Teaching Artist
| Job Title: | Teaching Artist (Dance, Music, Theatre/Improv) |
| Department: | Education |
| Employment Status: | Part-time |
| FLSA: | Non-exempt |
| Reports To: | Senior Manager of Education Programs |
| Management Position: | No |
| Pay Range: | $35.00 to $50.00 per hour |
| Created/Revision Date: | April 2026 |
Position Summary
SPAC is seeking passionate Teaching Artists to join the Education team. Teaching Artists deliver inclusive, high‑quality arts programming at SPAC School of the Arts, in schools throughout the region, and at community programs and events.
Teaching Artists serve a wide range of learners and are committed to creating welcoming, accessible, and joyful learning environments. Through collaborative instruction, Teaching Artists support SPAC’s mission to foster creativity, confidence, and a true sense of belonging for individuals and families.
Teaching Disciplines
- Dance: Facilitate movement that is accessible to all bodies and abilities, emphasizing creative expression, exploration, and personal agency. Through adaptable instruction, clear modeling, and joyful participation, Teaching Artists create an environment where students feel safe to take risks, build confidence, and connect with others through movement.
- Music: Create inclusive music-making that invites participation at all levels, regardless of prior training. Using a variety of entry points—such as rhythm, voice, instruments, and listening— Teaching Artists support students in developing musical skills while fostering self-expression, collaboration, and a sense of belonging within an ensemble.
- Theatre/Improv: Guide students in inclusive, process-based storytelling and performance that prioritize imagination, collaboration, and self‑expression. Offerings may include improvisation, or draw on its principles—such as active listening, adaptability, and creative risk‑taking—to support accessible, ensemble‑based learning. Teaching Artists cultivate environments where participants feel welcomed, valued, and able to engage in ways that reflect their choices, needs, and strengths.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Plan and teach inclusive arts programming at SPAC School of the Arts, in schools, and at community locations
- Adapt curricula and teaching approaches to meet the needs of diverse learners and settings
- Create a safe, respectful, and welcoming learning environment for students of all backgrounds and abilities
- Communicate clearly and professionally with SPAC staff, students, families, and partners
- Attend required trainings, meetings, and professional development sessions
- Maintain accurate attendance, documentation, and reporting as required
- Represent SPAC positively at SPAC School of the Arts and in community settings
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong expertise in a specific artistic discipline (music, dance, theater, improv, etc.)
- Experience teaching or facilitating arts education for children, teens, and adults
- Experience teaching in after-school, in-school, and/or summer camp programs
- Commitment to inclusive and equitable teaching practices
- Ability to engage learners with diverse backgrounds and abilities
- Strong communication, organization, and classroom management skills
- Reliability and professionalism, including timeliness and preparedness
Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have reliable transportation
- College degree or equivalent work experience required
Schedule
SPAC Teaching Artists have varied schedules, which may include weekday daytime programming, evening commitments for classes at the SPAC School of the Arts, as well as evenings and weekends for events and community programs.
Physical Demands
- Duties involve standing, sitting, moving, and demonstrating activities fully within specified arts discipline or area of expertise.
- Capacity to navigate a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, including schools and community settings, with varying layouts.