About the Position:This is a direct service position requiring strong teaching and group facilitation skills fueled by a passion for arts, culture, and community. Reporting to the Artistic Director, the Teaching Artist will be responsible for creating and teaching a Music Appreciation curriculum following our Creative Youth Development framework informed by Social Emotional Learning.SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.★ Self-Awareness★ Self-Management★ Social Awareness★ Relationship Skills★ Responsible Decision-MakingThis is achieved by:Young people asking questionsOpening RitualsClosing Rituals: End of class reflections and share-outsGroup or partner collaborative art projectsExpressive art activitiesCulturally informed teachingThe Teaching Artist will be supported by a team of professionals including the Artistic Director, Creative Youth Development Manager, and Director of Education and Programs. Overall Responsibilities Develop a culturally relevant and tiered Syllabus for four classes in the fall. Modify and repeat the syllabus for four new classes in the Spring semester. The syllabus will build on artistic and SEL skills throughout the semester. Syllabus to include:Latin American Music history taught through a contemporary context ex. unpack the historic and folkloric musical influences of a Bad Bunny song.Incorporate multiple learning methods including: expressive music activities, overview of instruments, vocabulary, watching videos, listening to music, music theory basics, class reflections and foundational music skills in the discipline of your choice ex. guitar, percussion, piano, voice, violin.Teach young artists about and celebrate the history, cultures and communities of the South Bronx through music while honoring Casita Maria’s 92 years of service to the community. Informed by the syllabus, create and implement CYD Lesson Plans combining structured activities based on age and opportunities where young artists can play and explore through an expressive arts model. Lesson Plans to be submitted no less than four weeks in advance.Syllabus and Lesson Plans are created in collaboration with the Artistic Director and Creative Youth Development Manager and in consultation with the Director of Education and Programs. Maintain a structured classroom environment focused on active participation that is conducive to learning while being flexible to respond to the needs of the young artists each session. Teaching Artists must be able to adapt to the needs of the class, tap into emotional regulation resources and move out of lessons as needed while still thinking about goals and objectives.Maintain clear safety protocols as per the design of the program.Promote the following values through your teaching: Commitment, Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking, Creative Innovation, Confidence, CelebrationSet up and break down assigned Studio each sessionAssign tasks to Group Facilitators and Teen Arts Apprentices as needed to assist you in class.Attend professional development training and required meetings as necessary plus participate in all rehearsals and culminating events as assigned.Education and Experience RequiredBachelor’s degree in a related field with a strong track record of 3-5 years of teaching young artists K-12 in an urban after-school environment.Experience creating culturally relevant syllabi and lesson plans.Expertise in presenting culturally relevant and engaging visual and performing arts events in a community-based setting.Required Skills & CompetenciesStrong teaching and group facilitation skillsDemonstrated experience working with young artists in K-5 Expertise in developing an art curriculum for young artistsStrong communication and classroom management skills are a mustHighly motivated, joyful and energetic personality Loves working with children and has a firm understanding of creative youth development Passionate about Latin American music.Eager to work in a fast-paced arts and education environment with an energetic, positive and passionate team.Exceptional interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively, quickly and under pressure with a sense of humor.Must be organized, flexible and adaptable while teaching and during events. Must be able to make decisions and problem solve in the moment while maintaining composure plus provide follow up as needed.Integrity and professional discretion Spanish language/writing skills are a plus but not mandatory.Work Hours, Physical Requirements, and Working ConditionsGenerally, Teaching Artists work 2-3 week days in a school/community center environment. Additional hours for meetings and training from September - June to be added as required.Must be able to lift a minimum 30 pounds.Will be required to move and set up furniture/supplies/equipment in a room or outdoor event space. May require the use of a ladder.Will require standing for long periods of time.Will require walking, lifting, stooping, and bending.Will require working during an outdoor event in May.Works in a school environment Schedule Orientation: Sept 8-10, 2026 Start date: Sept. 14, 2026 End Date: June 11, 2026 Teach 4 classes + 1 club (up to 9 hours per week)Classes meet once a week.Class size up to 20 participants
