Mixed Media Youth Educator

EYL 365 Project is currently accepting applications for Mixed Media Youth Educators for the 2026 programming year. Our organization is seeking passionate and experienced Mixed Media Youth Educators who have a strong interest in Social Justice and Racial Equity Arts Education. A Mixed Media Youth Educator will provide in-school and/or after-school residency opportunities, generally between 9:30am - 4pm and| or 3:30 - 9:00 pm for 1.5 to 2 hours, at DCPS Ward 6, 7 and 8 partner schools, transitional housing units and recreation centers. As part of this position, you will be responsible for providing and delivering advanced interactive and fun Mixed Media lessons to youth ages five to fourteen in a creative, structured and engaging environment. It will be necessary for the successful candidate to create and deliver lesson plans, lead Mixed Media exercises and projects, and mentor youth in the development of their creative skills.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES
Incorporate a wide range of artistic media, including drawing, painting, sculpture, digital art, and mixed media, allowing students to experiment and discover their creative voice
Organizing and participating in art exhibitions, showcases, and other events to celebrate students’ achievements and foster a sense of community
Demonstrating kindness, enthusiasm, a sense of humor, investment in continued learning and professional growth, and a passion for supporting children as they grow and learn;
Working actively to cultivate an inclusive environment and support a school community grounded in empathy,
Create a positive, inclusive, and collaborative classroom environment where students feel safe to express themselves artistically.
Engage students in meaningful discussions about art, encouraging them to explore how art can communicate ideas, emotions, and cultural values.
Manage classroom materials, resources, and routines effectively to support a productive and organized learning environment.
Promote risk-taking and experimentation in art, encouraging students to push boundaries and explore new techniques.
Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners, including English language learners (ELLs) and students with varying artistic abilities.
Delivering age-appropriate art lessons and activities that cater to the diverse needs and learning styles of students in grades K-12
Following the school’s policies and procedures for student conduct, discipline, and social-emotional development;

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a bachelor’s degree in art education, or fine arts.
Excited to work in a small school with the flexibility to wear many hats as our organization continues to evolve
Open to feedback and dedicated to growing and improving your craft as an educator
Strong initiative and desire to take ownership of the role and the work responsibilities described above
Preferred:
At least 2-3 years of teaching experience (leading hands-on activities in a classroom, after school program, day camp, etc.)
Familiarity with project-based learning (preferred, though not required)
Familiarity with foundational engineering concepts (preferred, though not required)
The ability to manage multiple student projects and personalities

Qualifications
Expertise in an arts discipline exhibited through an educational degree and/or professional accomplishment (published writing, exhibited artwork, performance experience etc.).
Minimum two years full-time (or the equivalent, e.g. 4 years part time) teaching an arts discipline in a school and/or community-based setting. Teaching experience in DC public schools preferred.
Bachelor's degree and/or Masters degree in arts discipline or related area.
Department of Education fingerprinting (DCPS) will be required
Responsibilities
Instruction:
Providing instruction in the arts (development of skills in arts disciplines consistent with EYL 365 Project Blueprint) and through the arts (the achievement of academic goals as outlined in a school’s curriculum) by:
Teaching and planning for 2 in-schools per week and/or possibly as many as 4 after schools per week;
Developing long term project-based unit designs in collaboration with classroom teachers;
Assessing student learning based on learning goals and objectives;
Organizing at least 2 sharings of student work with teaching partners and TA colleagues at the school.
Working in close collaboration with classroom teacher partners to:
Plan lessons and projects during one in person 45-minute planning session per week (and via email and phone as well, when necessary);
Share skills with the teacher to build capacity for arts instruction at the school;
Co-teach lessons in which both TA and teacher partner have clear roles and responsibilities for generating student learning;
Coordinate at least one trip to a DC cultural institution and/or one guest artist per class with a connection to learning in the classroom.

EYL 365 Project Teaching Artists are highly skilled artists and educators, committed to creating equitable learning spaces through collaborative teaching practices and social justice pedagogy. They report directly to the Program Director and are supported by EYL 365 Project Department Heads and Program Coordinators. They work closely with classroom teachers, school administrators, and teaching artists to positively impact school communities.
*A note: After schools are typically not co-taught with classroom teachers but are designed in collaboration with the school administration.
Job Types: Contract, Freelance

Work Location: In person
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