Artist Jobs in Ridgewood, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Job Description

Artistic Dreams Teaching Artist 

Artistic Dreams 6 Pillar Curriculum

Position Type

Part-Time | Program-Based | School-Year Appointment
Non-Exempt

About Artistic Dreams International

Artistic Dreams International (ADI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and youth discover their voice, purpose, and potential through the transformative power of the visual arts. We believe that when children discover a vision for who they can become, art becomes the vehicle that helps them believe it is possible. Our programs use creative expression not only to develop artistic skills, but also to build confidence, resilience, self-awareness, empathy, and the courage to imagine new possibilities for their lives.

Through sequential, hands-on visual arts experiences, ADI serves children from diverse communities—including urban, rural, Indigenous, immigrant, and historically underserved populations—creating safe and inspiring spaces where every young person can dream freely from their authentic self and recognize their ability to shape their future.

Our Six Pillars

Every ADI program is built upon our Creative Resilience for Life Success methodology, which integrates visual arts education with six core developmental pillars:

• Art & Self-Love – Building confidence, self-expression, and      a positive sense of identity.
• Art & Mindfulness – Developing emotional awareness, focus,      reflection, and healthy coping skills.
• Art & Empowerment – Encouraging growth mindset, perseverance,      leadership, and belief in one's own potential.
• Art & Identity – Helping students explore who they are,      where they come from, and who they aspire to become.
• Art & World Cultures – Fostering curiosity, appreciation, and      respect for diverse cultures through artistic exploration.
• Art & Civic Engagement – Inspiring students to recognize how their      creativity can positively impact their communities and the world.

These pillars are woven together through engaging visual arts projects that encourage creativity while nurturing the social-emotional and personal development of every student.

Position Summary

Artistic Dreams International is seeking passionate, creative, and dependable Teaching Artists to facilitate engaging visual arts classes that inspire young people to develop both artistic skills and personal confidence.

Teaching Artists lead dynamic, hands-on classes using ADI's established curriculum while creating a welcoming, inclusive, and encouraging classroom environment. Beyond teaching art techniques, they help students explore creativity as a pathway toward self-discovery, resilience, and personal growth.

Teaching Artists may facilitate lessons aligned with any of ADI's Six Pillars depending on program needs. All curriculum, lesson plans, materials, and instructional support are provided by ADI. The Teaching Artist may modify or expand the art projects provided but not the curricular topics.

The Teaching Artist provides structured, culturally responsive instruction to K-12 students in a DOE public school setting or CBO program as part of an after-school enrichment program. The role supports student creativity, global awareness, and social-emotional development while complying with DOE policies, school safety protocols, and applicable federal, New York State, and New York City employment laws.

The Teaching Artist shall deliver instructional classes utilizing the Artistic Dreams curriculum. Instruction shall primarily align with the curricular pillar selected by the school; however, the Teaching Artist may, as appropriate, incorporate lessons from other pillars within the Artistic Dreams six-pillar curriculum. The Teaching Artist shall provide structured, values-based, and responsive instruction consistent with Artistic Dreams standards to school-age students in NYC DOE public school settings and/or community centers, as part of an after-school enrichment program. The role supports student creativity, cultural awareness, and social-emotional development, and shall be performed in full compliance with all applicable DOE policies, school safety protocols, and federal, New York State, and New York City laws and regulations governing employment and educational services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instruction & Student Engagement

• Deliver weekly classes consisting of an ADI pillar and an art project – Artistic Dreams curricular lessons aligned with after-school program objectives.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all students.
• Implement  lesson plans that promote creativity, cultural awareness, socio-emotional development, and age-appropriate skill development.
• Adapt instruction to meet diverse learning styles and abilities.

Planning & Program Coordination

• Attend required orientation and onboarding sessions.
• Participate in weekly communications with the Program Director via phone or email.
• Attend monthly virtual team meetings when scheduled.
• Review and prepare weekly lesson plans; create, modify, or implement projects aligned with program goals and core values.
• Submit art supply and materials requests at least one week prior to scheduled classes.
• Track and report student attendance following each session.

Classroom Management & School Collaboration

• Maintain classroom order and comply with DOE school-based behavior, safety, and security protocols.
• Restore classroom spaces to their original condition at the conclusion of each  class.
• Collaborate with school staff, including Parent Coordinators and Site Program Directors, as required.

Student Safety, Boundaries & Reporting

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students at all times and comply with DOE and program standards of conduct.
• Promptly notify the Parent Coordinator, Site Program Director, and Program Director of observed or suspected behavioral concerns, emotional distress, bullying behavior, or victimization.
• Follow all DOE and program protocols related to student safety, confidentiality, and escalation of concerns.

Attendance & Professional Responsibility

• Provide at least one week’s advance notice to the Program Director if unable to attend a scheduled class, except in emergencies.
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and professional conduct consistent with DOE vendor expectations.

Required Qualifications

• BA or MA degree. 
• Experience teaching or facilitating visual arts-based instruction for children or youth.
• Strong classroom management and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse public school environment.
• Ability to comply with all DOE and vendor background clearance requirements.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in the visual arts and any of our six educational pillars (SEL specialist or a related field).
• Prior experience working in NYC public schools or DOE-affiliated after-school programs.
• Familiarity with culturally responsive and trauma-informed teaching practices.
• Bilingual: Spanish/English or French/English

DOE Background Clearance Requirement

Employment is contingent upon successful completion and continued maintenance of all required DOE background clearances, including fingerprinting and any additional screenings required for individuals working with minors in school settings.

Technology, Media & Confidentiality

• Teaching Artists may participate in virtual meetings or program documentation activities.
• All student work, images, recordings, and information must be handled in accordance with DOE and Artistic Dreams policies and program guidelines.
• Video recording and photography may be conducted in the classroom setting solely for the purpose of documenting student artwork and individual students or groups, provided that prior authorization has been obtained from the school. Under no circumstances shall such recordings or photographs be posted, shared, or distributed via personal social media platforms or any other personal means. 

Physical & Work Environment Requirements (ADA Compliance)

• Ability to stand, walk, or move throughout a classroom environment for extended      periods.
• Ability to lift and carry light to moderate instructional materials.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, sometimes noisy after-school setting.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Employment Relationship This position is at-will, meaning employment may be terminated at any time, with or without cause or notice, consistent with applicable law. This is a W-2 part-time employee position compensated at an hourly rate commensurate with experience.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The employer is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, marital or familial status, pregnancy, military status, or any other status protected under federal, New York State, or New York City law, including the New York City Human Rights Law.

Leave & Legal Compliance Notice Eligible employees may be entitled to leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and applicable New York State and New York City leave laws, subject to eligibility requirements and program structure.