Instructor; Teaching Artist

about search firm

this position is being facilitated by pathway talent solutions group
, a specialized recruitment and talent advisory firm. We partner with organizations to identify, engage, and place exceptional talent. Candidates will be supported throughout the process with clear communication, guidance, and advocacy to ensure the best fit for both client and candidate.

reports to:site project manager
department:programs
position type: part-time/non-exempt
days: mon-fri
hours: varies
supervision:no

big thought equips youth to imagine and create their best lives and world. The secret that makes our work uniquely effective is the powerful combination of our social and emotional focus, experiential learning, community-centered partnerships, with a future focus.
throughout our 30+ year history of innovation, big thought has become a national model in arts education, out of school time systems, summer learning and juvenile justice intervention. Now, we’re one of six community partnerships in the u.s helping scale national best practices in social and emotional learning (sel). We take direct-to-youth programs and resources to communities with the greatest needs and share our evidence-based best practices with other nonprofits and organizations through a suite of consultation services including professional development, curriculum design and technical assistance.

#big thought way:

big thought brings relentless optimism, innovation, and imagination to everything we do. We emphasize the need to center youth and use a collaborative, all-hands-on-deck approach to ensure that they are served well.

the teaching artist (instructor) designs and delivers engaging, learner-centered instruction that inspires creativity, curiosity, and skill development among youth and young adults. Working in partnership with big thought staff and school partners, the teaching artist creates inclusive learning experiences that foster academic growth, creative expression, and social-emotional development.

teaching artists serve as subject matter experts who bring their artistic or specialized discipline to life through high-quality instruction aligned with big thought's educational philosophy and instructional framework.

about the ideal candidate

our ideal candidate is a passionate educator, artist, or creative professional who believes in the transformative power of learning through the arts. They are student-centered, collaborative, and committed to creating engaging learning environments where every learner can succeed.

successful candidates will demonstrate:

• passion for working with children, youth, and young adults from diverse communities.
• expertise within their artistic or instructional discipline.
• strong classroom management and facilitation skills.
• a growth mindset and commitment to continuous learning.
• creativity, flexibility, and adaptability.
• a commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive instruction.

what the role entails:

instruction & learning

• deliver engaging, high-quality instruction for students ages 4–24 in alignment with big thought's instructional framework, six dimensions of quality, social-emotional learning (sel), and project-based learning principles.
• create learner-centered experiences that encourage creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and self-expression.
• differentiate instruction to meet the needs of learners with varying abilities, learning styles, and developmental levels.
• foster an inclusive classroom environment where every learner feels welcomed, respected, and empowered to participate.

curriculum planning & instructional design

• develop, document, and implement engaging lesson plans aligned with program goals and learning outcomes.
• collaborate with big thought staff to design instructional experiences that integrate creative learning strategies and the creator archetype.
• incorporate scaffolding, modeling, and differentiated instructional practices to maximize student engagement and success.
• prepare instructional materials and maintain an organized learning environment.

coaching & professional growth

• partner with instructional coaches to strengthen teaching practice through observation, feedback, and continuous improvement.
• apply coaching recommendations to enhance instructional effectiveness.
• participate in required trainings, professional development, team meetings, and collaborative planning sessions.
• model instructional best practices and, when appropriate, support novice instructors through co‑teaching and mentorship.

program administration

• submit lesson plans, attendance, assessments, schedules, and other required documentation in a timely manner.
• maintain accurate program records and instructional materials.
• communicate effectively with program staff, school partners, and families, as appropriate.
• perform other duties as assigned in support of program success.

minimum qualifications

• minimum of two (2) years of experience…