Co-Teaching Artist with By Discovery, Art Enrichment Program

Co-Teaching Artist with By Discovery, Art Enrichment Program

The Co-Teaching Artist position is a wonderful opportunity for those who are passionate about their art practice and enjoy working with children, grades K-5. Preferred applicants have teaching or teaching assistant experience for 1 or more years and an undergraduate degree in art or art education. Preferred applicants will also excel in 3 of the following studio arts: drawing, painting, printmaking, collage/mixed media, ceramics, sculpture and fiber arts.

Additionally, the ideal candidate will be both caring and comfortable helping children problem solve, in relation to a project or by encouraging prosocial behavior when children experience disagreements. Promoting kindness and safety, in the studio and at play (indoors or on the playground), is especially important.

Position Requirements:

• 1. Work independently and as part of a team to develop and document (via Google docs/sheets/slides) engaging, skill building, process-based art projects with Co-Teaching Artists and the Program Director via weekly meetings (2 per week, 2 hours each, typically on Mon/Fri.
  
  Please note:
  
  For the additional “Wednesday only” position at Lincoln, meetings are more flexible, 1-2 times per month)
• 2. Create and share age appropriate lesson plans and slide presentations per By Discovery’s established format to introduce students to artists, artwork, concepts, techniques and to facilitate discussions
• 3. Create art project samples to motivate students and to create a benchmark for project goals
• 4. Clearly demonstrate techniques, supply usage, and project clean-up steps for each lesson presented
• 5. Submit project supply lists for approval and purchase by the Program Director
• 6. Communicate closely with Program Director and with By Discovery families via email to share information about special project needs, scheduling changes such as field trips, special exhibition opportunities, changes in the child pick-up location, and other topics that arise, including behavior management strategies if needed
• 7. Supervise and support the Teaching Assistant/Volunteers/Substitutes in their responsibilities (project preparations, project assistance, student clean-up, supervision of snack, outdoor play, etc.)
• 8. Take student attendance daily and verify absences with parents/caregivers or the school administration if needed
• 9. Complete an accident report on the date of occurrence should there be a student injury and share with the Program Director, who will share with the School Principal
• 10. Complete an incident report for behavioral concerns/actions on the date of occurrence and share it with the Program Director, who will share with the School Principal
• 11. Document student artwork and share with the Program Director to post on social media
• 12. Be a mentor and promote kindness and safety in the studio and on the playground
• 13. Encourage prosocial behavior and redirect students who lose focus
• 14. Complete weekly timesheets (via Google spreadsheets) for payroll
• 15. Be willing to engage in other capacities that will facilitate the safe and efficient delivery of the program
• 16. Candidates must submit to a background check and complete Red Cross First Aid Training and Mandated Reporter Training.
• 17. Must be willing to make a commitment for the 2026/27 school year, through June 9, 2027. Summer 2027 is optional, yet preferred, for 2 or more weeks, TBD.
• 18. For candidates interested in the 2026/27 school year Studio position, training begins prior to the start of the school year, potentially as early as the week of Aug 10th.

Additional Qualifications:

• 1. BA or BFA degree in visual art or education OR can demonstrate ability in one or more of these areas
• 2. Strong work ethic (punctual, dedicated, engaged, focused)
• 3. Excellent rapport with children (enthusiastic, patient, nurturing, attentive)
• 4. Strong interpersonal skills (flexible, empathetic, strong listener, positive demeanor and can manage conflict)
• 5. Ability to climb 2 flights of stairs, with frequency, during child pick-up

School Year Open Positions & Locations:

M-F:
Studio: 44 Lake St, Oak Park, 60302 for the 2026/27 school year with optional summer…