Stop Motion Animation Lead Instructor - CAP Elementary Programs; Santa Clarita

Overview

A CAP Lead Instructor works with up to 2 Cal Arts Assistant Instructors (CAIs) to teach a 6- to 10-week in-school residency of a specific artform assigned to a specific grade level for youth participants (Grades TK –
6) at CAP partner sites in Santa Clarita, CA. CAP Lead Instructors are responsible for creating and implementing lesson plans for the entirety of their residency. This position is highly collaborative and requires working closely with students, teachers, and staff at partner sites, Cal Arts staff, and other CAP instructors. CAP Lead Instructors report to the CAP Program Manager, James Waterman.

Leads are assigned to teach multiple grade level-specific classes per day at Elementary partner sites, for up to 5 hours of teaching per day. They may teach multiple days a week and/or at multiple CAP partner school sites, depending on availability and assignment. Additional hours are logged each week during the residency for trainings, prep time, administrative time, and meetings. Residencies occur in three blocks:
Block A (Sept/Oct – Dec), Block B (Jan – Mar/Apr), Block C (Apr – Jun). Classes do not meet on holidays or breaks as determined by partner districts’ calendars. For specific residencies, a family engagement or culminating event may be scheduled during or outside residency dates. The CAP Lead Instructor plans and implements these culminating activities with the CAP Program Manager.

Santa Clarita CAP Elementary sites with open positions are:

• Oak Hills Elementary School (Newhall School District)

Grade 3 Stop Motion Animation (Block C April – June)

The CAP Animation Residency is a series of engaging lessons that introduce students to the fundamentals of stop-motion animation on iPad devices, culminating in a Family Visit Day showcase. Students explore diverse animation techniques, including claymation, found object animation, and paper puppetry. Lessons emphasize creativity, teamwork, and technical skills such as precise movements and sequencing to bring characters and objects to life.

Students learn key concepts like frame rate, timing, and storytelling while using accessible materials like Play-Doh, magazine cutouts, and paper puppets. The program fosters individual expression, cultural inclusivity, and collaborative learning, providing students with hands-on experience in animation production and a platform to share their creations with families and peers.

• Developing engaging and innovative lesson plans appropriate for elementary school students in alignment with the required CAP Lesson Plan Template
• Teaching weekly lessons with partner teachers and CAIs for the entirety of the residency.
• Mentoring CAIs by involving them in design and implementation of the CAP residency, including opportunities to facilitate lessons
• Attending scheduled trainings with other CAP Leads and CAIs before the start of the CAP program and throughout the year.
• Attending required meetings with the CAP Program Manager, including mid-year check-ins and teaching observations.
• Attending site visits of assigned partner sites before the first day of the residency with CAP Program Manager.
• Managing all administrative aspects of the CAP class including:
  • Submitting class syllabi and lesson plans for review with a minimum of two weeks advance notice
  • Participating in CAP’s program evaluation processes
  • Completing all incident report forms
• Collaborating with the CAP Program Manager to plan, coordinate and administer the CAP residency, including maintenance and storage of supplies and equipment, installation and maintenance of software, and events.
• Co-planning possible culmination events for the residency, including submitting all materials needed for the event in advance. Representing the CAP class at culmination events.
• Building relationships with youth participants, partnering teachers, CAIs, and CAP partner staff; facilitating conflict resolution if disagreements arise in the classroom.
• Logging hours in Pay Com every two weeks and submitting timesheets on time.
• Responding to emails and phone calls from CAP team members within 36 hours of…