Teaching Artist - Teen Arts Council
JOB DESCRIPTION
Teaching Artist / Teen Arts Council
Arts + Public Life (APL), an initiative of UChicago Arts, is a dynamic hub of exploration, expression, and exchange that centers people of color and fosters neighborhood vibrancy through the arts on the South Side of Chicago. As a neighborhood platform for arts and culture in Washington Park, APL provides residencies for Black and Brown artists and creative entrepreneurs, arts education for youth, and artist-led programming and exhibitions.
Job Summary
APL Teaching Artists are equal parts, professional artist and educator. Our teaching artists deliver high-quality authentic and engaging arts curriculum that cultivates diverse arts and culture leaders from our local South Side communities. We take an integrated, process-based approach to community engagement, with local teens sharing authorship over projects that are informed by their expertise as South Side residents and that have a direct impact on their 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.
Education:
Undergraduate degree at a four-year accredited college or university
Desirable Skills and Qualifications
- At least 3 years experience working as a professional multi-discipline artist or teaching artist in Chicago
- Experience teaching youth ages 13-19
- Familiarity with After School Matters (ASM) programs/policies/procedures is preferred but not required
- Skills in developing culturally relevant and youth-centered curriculum and lesson plans
- Familiarity with virtual learning environments and teaching strategies a plus
- 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
- Have access to reliable transportation
Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead youth in a curriculum that follows the core pedagogical values of APL
- Develop curriculum and weekly lesson plans that align with program goals and outcomes
- Facilitate in-person and/or virtual lesson plans that meet programmatic objectives and student outcomes
- Guide youth to full-scale projects that cultivate teens’ creativity, social development, and leadership while inspiring them to make positive differences in their communities.
- Work 10-15 hours weekly (evening and Saturday hours).
- Complete a fingerprint and background check
- Attends all team meetings, professional development workshops, and other meetings with staff and community partners as required
- Attend professional development courses
- Manages and tracks program activities such as daily attendance, student paperwork, and program surveys.
- Willingness to travel to off-site locations for field trips and enrichment activities
- Identify guest speakers and 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.
This position is offered as a temporary, contract position.
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 disability.
