Continuing Education, Comics - Youth In-Person Instructor

Overview

RISD Continuing Education operates within the larger RISD community, supporting personal and professional development across artistic disciplines.

We are seeking an inspired art educator to support the growth of teen students in our in‑person youth program. The ideal candidate has art education experience, a history of successful freelance art/design work, and extensive knowledge of potential careers in art. Applicants should be prepared to teach in person and online, working with a diverse group of students and addressing historically underrepresented communities.

As a youth programs instructor, you will lead teens toward aspiring career paths while problem‑solving through art and design. The program emphasizes design thinking, communication, and creation. Each class provides students the opportunity to develop socially and intellectually; by the end of the course, they will have identified new or refined academic and career goals.

We provide personalized support from a program manager and maintain instructor support systems to help you build engaging courses. You will have access to a broad network of creatives and opportunities to enhance your teaching.

Start Making Comics – In person at the RISD campus, Providence, RI.

Course

Description:

Many of today’s superhero blockbuster hits start as simple pen and ink comics. This course introduces basics of comic strips and single-page formats, character development, narrative structure, and skill application in inking and lettering. Skills are transferable to long‑form comics, graphic novels, illustration, and graphic design.

• Tell a short story in a minimal number of comic panels.
• Design creative layouts that enhance storytelling.
• Design and refine simple characters and settings.
• Complete final illustrations using pen and ink.

• BS, BFA or Art/Design Major.
• Teaching experience, including creating syllabi and lesson plans tied to learning outcomes.
• Demonstrated expertise in start making comics.
• Ability to convey complex art and design concepts to students ranging from novice to advanced within a condensed time frame.
• Accept and act upon constructive feedback from course evaluations by students and staff.
• Ability to develop and implement diverse teaching and learning for learners from various educational backgrounds and expectations.
• Ability to meet RISD’s technology requirements.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

• Experience teaching K-12 in art and design.
• Expressed interest in career planning and preparation for teens.
• Master's degree.
• Teaching certification or certificate.
• Knowledge and understanding of early-mid childhood learner principles and respect for students.

• Resume, including a URL link for your professional portfolio.
• Statement of interest (preferred).
• Additional documents as requested during application.

• Classes:
  Saturdays, 1 pm - 4 pm at the RISD campus, Providence, RI.
• Fall 2026 semester: classes will run from 10/10/2026 to 11/14/2026.

• Union:
  No.
• Work Modality:
  In person.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Successful candidates 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.