Lead Teaching Artist

About Willow Arts:

Willow Arts is a nonprofit arts organization working to build a community of young artists with disabilities by reducing inequalities and barriers in arts education. The organization uses an assets-based approach to provide a safe and supportive atmosphere for young artists to develop their artistic craft and social skills while reaching their full potential.

Willow Arts’ vision is to create an accessible community of independent young artists by defending dignity and facilitating opportunities for creative expression- fostering independence and social-emotional growth. For more information, please visit our website!

Our Core Values:

• Build community and celebrate the individual.
• Center and value storytelling and self-expression.
• Pursue equity, dignity, and access relentlessly.
• Center fun in all we do!

Position Summary:

Willow Arts is seeking to hire an experienced teaching artist to lead the development and facilitation of a new Arts Program curriculum. The Lead Teaching Artist will work closely with the executive director to develop a series of five lessons and five “studio sessions” (studio sessions are intended to serve as less structured, “free” time for students to practice techniques taught in lessons), after which they will serve as the primary instructor for a 10-week visual arts program (consisting of five total lessons and five total studio sessions, alternating weekly). In addition to curriculum development and facilitation, the Lead Teaching Artist will work closely with program volunteers and liaise with parents and community members to create an atmosphere of positivity and shared commitment to our core values.

Successful applicants will have experience working with young people with disabilities and in arts curriculum development. We are seeking professionals deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Qualifications:

• Strong background in the arts and education, with an ability to encourage and support young artists across a wide range of skillsets.
• Relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required.
• Willingness to work collaboratively within a growing organization
• Knowledge of art education pedagogy, standards, and curriculum.
• Track record of successful program execution.
• Experience in curriculum development and lesson planning.
• Experience working with youth with disabilities.
• Commitment to the mission and core values of Willow Arts.
• Strong project management and excellent communication skills.

Job Responsibilities

1. Curriculum Development
   • Lead the development of 5 visual arts lessons and 5 “studio sessions”.
   • Collaborate with organization leadership to develop all learning materials (including presentations, handouts, and examples). List items to purchase pre-program launch.
   • Incorporate feedback from the executive director into all materials.
   • Develop and revise curriculum and materials in accordance with an agreed-upon timeline to be determined after hiring.
2. Teaching and Facilitation
   • Serve as the lead instructor and facilitator for the Summer/Early Fall Arts Program.
   • Lead community celebrations of student art.
   • Collaborate with Willow Arts leadership to develop a safe and supportive environment for program participants.
   • Assist in distributing surveys and collecting participant feedback to inform future programming.
   • Attend and facilitate all 11 programming events taking place in Summer/Early Fall 2025.
3. Program Coordination and Communication
   • Assist in the recruitment and management of program volunteers.
   • Regularly communicate with leadership on learning targets and artist development.
   • Send updates and respond to requests for information from parents and community members.
   • Assist in developing, coordinating, and executing community arts events.

Compensation: Throughout the curriculum development process, payment is to be distributed as packaged stipends contingent upon delivery of lesson plans and curriculum materials (based on $35 hourly rate). Once the Fall Visual Arts Program begins, pay is to be distributed bi-weekly based on a $35 hourly rate.

To Apply: Submit your resume, cover letter, and a sample lesson plan to ed@willowarts.org