Youth Arts Workshop Teaching Artist

Reports To: Youth Education Programs Manager

Supervises: N/A

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking a passionate and reliable Teaching Artist who thrives in dynamic learning environments and enjoys working closely with middle school-aged youth. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong classroom management skills and a genuine commitment to supporting the growth and development of young people through the arts.

Position Description Overview

The Teaching Artist assists the Lead Teaching Artist during classroom time, with a particular focus on supporting effective classroom management. Assists with lesson planning, workshop prep, and facilitating lessons once a month. This position also supports general program logistics such as meal distribution, afterschool pick up, supervision, student programs, and field trip assistance.

Key Responsibilities

Classroom Management

- Support daily classroom operations and help maintain a calm, focused, and safe learning environment for students

- Assist with classroom management, reinforcing positive behavior, redirecting off-task behavior, and modeling respectful communication

- Build rapport with middle school youth, providing them with guidance and support during structured and unstructured time (lunch, open studio, field trips).

- Offer individualized, hands-on assistance to students during workshop projects.

- Help with student drop-offs and dismissals, including health screenings upon arrival.

Curriculum Planning

- Responsible for lesson planning and facilitating at least one workshop per month with a focus in SEL and art making.

- Assist with in-class activities during program times. Facilitate open studio activities and lead warm-up activities as needed.

- Assist youth with preparing projects or pieces to share at Asian Arts Initiative’s programs and events.

- Assist with the annual craft fair and showcase events. Promote the youth participant’s work to visitors.

Chaperone and Pick-up

- Chaperone field trips as needed.

- Pick up students from partner schools in the neighborhood as needed.

Organizing and Inventory

- Lead the organizing, cleaning and maintenance of the Youth Arts Workshop space.

- Organize the program materials and maintain updated inventory of program supplies.

- Assist with researching and placing orders for program materials.

- Distribute snacks to students. Assist with cleaning up and donating any surplus snacks.

General

- Maintain open communication with fellow staff, and assist in family engagement and emergency communication as needed.

- Participate in weekly team meetings to discuss classroom dynamics, student needs, and curriculum updates.

- Support the education team with program promotion and distributing fliers as needed.

- Participate and assist in emergency preparedness training and exercises.

- Positive attitude and willingness to participate in a small team dynamic. Willingness to work outside of main responsibilities and serve as an organizational ambassador as advised by the supervisor.

Qualifications

- Relevant teaching experience with Middle School students, particularly in an educational or community arts setting.

- Demonstrated strong classroom management skills.

- Demonstrated experience working with a diverse set of youth from different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds.

- Ability to create a positive, welcoming learning environment while enforcing boundaries and expectations.

- Commitment to organizational values of social justice and equity.

- PA Criminal Record, FBI Fingerprint, PA Child Abuse Clearance, National Sex Offender Registry Clearance, Mandated Reported Training and Health Assessment required. *Asian Arts Initiative will cover or reimburse the cost of the clearances upon job acceptance.

Preferred Qualifications

- Relevant teaching experience and strong classroom management preferred.

- Background in one or more artistic disciplines preferred but not required.

- Familiarity with trauma-informed or restorative classroom practices is a plus.

Hours and Compensation

This is a part-time permanent exempt hourly position averaging 20 hours/week. For approximately 6 weeks starting in July and continuing through August, the position temporarily increases to 35 hours/week to accommodate summer programming. Evening and weekend hours may be required. Weekly hours may increase on occasion to support program needs. 

The hourly rate is $25.00/hour. Please see the Program Description below for our program hours.

The position is eligible for AAI’s employer-funded medical and dental group plan, retirement and student loan contributions, unlimited PTO policy and hybrid work model.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to apply by November 15, 2025 to [email protected]

1. A cover letter addressing your relevant experience
2. Resume
3. 3-5 professional references with a variety of relationships to the candidate (direct supervisor, direct report, colleague, external partner, etc.)

Applications will be accepted through November 15, 2025. No phone calls please. Applications missing requested materials or submitted after the deadline may not be considered. 

AAI’s services and employment are provided in a nondiscriminatory manner, without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, ability and age. Asian Americans are encouraged to apply.

Program Description

Asian Arts Initiative’s Youth Arts Workshop program offers multi-disciplinary arts and cultural workshops for Middle School youth during the academic year and summer. Youth Arts Workshop provides a safe space for youth to share cultural experiences and concerns and to create cross-cultural understanding with other youth through art making. Program goals and objectives are to achieve the following in each student who participates in the Youth Arts Workshop:

- Improve Life Skills

- Increase Engagement in Learning

- Improved Relationships

- Increased Engagement in School

- Development of Desire to Achieve to Educational Excellence

The Youth Arts Workshop operates Monday through Thursday from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM during the school year, September to June, and Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM during summer camp, July and August.

Organizational Overview

Asian Arts Initiative is a multi-disciplinary and community-based arts center in Philadelphia that advances racial equity and understanding, activating artists, youth, and their communities through creative practice and dialogue grounded in the diverse Asian American experience. Through exhibitions, performances, and community projects, we provide an inclusive gathering place for conversation and exchange of ideas. Our community-based arts initiatives seek out and cultivate innovative models for artists to engage with local communities, with a particular emphasis on working in partnership with our immediate neighborhood. Our primary programs include: 1) Artist residencies, commissions, and presenting of performances and exhibitions for artists to develop professionally and to create socially relevant artwork reflecting community experiences; 2) Year-round out-of-school-time programming for middle school youth, offering creative development and a safe place; 3) Participatory curatorial practices and various community development initiatives in our immediate neighborhood of Chinatown North/Callowhill.