Youth Instructor

Job Summary: 

The Indianapolis Art Center promotes life-long learning through hands-on art classes, workshops and art activities. A Youth Instructor will teach educational programs offered by the Art Center. Youth Instructors will promote and nurture the education of students by planning and tailoring courses and lesson plans that provide meaningful learning opportunities and support youth development; providing encouragement and guidance to young students; promoting positive self-expression; 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:

• Educate students by planning and developing class curriculum and lesson plans which follow methods such as Discipline Based Art Education (DBAE) and support youth development through providing opportunities for self-expression, dialogue, critical thinking, problem solving and interaction with peers.
• Prepare adequate and appropriate materials, supplies, tools and equipment to encourage students’ full participation in the planned curriculum. Note: Youth students are not expected to bring their own materials to class. 
• Motivate, encourage, and develop students by providing coaching, demonstrations, advice and direction as appropriate to each individual student’s ability level. Note: Youth with special needs may register for any class with or without disclosure.   
• Maintain a safe, secure and healthy educational environment by establishing classroom behavior expectations with consistent enforcement, communicating safety information and procedures to students appropriate to the medium being taught, and following all Art Center policies and procedures including those related to child safety and protection.
• Clean and store all materials, equipment, and the studio space at the end of each class session.
• Report to program staff as requested (ex. narrative outcomes of each class session, student attendance, demographic data, etc.) and ensure that all necessary reports, records and documents are accurately completed and submitted on time.

 Additional Job Functions: 

• Maintain positive interactions with parents of students, including communicating with them about their child’s achievements or struggles. 
• Actively participate in retention and recruitment of students; assume an active role in the promotion of classes taught, utilizing a variety of existing and new channels. 
• Attend meetings and trainings as determined by program staff.
• For off-site programs, maintain positive interactions and relationships with partner site staff, acting as a representative of the Indianapolis Art Center.
• Prepare artwork for exhibition as necessary.

Competency Requirements (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):

• Possesses the proficiency (either through education and/or experience) to engage students of all abilities and teach concepts for specific courses taught.
• Lesson planning and organizational abilities.
• Ability to motivate and encourage young students. 
• Classroom/behavior management skills. 
• CPR certification is required.

Education and Experience: 

• A combination of education, training and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree in art, art education or a related field.
• Prior experience working with diverse or underserved audiences.
• Prior experience teaching or leading groups of youth. 
• Art experience such as exhibitions, commissions or professional work. 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. 
• Occasionally required to lift heavy objects up to 50 lbs.
• Perform physical tasks related to the medium being taught.

Instructors must pass a criminal background check prior to employment.