Dream Academy - Faculty Teaching Artist

FACULTY TEACHING ARTIST

About Us

Dream Academy Charter School is a public charter school founded by A4L Charter Inc. in partnership with Arts for Learning Maryland (A4L)—a nationally recognized leader in arts-integrated education. Together, we are redefining what school can be by blending rigorous academics with the transformative power of the arts. Located in Baltimore City, Dream Academy serves as a model for equitable, joyful, and innovative learning, where artists and educators collaborate to nurture creative thinkers and confident learners. Our approach is grounded in the belief that creativity and academic excellence go hand in hand—and that every child deserves an education that honors both their intellect and imagination.

Mission

Dream Academy Charter transforms teaching and learning through a vibrant, arts and artist-integrated approach that empowers every student to achieve. By fostering intentional collaboration among artists, educators, families, and the community, we create an equitable and joyful environment where intellectual curiosity, creative expression, and authentic student voices thrive. Our innovative methods ensure that students achieve academic excellence while developing the skills and confidence needed to succeed as creatives, citizens, and lifelong learners.

Read more about our vision and core values.

Position Overview

Dream Academy Charter School, is seeking passionate and experienced Teaching Artists to join our vibrant, arts-integrated community. The Teaching Artist will serve as a foundational partner for Dream Academy’s arts-integrated curriculum, working alongside classroom teachers to co-plan and co-teach interdisciplinary lessons while also leading specific arts classes.

As a full-time member of the Dream Academy school community, the Teaching Artist also plays additional and important roles in the classroom—supporting small group instruction, leading Advisory/Morning Meeting, and hosting Artist Studio time. These responsibilities contribute meaningfully to the culture and academic life of the school by supporting student creativity, engagement, and academic growth through the integration of the arts in everyday learning.

Key Responsibilities

Co-Teaching and Collaboration

• Function as a full-time staff member at Dream Academy, attending all staff meetings, professional development days, school events/field trips as needed, and other school activities in partnership with teachers.
• Co-plan and co-teach arts-integrated lessons with Dream Academy classroom teachers, blending the arts and core academic subjects to foster creativity, engagement, and deeper learning.
• Support classroom instruction daily, becoming familiar with academic content, and reinforcing key concepts through artistic methods.
• Provide tutoring or small-group support as needed, addressing individual student needs and enhancing their understanding of academic content through arts-based strategies.
• Act as a key collaborator in the development of a dynamic, interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates the arts into the daily academic experience.
• Ensure lesson plans are completed and submitted by the deadline.

Artist Studio Class Instruction

• Lead a specific arts class (visual arts, theater, music, dance, etc.) as part of Dream Academy’s offerings, creating a space for students to explore and develop their artistic skills and creativity.
• Design and implement engaging lessons and projects that inspire students’ artistic expression and problem-solving.
• In partnership with leadership staff, ensure art related supplies are purchased and support classroom goals and projects.

Student and Family Engagement

• Participate in school events, showcases, and performances that highlight student learning and the integration of the arts.
• Participate in and help plan school events, showcases, and performances that highlight student learning and the integration of the arts.
• Build positive relationships with students, families, and staff to support a welcoming and inclusive school culture.

Professional Development and Growth

• Engage in professional learning sessions offered by Dream Academy and Arts for Learning Maryland to deepen instructional practice and expand arts-integration strategies.
• Collaborate with other Teaching Artists and educators to share best practices and strengthen program impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related arts discipline, education, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience successfully facilitating arts or arts-integrated learning experiences in schools and/or community settings.
• Demonstrated success in teaching, facilitating, or performing within arts-integrated or educational environments, preferably in the K–8 setting.
• Strong collaboration, communication, and classroom management skills.
• Commitment to fostering equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environments.
• Priority consideration will be given to candidates with prior experience working within the Arts for Learning Maryland model or similar arts-integration frameworks.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting salary for a Faculty Teaching Artist is $66,312 for a 10-month position .

• Teaching Artists who hold a valid teaching certificate will receive a one-time salary increase of $2,500.

This position is structured as a 10-month appointment. In alignment with the Baltimore Teachers Union contract, regularly scheduled work during July and August is reserved for twelve-month positions; 10-month employees do not engage in standard summer work unless explicitly assigned, in which case compensation will follow regular daily rates. Ten-month employees may opt into optional summer assignments, which are offered separately and compensated accordingly.

Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Application Process

Qualified candidates must submit:

• For consideration, please apply on our website at artsforlearningmd.org.
• Cover letter explaining their interest in this position, what they understand about the role, and what they hope to bring to and gain from the Dream Academy community.
• Portfolio or artistic work samples (up to three examples of recent work with a brief description).
• An arts-integrated lesson plan they have written and taught.

Applicants may include professional references within the online application.

Please do not send headshots or photos of yourself. No phone calls or recruiters, please.

All employees will be subject to a federal and state background check in accordance with applicable laws.

A4L Charter, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to cultivating a diverse workforce and equitable workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, veteran status, and disability. All qualified applications will be given equal opportunity.

health insurance, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.