ART INSTRUCTOR JOB DESCRIPTION

Art instruction in youth recreation settings means leading group sessions for children across a wide age range while reporting to a site director or program manager rather than an academic department. The work sits inside camps, after-school programs, and community recreation centers, where instructors submit written lesson plans on a fixed weekly or bi-weekly schedule for supervisor approval. Safety and behavior management carry as much weight as artistic skill, since instructors are responsible for child safety protocols and facility rule enforcement during every session. Unlike a studio or classroom teacher, this role blends creative instruction with the supervisory duties of a youth program staff member.

As the Art Instructor, you plan and lead art sessions that build children's creativity, coordination, and self-confidence within a camp or recreation program setting. Reporting to a site director or program manager, you coordinate with counselors and program staff to maintain safety, structure, and consistent participation across age groups.

Career Impact: Working across camp, after-school, and recreation settings builds a track record in youth-focused arts instruction that transfers across program types.

Business Impact: Reliable weekly lesson planning and supply management keep recreation art programs running without disruption to camper schedules.

Growth Opportunity: Demonstrated behavior management and curriculum planning experience opens paths toward site director or program coordinator roles.

• Lead art sessions for children spanning multiple age groups within a camp or recreation program.
• Submit written lesson plans on a recurring weekly or bi-weekly schedule for supervisor approval.
• Manage camper or participant behavior to maintain a safe, structured group environment.
• Requisition and maintain art supplies and equipment needed for ongoing sessions.
• Enforce facility rules and safety procedures during all art activities and material use.
• Report health, safety, or behavioral concerns to the site director or program manager.
• Communicate with parents regarding schedules, student behavior, and program updates.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development sessions as scheduled.

• Bachelor's degree in art, education, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 1 or more years of experience teaching art or working with children in a group setting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for staff, parent, and student interaction.
• Ability to enforce behavior management and safety procedures in a group setting.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, or holidays.
• Demonstrated patience and adaptability across a wide range of age groups.
• Ability to plan and submit structured lesson plans on a recurring schedule.

• Prior camp, after-school, or recreation program experience.
• Teaching certification or formal credential in art or education.
• Experience with recital, showcase, or exhibition planning for student work.

• Lesson plan submission rate, tracking on-time delivery against the weekly or bi-weekly schedule.
• Camper or student retention across a program session, reflecting engagement quality.
• Incident report frequency, measuring effectiveness of behavior and safety management.
• Supply requisition accuracy, reflecting planning and inventory management.
• Parent communication response time, measuring consistency of family updates.

• Base Salary Range: $32,000 to $45,000 annually for full-time roles
• Bonus: Rarely offered; occasional seasonal completion bonus
• Equity: Not applicable for this role type
• Health Benefits: Limited for part-time or seasonal staff; standard for full-time
• PTO: 5 to 10 days annually, more limited for seasonal positions
• Common Perks: Program-related training, free or discounted enrollment for family members

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background checks are required for all candidates before employment, given the role's direct work with children. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or other protected status under applicable federal, state, and local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants and employees upon request. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Art Instructor owns instruction of knowledge-relevant, college-level art courses while engaging in curriculum planning and development for the department. Reporting to the Department Head or Adult Degree Director, this work ensures students receive structured syllabi, clear grading standards, and access to tutorial and advising support that strengthen their academic success.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach knowledge-relevant college-level art courses with a commitment to excellence in education
• Present course material in ways that encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, motivation, and positive self-image development
• Engage actively in planning, developing, and improving curriculum offerings
• Provide each student a course syllabus on the first day of class that conforms to approved requirements
• Teach each course in accordance with its syllabus
• Inform students of course objectives and requirements, explain the grading system and attendance policy, and provide a bibliography of suggested readings
• Participate in orientation sessions conducted each semester by the Department Head or Adult Degree Director, as applicable
• Ensure undergraduate students are aware of tutorial and support services, including advising, tutorials, first-year programs, and departmental workshops

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Art or a related discipline from an accredited institution; Ph.D. preferred
• Must meet minimum credential standards, which normally include at least 18 graduate semester credit hours in the subject area or suitable approved justifications
• Demonstrated success teaching at the college level
• Recent experience in a higher education setting preferred
• Teaching experience and expertise in an additional area offered by the assigned department is highly desired
• Knowledge and experience in using instructional technology

Embedded within the Arts Department, the Art Instructor provides group or one-on-one instruction in Music, Dance, Drama, and/or Fine Art while infusing spiritual, emotional, and physical development into every class. Working closely with the Arts Manager, staff, parents, and children, the instructor sustains a safe, encouraging environment that builds students' self-esteem and skill growth.

Functions

• Infuse the goal of spiritual, emotional, and physical development into all classes and lessons
• Initiate and maintain positive relationships with staff, guests, members, parents, and children
• Attend all assigned meetings and trainings as scheduled
• Work in a team environment and encourage open communication regarding concerns with the program, children, parents, or co-workers
• Comply with all emergency procedures to ensure the safety of children and staff
• Maintain necessary supplies, equipment, and materials, and report needs for new or additional supplies to the Arts Manager
• Ensure students are respectful of facility property and that all rules and regulations are followed
• Lead children by providing clear direction and skill development
• Demonstrate positive discipline by firmly enforcing rules, expressing clear expectations, and ensuring reprimands fit the misbehavior
• Help children develop a positive self-esteem and sense of self-worth
• Lead children through activities with enthusiasm and professionalism according to training protocol
• Demonstrate and reinforce core organizational values consistently
• Introduce yourself to parents and communicate regularly regarding schedule changes, recital information, and student behavior
• Provide material that is both challenging and age-appropriate
• Assist with recital planning as needed

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in music, fine arts, drama or theater, education, dance, or a related field
• Experience with demonstrated expertise may be considered
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with children or adults in music, dance, drama, or fine arts
• Demonstrated good judgment, resourcefulness, flexibility, and problem-solving ability
• Sensitivity and awareness of diverse cultural perspectives with the ability to work with diverse populations
• Ability to occasionally work weekends and evening hours

Reporting to the Fine Arts Specialist, the Art Instructor delivers art classes spanning multiple media and age groups, from group sessions to private lessons, while tracking individual student progress. Partnering with youth program staff, the instructor stimulates participation in the arts and contributes to developmental outcomes for both youth and adult learners.

Primary Duties

• Plan and execute art classes with curriculum appealing to a wide range of interests, capabilities, and age groups, including group and private lessons in various media
• Prepare lesson plans and track student progress
• Communicate regularly with participants to ensure awareness of progress
• Maintain attendance records and provide them to the Fine Arts Specialist
• Ensure an adequate supply of art materials is available
• Create an environment in youth programs that facilitates developmental asset outcomes
• Promote and stimulate participation in art programs
• Provide role modeling and guidance to both youth and adults
• Ensure adequate safety measures are taken regarding class activities, materials, tools, and storage
• Participate in regular in-service training sessions as necessary

Requirements

• One year of formal education or training required
• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts preferred
• Minimum of 1 year of experience teaching art classes
• Equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to interact positively with different age groups, co-workers, and the public
• Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds and circumstances in a team setting
• Strong computer skills, including use of Microsoft Office products, email, and the internet

Sitting at the intersection of career pathway education and contextualized photography instruction, the Art Instructor builds authentic assessments that measure course, program, and college-wide outcomes. Operating across multiple teaching modalities and schedules, this work supports students inside and outside the classroom by connecting them to campus services while fostering effective collaboration with faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds.

Core Functions

• Create and facilitate contextualized, integrated learning experiences in Photography linked to college pathways and career goals
• Create authentic assessments of students' knowledge, skills, and abilities that measure course, program, and college-wide outcomes
• Apply multiple teaching and learning strategies that promote affective, cognitive, and kinesthetic domains of learning
• Support students inside and outside the classroom, including directing them to campus services and resources
• Be available to teach classes on a variety of days and times

Education & Experience

• Master of Fine Arts with a 2D emphasis
• Two years of teaching at the college level preferred
• Evidence of teaching experience or potential
• Commitment to working effectively with faculty, staff, and students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Fluency with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom
• Proficiency in manual control and all aspects of DSLR operation, and Epson Printers
• Experience with learning management systems, including Canvas

A key member of the camp staff, the Art Instructor shapes the daily camper experience by implementing curriculum and bringing lesson plans to life through participation, support, and guidance. Collaborating across counselor teams, the instructor supervises camper behavior and group management while reporting health, safety, or security concerns directly to the site director.

Accountabilities

• Implement curriculum and bring lesson plans to life for campers through participation, support, and guidance
• Promote and actively participate in all camper activities and projects while collaborating with counselors on daily responsibilities
• Supervise campers with attention to behavior and group management while serving as a positive role model
• Communicate with clear, concise, and grammatically correct written and oral language in all professional interactions
• Inform the site director of any concerns regarding the health, safety, and security of campers
• Demonstrate core organizational values and virtues of character in daily camp life

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Teaching certification preferred
• Prior classroom teaching or fieldwork experience
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant organizational experience
• Previous experience working with children
• Camp experience preferred
• Art background preferred

A well-rounded crafts and fine art program depends on the Art Instructor, who leads projects that teach self-confidence, art appreciation, creativity, coordination, and skill development. Based within a recreational facility, the instructor submits weekly plans every Monday, requisitions supplies, and enforces applicable rules to keep the program running smoothly.

Areas of Ownership

• Plan and conduct a well-rounded program in both crafts and fine art, using projects to teach self-confidence, appreciation of art, creativity, coordination, and skill development
• Conduct classes with written weekly plans submitted every Monday
• Promote and stimulate interest in the arts program
• Requisition needed supplies and control use of materials
• Ensure members complete projects and that facilities, equipment, and supplies receive proper care and maintenance
• Enforce applicable rules and policies
• Participate in staff conferences, meetings, and art workshops

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Ability to plan and conduct programs in both crafts and fine arts
• Ability to provide age-appropriate programs and enforce applicable rules and policies
• Infinite patience working with children and a high energy level
• Superior interpersonal abilities with the capacity to work with diverse personalities while displaying tact, maturity, and flexibility at all times
• Good reasoning ability and sound judgment
• Strong speaking and writing skills for effective communication

As the Art Instructor, this role leads classes in drawing, painting, mixed-media art, and more for children ages 2 and up, delivering detailed feedback and individualized guidance across multiple techniques. The studio program relies on this work to maintain a safe, well-managed learning environment while developing and overseeing art projects from concept through completion.

What You'll Do

• Teach and lead art classes in drawing, painting, mixed-media art, and more for children ages 2 and up
• Teach multiple artistic techniques, demonstrations, and imaginative art projects with detailed feedback and individualized guidance
• Create a safe learning environment with excellent classroom and behavioral management
• Develop art projects and oversee their implementation
• Maintain the art studio

Professional Experience

• BFA, degree in Art Education, or Master's degree in Education or Studio Art
• K–12 certification with a foundation in Fine Arts or Studio Art is also accepted
• Minimum of 2 years of prior teaching experience in a classroom or studio setting
• Experience teaching artistic techniques in drawing, painting, watercolors, realism, abstraction, mixed media, and related disciplines
• Highly responsible, compassionate, and committed to art education
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Above-par classroom and behavioral management skills
• Interest in a long-term position

Art Instructor leads 1-hour sessions in the relevant field, creatively incorporating academics into lesson plans submitted bi-weekly to the Education Specialist for approval. Success in the position means working collaboratively with staff to maintain order and participation, attending mandatory trainings, and supporting other duties as requested by the Site Director.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Teach and lead 1-hour sessions in the relevant field
• Creatively incorporate academics into lesson plans
• Plan and submit bi-weekly lesson plans to the Education Specialist for approval
• Work collaboratively with staff to maintain order and participation during the program
• Attend mandatory scheduled meetings and professional development trainings

Minimum Qualifications

• Degree or certification in the relevant teaching field
• Minimum of 1 year of experience working in school-age programs
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in lesson planning
• Minimum of 3 years of experience teaching in the relevant field
• Strong communication, punctuality, and teamwork skills
• Strong time management and organizational skills in a classroom setting

The Art Instructor delivers art lessons spanning oil painting, acrylic painting, watercolor painting, sketching, clay, and arts and crafts to students ranging from age 3 to adults. Reporting to studio management, the instructor prepares classrooms before each session and maintains a clean, tidy venue afterward, supporting steady student progress and skill development across age groups.

Operational Focus

• Plan art lessons according to students' learning objectives
• Develop students' drawing, coloring, and painting techniques and interest in art
• Conduct art-related activities, including oil painting, acrylic painting, watercolor painting, sketching, clay, and arts and crafts, independently
• Teach students across different age groups, from age 3 to adults
• Assess students' learning progress
• Prepare the classroom and set up equipment and materials before each lesson
• Perform daily housekeeping to keep the venue clean and tidy after each class

Background & Experience

• Diploma in Fine Arts
• Passionate about art education
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Friendly, patient, and creative
• Ability to work on weekends and public holidays

Embedded within a multi-site instructional program, the Art Instructor leads art curriculum and projects while preparing supplies and demonstrating proper tool use to students. Working closely with families and program staff, the instructor maintains clean, organized instruction spaces and travels between sites to ensure consistent program delivery.

Scope of Work

• Lead instruction of art curriculum and projects
• Prepare supplies and projects before the start of each class
• Clean the instruction space and store art supplies after each class
• Demonstrate proper use of art tools to students
• Travel between sites as needed

Experience & Qualifications

• Experience with various art media and techniques
• Experience in a professional educational setting preferred
• Excellent communication skills
• Detail-driven and organized
• Confidence in social interactions with students and families