art education may also be considered.
- Experience working with, mentoring, and/or teaching diverse and underserved audiences.
- Experience working with youth and teens with various social-emotional learning competencies.
- Background in trauma-informed care and strengths-based approach to learning preferred.
- Art professional experience. A personal art portfolio may be requested.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
- Instructors are required to travel to and from the Art Center campus and/or various locations in the city.
- Flexible schedule; capacity to work predominantly in after-school hours during Fall and Spring semesters | summer schedule will vary according to Partner Site hours.
- Occasionally required to lift heavy objects up to 25 lbs.
- Perform physical tasks related to the medium being taught.
- Instructors must pass a criminal background check prior to employment.