Instructor - Clay

Job Summary:

The Indianapolis Art Center promotes life-long learning through hands-on art classes and activities. These programs serve a wide variety of ages, audiences and skill levels of students. An Instructor teaches various educational programs offered by the Art Center, on- and/or off-site from the Art Center. Instructors promote and nurture the education of students by planning and tailoring courses of study; providing a safe, supportive, and positive environment conducive to learning; and keeping students informed about various Art Center efforts and other opportunities. Instructors must be friendly and enthusiastic ambassadors of the Indianapolis Art Center’s mission and provide exemplary customer service to our students and patrons.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Prepare course material within specified timelines and budget

• Develop class lesson plans that focus on art making, art history, aesthetics, and criticism
• Research information about the art, artists, and cultures to be presented in class as necessary
• Prepare art examples as necessary
• Tailor courses of study by developing modifications for special needs, various levels of ability, and prior student experience
• Use time efficiently

2. Teach students utilizing best practices from both the Art Center and artistic judgement

• Implement lessons through a variety of techniques including, but not limited to, discussions, projects, exhibits, visual aids, and critiques
• Maintain a safe, secure and healthy educational environment by establishing classroom behavior expectations with consistent enforcement, communicating safety information and procedures to students, and following all Art Center policies and procedures
• Ensure accurate documentation of class outcomes by taking attendance, facilitating student surveying, and completing requested documentation.
• For youth and teen programming, maintain positive interactions with parents and guardians of students, including communicating with them about their child’s achievements or struggles

3. Manage materials in an effective and sustainable manner

• Ensure adequate and appropriate materials, supplies, tools and equipment expectations to encourage students’ full participation
• Clean equipment and studio space, and store all materials at the end of each class session
• Collect and prepare artwork for exhibition as necessary

4. Be an Engaged Team member to promote personal growth and development of best practices in the Education Department

• Attend meetings, trainings and key program events as determined by program staff
• Respond to emails and requests in a timely manner
• Maintain positive interactions in promotion and retention of Art Center programs and activities
• Actively engage in regular classroom observation and annual review processes

Competency Requirements (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):

• Possesses the proficiency (either through education and/or experience) to engage students of all abilities, teach concepts for the specific courses taught, and inspire students’ growth and creativity
• Time management, organizational and planning skills
• Flexibility, resourcefulness, and problem-solving skills as related to effective instruction

Education and Experience:

• A combination of education, training and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree in art or art education
• Experience working with diverse and underserved audiences desired; required for Outreach instructors
• Art professional experience. A personal art portfolio may be requested.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Instructors are required to travel to and from the Fishers Art Center campus.
• Occasionally required to lift heavy objects up to 50 lbs.
• Perform physical tasks related to the medium being taught.
• Instructors must pass a criminal background check prior to employment.