Teaching Artist - Theater
Organization Summary
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 artists and professional educators. 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 Arts + Public Life Education Department is seeking an educator to teach theater art to teens ages 14-19 in an out-of-school-time setting. In addition to theater arts, the teaching artist will work to cultivate local teens’ creative identity, social development, and leadership growth while motivating them to make a positive difference in their community through theater arts.
Education
B.A or BFA in Education, Theater arts, or related field
Desirable Skills and Qualifications
- At least 3 years of experience working as a theater educator, performing artist, and/or teaching artist in Chicago
- Experience teaching youth ages 14-19
- Experience with trauma-informed and restorative justice education practices
- Knowledge of Theater of the Oppressed and participatory theater methods
- 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
- 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 theater arts curriculum that follows the core pedagogy and values of APL
- Develop curriculum and weekly lesson plans that align with program goals and outcomes
- Facilitate in-person and virtual lesson plans that meet programmatic objectives and student outcomes
- 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 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
- 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 educators
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Salary
Commensurate with experience. This position is offered as a freelance/contractor 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.
Send a CV/resume and cover letter to Julia Hinojosa, Associate Director of Education Programs, at jhinojosa1@uchicago.edu. Include in the subject line of your email the title of the position in which you are applying.
