Fine Arts Instructor

Job Summary

Part-Time | Potential for Full-Time

Location: Northern Virginia | Learning Planet

Compensation: $17-$30/hour, depending on experience

About the Position

We are looking for a creative, enthusiastic, and dependable Fine Arts Instructor to lead after-school art programming at Learning Planet, an enrichment program offering students opportunities in art, chess, math, and other areas of learning.

The Art Instructor will work independently and will be responsible for teaching fine arts classes to students from Kindergarten through Grade 12, with a strong emphasis on creating an engaging, positive, and supportive environment for young artists.

The instructor will work from an established art curriculum and class structure provided by our program, while also bringing their own artistic knowledge and teaching expertise to adapt and develop lessons based on students' ages, abilities, interests, and classroom needs.

This is an excellent opportunity for an art educator, practicing artist, designer, or experienced art instructor who enjoys working with children and wants the opportunity to take ownership of their classroom.

Schedule: [Days / Hours to Be Determined]

What You'll Do

Teaching & Classroom Responsibilities

● Independently lead after-school fine arts classes for students in K–12.● Teach engaging and age-appropriate lessons across a broad range of fine arts disciplines.● Follow the established curriculum, lesson structure, and program expectations provided.● Adapt and develop lessons based on student needs, interests, skill levels, and classroom dynamics.● Create an encouraging classroom environment where students feel comfortable experimenting, creating, and developing their artistic skills.● Provide constructive and age-appropriate feedback to students.● Manage classroom behaviour, transitions, materials, and activities effectively.● Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment.● Work effectively with groups of approximately 10 or more students independently.● Adjust instruction for students with different skill levels, learning styles, and abilities.● Encourage creativity, confidence, problem-solving, and artistic growth.

Communication & Professional Responsibilities

Because the instructor will be independently leading the art program at Learning Planet, strong communication and professionalism are essential.

The instructor will be expected to:

● Communicate basic class information and updates to parents when needed.● Provide brief progress updates regarding students.● Communicate concerns regarding student behavior, participation, or learning needs.● Share relevant class announcements and information with families.● Maintain professional and positive relationships with students, parents, and Learning Planet staff.● Communicate promptly and professionally with the program director regarding classroom needs or concerns.● Prepare and organize materials needed for each class.● Keep art materials and classroom spaces clean and organized.● Safely handle and transport art supplies and materials when necessary.● Be willing and able to pick up or transport materials when required.● Work with a wide range of art materials and processes; the program is not limited to a single medium or art discipline.

Required Qualifications

Art & Education

● Strong background in Fine Arts, Visual Arts, Design, or a closely related field.● A degree or formal education in Fine Arts, Visual Arts, Design, Art Education, or a related field is preferred.● Candidates without a related degree may also be considered if they demonstrate a strong professional art portfolio and meaningful experience working with children or teaching art.● Strong personal art skills and a demonstrated understanding of artistic processes and techniques.● Experience working with children or youth in an educational, recreational, studio, camp, tutoring, or similar setting is strongly preferred.● Experience teaching students from K–12 is preferred.● Experience mentoring or teaching high-school students, particularly students developing portfolios or preparing for further study in the arts, is a plus.

Professional & Personal Qualities

● We are looking for someone who is:● Warm and approachable● Energetic and enthusiastic● Patient and encouraging● Creative and passionate about the arts● Confident leading a classroom independently● Strong in classroom management● Positive and respectful with children● Professional and courteous with parents● Independent and self-directed● Reliable and punctual● Comfortable giving constructive feedback● Flexible and adaptable to different student abilities and needs● Comfortable taking initiative and solving problems independently

Transportation & Physical Requirements

● Must have reliable transportation and the ability to consistently commute to the program location.● Must have a valid driver's license and be comfortable driving for occasional work-related transportation needs.● May be required to pick up, transport, or move art supplies and materials.● Must be physically able to lift and carry art supplies and equipment, including items such as paint containers, boxes of materials, and classroom supplies.● Must be comfortable standing, moving around the classroom, setting up materials, and cleaning up after classes.

Background & Safety Requirements

● Successful completion of a criminal background check and any applicable child-safety/background screening required by the state and/or organization.● Learning Planet will coordinate the required background screening process.● Candidates may be asked to provide professional references.

Compensation & Schedule

Approximate compensation: $17-$30/hour, depending on qualifications and experience.

Schedule: [Days / Hours to Be Determined]

This position will initially be part-time, with the potential for additional hours and/or a full-time opportunity as the program grows and based on performance, availability, and program needs.

Additional compensation for certain work-related transportation/material pickup responsibilities may be discussed and determined during the interview process.

How to Apply

Please submit the following:

1. Resume / CV2. Art Portfolio3. A brief description of your experience working with children and/or teaching art4. Your general availability5. Relevant references, if available

Your portfolio should demonstrate your own artistic ability and range. Applicants are encouraged to include examples that demonstrate the types of art and techniques they would be comfortable teaching.

Candidates with teaching experience may also include examples of student artwork, projects, lesson plans, or other evidence of their teaching practice.

Pay: $17.00 - $30.00 per hour

Work Location: In person