Instructor (Teaching Artist)

Reports to: Site Project Manager
Department: Programs
Position Type: Part-Time/Non-Exempt
Days: Mon-Fri (On-Site)
Hours: Varies
Supervision: No

Pay Rate: $40.00-$60.00/hour

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Teaching Artist (Instructor) designs and delivers engaging, learner-centered instruction that inspires creativity, curiosity, and skill development among youth and young adults. Working in partnership with Big Thought staff and school partners, the Teaching Artist creates inclusive learning experiences that foster academic growth, creative expression, and social-emotional development.

Teaching Artists serve as subject matter experts who bring their artistic or specialized discipline to life through high-quality instruction aligned with Big Thought’s educational philosophy and instructional framework.

About the Ideal Candidate:

Our ideal candidate is a passionate educator, artist, or creative professional who believes in the transformative power of learning through the arts. They are student-centered, collaborative, and committed to creating engaging learning environments where every learner can succeed.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Passion for working with children, youth, and young adults from diverse communities.
• Expertise within their artistic or instructional discipline.
• Strong classroom management and facilitation skills.
• A growth mindset and commitment to continuous learning.
• Creativity, flexibility, and adaptability.
• A commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive instruction.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Instruction & Learning

• Deliver engaging, high-quality instruction for students ages 4–24 in alignment with Big Thought’s instructional framework, Six Dimensions of Quality, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), and project-based learning principles.
• Create learner-centered experiences that encourage creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and self-expression.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of learners with varying abilities, learning styles, and developmental levels.
• Foster an inclusive classroom environment where every learner feels welcomed, respected, and empowered to participate.

Curriculum Planning & Instructional Design

• Develop, document, and implement engaging lesson plans aligned with program goals and learning outcomes.
• Collaborate with Big Thought staff to design instructional experiences that integrate creative learning strategies and the Creator Archetype.
• Incorporate scaffolding, modeling, and differentiated instructional practices to maximize student engagement and success.
• Prepare instructional materials and maintain an organized learning environment.

Coaching & Professional Growth

• Partner with instructional coaches to strengthen teaching practice through observation, feedback, and continuous improvement.
• Apply coaching recommendations to enhance instructional effectiveness.
• Participate in required trainings, professional development, team meetings, and collaborative planning sessions.
• Model instructional best practices and, when appropriate, support novice instructors through co-teaching and mentorship.

Program Administration

• Submit lesson plans, attendance, assessments, schedules, and other required documentation in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate program records and instructional materials.
• Communicate effectively with program staff, school partners, and families, as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of program success.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience teaching or facilitating instruction within an educational, arts, nonprofit, or community-based setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in a creative discipline or instructional content area.
• Experience developing lesson plans and delivering learner-centered instruction.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction, classroom management, and instructional scaffolding.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to engage learners from diverse backgrounds and varying ability levels.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Reliable transportation required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including after-school, evening, and occasional weekend hours.

Note

WE VISUALIZE A WORKPLACE THAT PROVIDES AN EXCEPTIONAL EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE.  WE BELIEVE A BASELINE REQUIREMENT TO ACHIEVE OUR VISION IS EVERYONE TREATED WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT –REGARDLESS THE ISSUE AT HAND. 

Employees of Big Thought are expected to participate in mission driven activities, meetings, committees, etc. BT is based on a team environment and an openness to always “lend a hand” as appropriate to another employee.

All employees are required to adhere to BT policies and procedures.  All employees may expect to perform duties as assigned. In addition, all employees may be assigned “other” duties in the spirit of teamwork.