Art Instructor

Art Instructor

Under the supervision of the Arts Coordinators, develops and implements educational programs in the visual and performing arts. Programs will provide high-quality opportunities for discovery, personal expression and skill development and for social and community engagement. Most classes occur in the Greenbelt Community Center, but may occur in other city facilities, outdoors, online or in other locations as coordinated by city staff. The Art Instructor also works directly with the Arts Supervisor, Dance Studio Director, Arts and Publicity Specialists, Studio Managers, Studio and Arts Assistants and additional staff to ensure smooth coordination of services and effective promotion of Greenbelt Recreation activities.

Responsibilities of the Art Instructor will include:

• Coordinating with the Visual Arts Coordinator or Performing Arts Coordinator to plan quarterly classes and workshops. Programs typically are planned 3 months prior to the start of session in order to accommodate publication deadlines.
• Developing course curricula which effectively match the Instructor's skills with the interests, abilities and resources of participants. Where demand exists in a given medium, a progressive series of programs may be offered by one or more instructors to accommodate students' ongoing participation and skill development.
• Communicating with arts program staff before, during and after seasonal sessions regarding promotional materials, technical needs, supply requests, learners' needs, and other issues as may arise. Preparing course outlines and materials lists as needed. Supplying photos of sample projects.
• Arriving for each class meeting promptly, adjusting the room set up as needed for class and ensuring that class begins on time. The Art Instructor is expected to enlist the participation of students in cleaning up the studio at the end of each class meeting and to leave the space in ready condition for the next users.
• Following health, safety and emergency procedures based on written information provided by the Arts Coordinators and building staff. The Art Instructor is expected to be familiar with procedures at the start of each session and have up to date student rosters with them at each class meeting for reference in case of an emergency.
• Upholding all studio and Community Center guidelines. Educating students about procedures and reinforcing this information as needed.
• Taking photos during class with students' consent and providing them to the arts program staff for promotional use.
• Following class cancellation procedures based on written information provided by the Arts Education Specialist. The Art Instructor is expected to have up to date student rosters with them at home for reference in case they need to cancel an individual class meeting unexpectedly for personal reasons.
• Maintaining a positive and respectful classroom environment. Reporting any significant or persistent student behavioral issues in a timely manner to the Arts Coordinators.
• Cooperating with any directives as may be issued by Greenbelt Recreation concerning professional conduct and reporting of any concerns through proper channels.
• Reporting hours worked in a manner specified by the Arts Coordinators.
• Encouraging all students to complete course evaluations at the end of each program session.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency in the artistic discipline in which the Instructor wishes to teach.
• Ability to maintain positive, effective working relationships with staff and program participants.
• Strong skills in organization, classroom management and verbal communication
• Adaptability in meeting the needs of students working at different paces and with different learning styles.
• Ability to respond promptly to email communications.

Required Experience and Training:

• Diploma from an accredited High School or General Equivalency Degree
• Completion of a probationary period sufficient to demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

• Training in one's artistic discipline by any of the following means: coursework at an accredited college or university; non-credit classes and workshops with accomplished practitioners in a museum, arts center, or private setting; apprenticeship
• Three or more years' experience as a practicing artist outside of a degree program setting
• Training in arts education through a college, university, or professional association
• One year or more of teaching experience