Teaching Artist: K - 2nd

About the role

The Art Adventures Teaching Artist (Instructor) at Rainey Institute is equal parts professional artist and campus for lower-elementary learners. This Art Adventures program serves children 5 through 8 years of age (kindergarten through second-grade students). The Art Adventures Class is a unique blend of Music, Dance, Drama and Visual Art. Rainey Institute seeks a fun-loving, high energy educator to fill this administrative and teaching role. Administratively the position supports the development of curriculum and ensures the day-to-day programming runs efficiently and effectively. They also plan and establish a safe environment for all students while providing instruction in group settings to children that encourages and inspires them on the path to visual and performing arts and personal growth.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop the early childhood arts programming curriculum for Art Adventures
• Execute day-to-day early childhood programming
• Create and teach lesson plans that align with departmental and program goals and objectives ensuring developmentally appropriate practices
• Establish a safe environment for students using principles of child development including social and emotional learning strategies to manage classroom environment and support student growth
• Engage in ongoing reflection and evaluation of lesson plans, instructional methods, student progression, and student behavior, among other topics with the Early Childhood Programming Coordinator and other faculty
• Monitor student progress through formal and informal assessment methods, reflect on assessment, and make necessary modifications to the program
• Create supply lists within program budget guidelines, manage supplies and materials
• Communicate positively with parents, students, staff and teachers on a regular basis and manage issues and concerns related to students and class programs
• Commit to ongoing professional development and personal practice of their craft through seeking out opportunities to perform and attending professional development sessions provided by or at the expense of Rainey Institute
• Participate in the planning, organization and execution of special events that occur through the program, including performances, exhibits, assemblies, and other events that promote deep learning and exploration
• Maintain a clean and organized classroom, teaching and storage space while also ensuring supplies, materials, and equipment are kept in pristine condition

Requirements

• Formal education/training/certification in Theater, Visual Art, Music, or Dance
• Strong knowledge of early childhood pedagogy and teaching methods
• Ability to manage a classroom of up to 20 students using preventative behavior management techniques
• At least 3 years proven success in designing and teaching / implementing art classes for children 3 through 8 years of age
• Experience working with families to engage them in programming

Competencies

• Enthusiasm in and experience working with children from diverse ethnic, economic and cultural backgrounds
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Solid team player with demonstrated ability to work with flexibility and efficiency in a fast paced environment
• Highly organized and results driven
• Ability to generate a positive image of the organization with all contacts and communications that represent Rainey Institute, including presentations and public speaking opportunities

Pay

$50/hr (Contracted Hours)

Schedule

Hourly Contractor (1099 Employee)
Monday - Friday, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Programming Time: Pre-Programming: 3:00-4:00pm, Class: 4:00 - 5:45pm
Program Duration: After School Season: Sept. 8, 2026 - May 14, 2027

Physical requirements

• Ability to sit/stand for extended periods and work at a computer station
• Ability to see, read, and interpret documents, both on paper and on a screen
• Ability to hear and speak clearly to communicate effectively in meetings, phone calls, and presentations
• Ability to understand, remember, and follow written and verbal instructions
• Occasional lifting of lightweight office supplies or materials (up to 20 lbs)

Travel

Travel is required to sites and occasionally to/from meetings, professional development and events.