Teaching Artist

Compensation: $25-$30/hour

Status: Part-Time, Non-Exempt. 8-20 hours per week* Afternoon and early evening availability is required.

*This section is only intended to define the general range of hours. Weekly hours are determined by the programming calendar. A work schedule will be provided.

Location: ARTS Center and partner school sites. In-person.

Reports to: Program Coordinator (ARTS on Campus)

Direct reports: None

Dates: January, 19 2026 - May 29, 2026

A Reason To Survive (ARTS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the transformative power of creativity to build stronger communities in South County San Diego, is seeking a Communications Specialist to join its creative and innovative team. Reporting directly to the Communication & Design Manager, this role involves creating communication and design materials, documenting ARTS events and activities, and managing ARTS's social media platforms.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

ARTS On Campus brings fun, hands-on, culturally relevant arts programming to K-6th graders to the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) and National School District (NSD) school campuses. The Teaching Artist will deliver after-school programming at the assigned school site. Through this opportunity, youth will engage in visual arts programming

and present their pieces at culminating exhibitions that families can attend. Students will develop creativity and curiosity, grow community, and build confidence through collaboration and positive self-expression.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design program curriculum and weekly lesson plans that are culturally relevant, build art-making skills, and stimulate creativity and connection for Spring 2026 programming.
• Lead instruction for groups of up to 20 elementary-aged students each (grades K-6), to create individual and collaborative visual and/or multimedia art projects.
• Collaborate with the ARTS team to host successful, culminating exhibitions by collecting, installing, displaying, deinstalling, and distributing youth work at the end of session.
• Collaborate with Program Assistants, Interns, or Volunteers to assist in the preparation of art materials and support classroom needs.
• Participate in relevant trainings, retreats, and meetings for curriculum development, classroom management, and other best practices.
• Perform general administration duties, such as monitoring email, Slack, Gusto, etc.
• Attend monthly all-team meetings and program meetings.
• Support documentation and evaluation of programming, when necessary.
• Work collaboratively in a school environment and with various school community members.
• Maintain availability during after-school hours with advance notice.
• Have reliable and consistent means of communication and transportation.
• Understand, assess, and adapt to the learning needs of diverse student populations.
• Be available for other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum two years of experience, or equivalent experience, teaching visual, digital, media, or performing arts to youth.
• Passion for delivering transformative art programming that is healing-centered, culturally-relevant, and fosters community-building.
• Demonstrate a warm, respectful, and trustworthy rapport with youth, families, interns, volunteers, teachers, and community members.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Successfully pass a Live Scan fingerprinting security clearance with the DOJ and FBI.
• Proficiency in Google Suite.
• Program management, non-profit work experience, and experience working with schools and districts preferred.
• Spanish and/or Tagalog language skills preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Able to stand, sit, and squat for up to 4 hours while delivering instruction.
• Able to walk, jump, run, and move around uneven ground surfaces.
• Able to sit at a desk and view a computer screen for up to three hours.
• Able to speak into and use a telephone.
• Able to lift and transport up to 25 pounds.
• Able to push/pull, may involve use of arms/hands, feet/legs.
• Able to reach overhead or below shoulder level.
• Able to hear, understand, and distinguish speech and/or other sounds.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time unless restricted by a negotiated contract.

At-Will Employment Status.

HOW TO APPLY

ARTS is hiring for three Teaching Artist positions at two school districts with a focus on early and upper elementary grade levels. Please share in your cover letter if you are best qualified for any of the following:

• Teaching Artist - ARTS on Campus at National School District (Grades 2-6)
• Teaching Artist - ARTS on Campus at National School District (Grades K-1)
• Teaching Artist - ARTS on Campus at Chula Vista Elementary School District (Grades 1-6)

Please email the following items in PDF format to: opportunities@areasontosurvive.org

1) Your current resume/CV, and

2) A cover letter stating your interest and qualifications for the position (2 pgs max.)

Email subject line: “Teaching Artist - ARTS On Campus - Spring 2026”

Applications will be accepted until Friday, December 19th, 2025.

Applications will be read and responded to on a rolling basis, as we are hiring for multiple teaching artists.