Emerging Teaching Artists

To support the next generation of emerging teaching artists who, in turn, support young people in developing healthy self-esteem and a strong sense of identity, Penumbra is seeking individuals who are interested in exploring teaching as both a creative practice and an expression of social justice. Candidates need not have formal teaching experience, but should genuinely enjoy working with children and youth and understand that strong teaching begins with relationships.

Penumbra’s Teaching Artists do more than deliver lessons. They help create spaces where young people can be curious, expressive, playful, thoughtful, creative, and fully themselves. Teaching Artists work Penumbra’s curriculum and pedagogical approach while bringing their own artistry, experience, presence, and facilitation skills into the room. This is a highly collaborative, active, and responsive mentee role. Teaching Artists adjust plans in real time, respond to individual and group needs, work cooperatively with peers and Penumbra staff, while remaining actively engaged with young people throughout the program day.

Emerging Teaching Artists will be paired with a seasoned Penumbra Teaching Artist to gain real‑time, practical experience in K‑12 classrooms, with the goal of eventually leading lessons on their own. Penumbra Position:
Emerging Teaching Artist Classroom Grades:
Pre‑Kindergarten through 12th grade

Required Training:
Two mandatory paid training days Position Type:
Temporary / Seasonal Teaching Artist Benefits:
Not eligible for benefits

Reports to:

Education Director Emerging Teaching Artist Rate: $40–$55/hour, based on experience, training, and demonstrated proficiency

About PRIDE Penumbra’s Positive Racial Identity Development and Empowerment (PRIDE) program uses theatre, storytelling, movement, reflection, creative expression, and community‑building to help young people develop a strong sense of identity, belonging, agency, and connection.

• 1. Positive Racial & Cultural Identity
• 3. Community & Belonging
• 4. Emotional & Physical Wellbeing
• 5. Creative Visioning & Artistic Exploration

• Observe PRIDE programming with K–12 students across a range of settings, including school‑based residencies, workshops, summer programming, and other educational programs and special engagements throughout the year.
• Support lead TA’s in delivering lessons in alignment with Penumbra’s PRIDE curriculum, pedagogy, and program goals, adapting appropriately for different ages, settings, and program formats.
• Review assigned curriculum, agendas, schedules, and materials in advance and arrive prepared to co‑facilitate and learn.
• Incorporate theatre, storytelling, writing, visual art, movement, games, discussion, reflection, and other creative approaches to support learning.
• Support trauma‑informed, racially affirming, student‑centered learning environments.
• Assist in building welcoming learning communities where young people feel seen, respected, valued, and supported.
• Co‑facilitate and eventually facilitate developmentally appropriate exploration of identity, culture, race, belonging, fairness, community, wellbeing, imagination, and creative expression.
• Maintain clear community agreements, expectations, boundaries, and routines.
• Consider multiple ways for young people to participate based on age, ability, comfort, and learning needs, including speaking, writing, drawing, moving, creating, performing, observing, and listening.
• Work with Lead TA’s to respond thoughtfully to the needs of different students, classrooms, schools, and program environments.
• Work collaboratively with classroom teachers, other Teaching Artists, Penumbra staff, and community partners.
• Atte…