Teaching Artist | Design + Woodworking
Organization Summary
Arts + Public Life (APL), an initiative of UChicago Arts, provides platforms for artists and access to arts programming through artist residencies, arts education, cultural entrepreneurship, and arts-led programs and exhibitions. Arts + Public Life advances and promotes a robust, collaborative, and evolving relationship between the University of Chicago and the South Side’s vibrant civic, cultural, and artistic communities. The APL Education Department offers in-depth programs that cultivate local teens’ creative identity, social development, and leadership growth while motivating them to make a positive difference in their community through the arts. Programs level up over time as part of a tiered pathway that offers opportunities for access and exposure as well as supports dedicated teens’ pursuit of careers in the arts—at and beyond APL.
Duties and Responsibilities
Lead youth in arts curriculum based in woodworking + design that follows the core pedagogy and values of APL
Experience in carpentry, woodworking, design, art, and/or architecture
Guide youth to full-scale projects that cultivate teen’s creativity, social development, and leadership while inspiring them to make positive differences in their communities.
Work 10-15 hours weekly (evening and occasional weekend hours).
Complete fingerprinting and background check
Commit to on-going professional development as an arts educator
Track and submit daily attendance
Complete program reports and submit required documents by the designated deadline
Willingness to travel to off-site locations for field trips and enrichment activities
Identify classroom visitors in related fields to enhance classroom experience and knowledge
Communicate any incidents or problems as outlined in the APL Teaching Artist Handbook to APL Education staff
Participate in APL Education program events
Be a positive role model for students and fellow teaching artists
Perform other duties as assigned.
Desirable Skills and Qualifications
At least 3 years experience working as an arts educator, teaching artist, or design/carpentry professional in Chicago
Experience teaching youth ages 13-19
Cultural competency to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds
Ability to work with various communities, organizations, and educational institutions
Work in a team environment with minimal supervision
Ability to work independently, be flexible, and manage multiple priorities
Exceptional communication and organizational skills
Strong classroom management experience
Familiarity with After School Matters (ASM) programs/policies/procedures is preferred but not required
Have access to reliable transportation
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
Be able to transport materials, supplies, and equipment weighing up to 40 lbs
Use power tools
This position is offered as a temporary, contract position.
To apply, send a resume and cover letter to Julia Hinojosa, Associate Director of Education Programs, at jhinojosa1@uchicago.edu.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.
