Teaching Artist

Job Description

Job Description

2nd Nature - LAYC’s Summer program works with 30 youth from 14-18 years old for six weeks. The youth select a creative track as their focus area for summer while also honing their social emotional skills as the tracks work together to build an exhibition. The program strives to spark learning and community engagement through inquiry and project-based learning.

There are weekly field trips related to their creative track to inspire and spark new conversations among our young people. At the end of the program, a public exhibition is held to demonstrate the culmination of the work developed throughout the summer. We are looking for dynamic, engaging individuals to support our summer program from late June to early August.

Art + Media Track Program Goals:

To develop young people’s creative abilities in Visual Art (drawing, painting, or mixed media) and Digital Media photography, graphic design, music production, or radio production), or Performance (theatre, spoken word) while exploring a shared community theme. Youth create work that reflects what they learned about the topics and issues they chose. A final public installation and performance is held at the conclusion of the program.

Available Positions: Teaching Artist positions available in any medium – visual art, digital media or performance.

Program Dates: June 23 & 25 (Staff Orientation & Planning); June 29-August 7 (Program).

Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 9:30am – 3:30pm (Program Hours 10am -3pm)

Location: 1419 Columbia Rd NW, Washington D.C 20009

Latin American Youth Center’s (LAYC) mission is to empower youth to achieve a successful transition to adulthood, through comprehensive and innovative programs that address youths’ social, academic, and career needs. To achieve this mission, LAYC provides services and opportunities to approximately 4,000 individuals annually to support academic achievement, promote healthy behavior, and guide youth towards successful adulthood.

We believe in a future where all youth pursue their dreams, reach their goals and acquire the skills and self-confidence to live a life of purpose, connection, contribution and joy.

General Program Responsibility & Facilitation:

• Create a welcoming environment for youth to engage and build community.
• Facilitate an interactive program that practices social emotional skills, builds technical skills, and provides opportunities for personal expression while ensuring a positive learning environment.
• Integrate engaging and hands-on learning activities and provide a structure for youth to fully participate in the program.
• Assess the progress of participants throughout the course and keep staff informed of progress.
• Help students develop and complete projects to contribute to the final exhibition at the end of the program.
• Be responsible for the safety and well-being of students and equipment.
• Develop 6-week syllabi for assigned class.
• Develop a pre-post survey for class based on topic.

• One year of experience is the medium or topic you want to teach.
• Previous experience working with youth is a plus.

• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills are important.
• Flexible, energetic, positive individual with commitment to youth development in a high quality, respectful environment.
• Ability to relate to a culturally diverse population.
• Complete criminal and child abuse/neglect clearances.

This is an active position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 20 lbs.

LAYC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing opportunities without regard to age, race, color, pregnancy, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or status within any other protected group.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Please submit a resume, cover letter and work sample.