Lead Instructor, Creative Writing
CAP Lead Instructor works with 2 CalArts Student Instructors (CSIs) to teach a creative writing education class for youth participants (ages 11-18) at CAP Partner Site Los Angeles Public Library Central Branch. CAP Lead Instructors are responsible for creating and implementing a syllabus and lesson plans for the entirety of their 4-week class. Leads also train CSIs in teaching creative writing discipline to youth, while ensuring an exchange of knowledge between CalArts and the communities in which CAP has programs. As an essential liaison with partner sites, the Lead Instructor must be able to engage responsibly and sensitively with CAP partner communities. This position is highly collaborative and requires working closely with the CAP staff, CalArts faculty and students, partners, school administration, parents, and teachers. Lead Instructors report to the Program Manager, Tara Burns.
Leads are scheduled to work 8 hours per week. This includes classroom time, prep time, and meeting/email time as it relates to the program. These classes begin on Tuesday, July 11 and end Thursday, August 3.
Location:
Los Angeles Public Library, Central Branch
630 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Time:
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10am – 12pm
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (include but are not limited to)
- In consultation with CAP staff, design and facilitate an engaging and innovative curriculum appropriate for middle and high school students. Teach CalArts Student Instructors (CSIs) how to teach creative writing to K-12 students through a culturally responsive teaching framework. Work with the CSIs in the design and implementation of the CAP class, including meeting with CSIs weekly for training and planning.
- Manage all administrative aspects of the CAP class, including forwarding attendance lists and reporting attendance figures to the CAP Office, distributing and collecting participant risk and liability waiver forms, and participating in CAP’s program evaluation processes. Leads are also responsible for providing program information for grant reports, grant proposals, publicity and evaluation reports as required.
- Coordinate with the CAP office to plan and attend outside field trips for class and invite any visiting artists to class.
- Complete all incident report forms, as necessary.
- Create a safe learning environment for CAP youth participants and student instructors by abiding by the rules, regulations, policies and directives of CalArts and CAP as they now exist or as may be adopted by CalArts and/or CAP during the appointment period. Ensure that student instructors follow all CAP Policies & Procedures at CAP Program Sites.
- Work in collaboration with the CAP Program Manager to coordinate logistics for the CAP class, including the purchasing, maintenance and storage of supplies and equipment, installation and maintenance of software .
- Support planning of the culmination screening for the class by submitting all materials needed for the culmination event well in advance of the event. Attendthe culmination event and represent the CAP class to the public.
- Build relationships of mutual trust and respect, and work collaboratively with the youth participants and their parents, with the CSIs, and with CAP partner staff. Facilitate conflict resolution if disagreements arise within the classroom.
- Attend CAP faculty, partner, evaluation, planning, training and orientation meetings as required by CAP and theProgram Manager.
- Submit timesheets through Hubtime every two weeks.
- Respond to emails and phone calls from student instructors, other lead instructors, and CAP staff in a prompt and professional manner.
- Compose courteous reminder emails to participant families about important dates. Occasional one-on-one communication with participant families regarding specific behavior.
EDUCATION
- Minimum requirement: BA or BFA in an arts discipline.
- MA or MFA preferred.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills
- Computer skills with knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Sheets
- Exceptional ability to work well with and effectively relate to students, faculty and staff
- Ability to assess students’ progress and skill levels objectively
- Bilingual in Spanish a plus
EXPERIENCE
Candidates should have demonstrated experience in an art discipline (Bachelor’s degree, MFA or related training preferred) and a minimum of 3 years experience teaching at the K-12 level. The candidate should have a working knowledge of current California state educational standards, best practices in teaching, and federal and state regulations on child protection and welfare. The candidate should be comfortable collaborating and interacting in a professional, diplomatic and clear manner with others, including students, faculty, other lead instructors, staff, community partners, school administration and teachers. Strong oral and written communication skills, and an ability to work as part of a team are necessary. Candidates must also be committed to ongoing professional development as an arts educator. Ability to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.
WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL CONDITIONS (include but are not limited to)
- Exposure to toner, white out, cleaning fluids, office equipment, noise, talking, air conditioning and heating. Exposure to art materials such as paint, ink, charcoal, clay, etc.
- Prolonged periods of sitting
- Prolonged periods of standing and walking
- Reaching above or below shoulder level for equipment, files, or materials
- Using computers
- Pushing/pulling open and closed doors, cabinets and drawers
- Kneeling, stooping and/or crouching to reach files or materials
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. The actual essential duties, responsibilities and qualifications may vary by department, reporting structure or other business needs. No inference should be drawn that a specific job duty, responsibility or qualification is non-essential by its absence from this description. This does not constitute a contract for employment CalArts management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.
Application deadline: Sunday, May 7 at 8pm