Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD) goal is to create a world where young people with disabilities will be able to live with dignity and pride in who they are, and to lead self-determined lives filled with purpose. To make this happen, we build the skills and abilities of young people with disabilities, and increase the inclusivity of workplaces, organizations, and communities.

Access to Arts (ATA) (previously known as Access to Theatre) strives to remove the barriers youth with disabilities face in accessing arts education and materials. Our annual Summer Institute will take place this year from August 12, 2024– August 22, 2024, for youth ages 14-22 to explore theater, dance, music, and visual arts. During the program, youth will develop short plays, skits, songs, dances, and other forms of expressive art in these various mediums that they will perform at the PYD Showcase on August 22nd.

There will be an annual theme around which these performances will be based on. We are seeking a team of 5-7 strong teaching artists to lead the various elements of this program (theater/drama, music, dance/movement, visual arts, stage/production management).

Who you are:

We are seeking individuals with demonstrated experience creating inclusive and accessible environments for youth with disabilities. Preferred expertise and experience teaching in one of the following mediums/areas: theater, dance, music, visual arts, or stage/event management. Teaching artists must be adaptable, empathetic, creative, and collaborative to accommodate every youth’s needs and encourage positive self-expression.

Schedule and Location:

Dates/Times:

Week 1: Monday, August 12, 2024– Friday, August 16, 2024; 9am-5pm

Week 2: Monday, August 19, 2024 – Thursday, August 22, 2024 ; 9am-5pm PYD Showcase: Friday, August 23; 4-6pm

*Teaching artists will be required to attend 3-4 preliminary planning meetings in the weeks leading up to the program.

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Description:

Artistic skills:

• Have knowledge of respective art forms and be able to teach art to students in an inclusive setting in a community-based program. Candidates applying to Teaching Artist position should have prior knowledge of various techniques to accommodate different abilities.

Communication skills:

• Excellent verbal and listening skills are essential to facilitate regular, accessible interactions with students with and without disabilities. Must have experience with group supervision and be able to clearly explain expectations, communicate directly, demonstrate various art techniques, and employ tactics to engage youth with different interests. Ability to respond to questions and concerns and encourage students to express their unique ideas and opinions in their own creative process.

People skills:

• Candidates must have well-developed interpersonal skills to build connections with students and various staff associated with the program. Collaboration on curriculum development with Access to Arts Program Manager and the other teaching artists required.

Empathic skills:

• Candidates must have strong empathy that enables them to better understand their students' emotional cues, tuning into verbal and non-verbal expressions and showing sensitivity and understanding towards their opinions and perspectives. Able to provide youth with the support and encouragement they need to perform well in art class and beyond.

Creativity:

• Teaching artists must be able to creatively adapt their activities to meet the needs and interests of our youth. They also need to guide youth in finding ways to express themselves, helping them advocate for and execute their ideas.

What You’ll Do:

Essential Responsibilities:

• Plan lessons on art in accordance with program concept and students' learning objectives.
• Help youth develop and practice ideas for their performances at the PYD Showcase.
• Develop students' techniques and provide instruction through skits, games, lessons, and hands- on activities in at least one of the following skill areas: acting and improvisation, music and rhythm, dance and movement, visual arts and crafts, and/or managing a stage production.
• Prepare the program space by gathering and setting up equipment.
• Record and report on students' progress.
• Ensure the space is clean and organized after each session.
• Monitor inventory and sourcing art supplies, as needed.
• Attend preliminary artist planning meetings.

Who You Are: