Continuing Education Instructor, Drawing Beginners

Job Overview

RISD Continuing Education instructors plan, organize, teach, and provide feedback to promote and direct student learning in a manner that meets essential competencies of artists and designers.

• Respond to students in a timely manner and communicate with the discipline and division via college‑provided tools and resources.
• Teach in person on Block Island to a diverse group of adult students from a range of disciplines, with classes meeting in the evenings.
• Develop culturally diverse syllabi for studio and seminar courses and lead classes and critiques that model constructive, inclusive discussions.
• Introduce students to the foundational skills of drawing, focusing on hand‑eye coordination, scale, angle, proportion, line, and the use of light and dark to create volume and space.
• Guide students in using pencil, charcoal, and eraser to draw still life, architecture/space, and brief landscape studies.

• Bachelor’s Degree required; MFA preferred or equivalent in professional practice.
• Track record of paid professional experience at companies or a robust studio practice evidenced by recognition in publications, commissions, exhibitions, awards, or collaborative projects.
• In person teaching experience, including creation of syllabi, lesson plans tied to learning outcomes, tutorials, assignments, and meaningful feedback.
• Ability to develop and implement diverse teaching and learning strategies for learners of varied educational backgrounds in a multicultural environment.
• Strong analytical, evaluative, and critical‑thinking skills.
• Ability to meet RISD’s technology requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

• Teaching experience in a collegiate or adult‑education setting that addresses underrepresented communities.
• Ability to convey complex art‑engagement ideas clearly to students with varied skill levels in a condensed timeframe.
• Lifelong learning orientation with demonstrated interest in new developments in the field.
• Empathy and maturity in handling diverse student perspectives and interpersonal issues.

Classes will be held once per week for six weeks on Block Island, RI.

Fall
2026 semester: 11/02/2026–12/17/2026.

Preferred candidate is a Block Island resident or can arrange transportation (RISD CE does not provide transportation assistance).

• Resume.
• Portfolio URL.
• Statement of interest (preferred).

Incomplete applications will not be considered. All required documents must be uploaded and the candidate must meet pre‑employment background screening requirements.

RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.