Teaching Artist

Overview

Central to The AjA Projects' mission is the transformation of individuals and communities through innovative, hands-on, participatory methods. Our primary tool, participatory photography, provides populations whose voices have been diminished, compromised or marginalized an opportunity to elevate their voice, redefine their narrative and pre-visualize their future. In AjA’s media arts program, participants will learn skills like composition creation and media arts with basic storytelling as the goal. We encourage educators to create projects that encourage self expression and creativity. The Teaching Artist will lead the class at East County Community School with a support by AjA’s team member (Creative Liason) . The school is part of San Diego’s Juvenile Court and Community Schools. The Teaching Artist will create lesson plans, activities and work with the AjA lead instructor (Creative Liaison) in creating an engaging curriculum using art and media arts for the JCCS students. We are looking for candidates that can start ASAP. Depending on the experience, the teaching artist.

Approximate Schedule

Start Date: ASAP

(3 HRS) Thursdays 10am-12pm (comprised of 2 instructional sessions, each being 45-60 minutes) at East County Community School in El Cajon.

(7 HRS) Flexible - Meetings with AJA instructor, debriefs, curriculum planning, lesson plan planing and other tasks related to role as needed (City Heights office and/or virtual)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Must have or be able to take TB test and livescan.

• Must be able to commute to the school site (mileage reimbursement available).

• Punctuality and ability to provide a professional and supportive classroom environment for students.

• Knowledge of best practices in working with system-engaged/justice-impacted youth.

• Experience facilitating mid to large-group discussions and activities using art and media arts.

• Experience working with BIPOC communities and youth.

• Strong communication skills and classroom management skills.

Compensation

This position is part-time hourly, compensated at $27.75 - $32.25 depending on experience. This is a short-term position that would end upon the completion of the contract on June 30th, 2026 with a possibility for an extension. The hours will be basically 10 hours including the classroom preparation and teaching hours. The hours can go over with a prior authorization from the Executive Artistic Director.

Equal Opportunity Employer

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, The AjA Project encourages applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientations, marital status, physical ability or any other legally protected basis.

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