Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Community Art Instructors

The University City Arts League (UCAL) is seeking part-time Teaching Artists for our Community Arts program. UCAL is a multi-disciplinary community art center and is seeking artists versed in several disciplines including ceramics, printmaking, and 2-d and 3-d mixed media. 

Program Description

 Art in Schools addresses the disparity of educational opportunities available to low-income children in UCAL’s West Philadelphia neighborhood by providing quality art classes for free. Support will directly impact 510 scholars during regular school hours and an additional 80 scholars during out-of-school time when they might otherwise not have access to quality arts education. UCAL's youth programs were developed with the belief that children can benefit from exposure to the arts, which helps develop basic skills, encourages visual awareness and stimulates intellectual growth and creativity. The program also brings highly regarded faculty and quality art classes to schools where art classes are diminished or cut entirely.

University City Arts League (UCAL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to education and cultural enrichment in the arts. We have three primary imperatives: (1) To provide a venue for people of diverse backgrounds to experience the arts; (2) To encourage and support the development of the arts; and (3) To bring the arts to the community through partnership and educational outreach.  We pursue these imperatives through classes, exhibits, performances and special events giving particular attention to emerging and local artists.

Teaching Artist Roles and Responsibilities

Lead Teaching Artists are the heart of the University City Arts League’s Art in Schools program, delivering creative and engaging art classes.

  • An instructor must be prompt and have clear communication skills 
  • During class time, teachers deliver high-quality lessons in their medium. 
  • Teachers create unique, relevant, and age appropriate programing. 
  • Teachers will prepare a visual or performative presentation of their students work for the end of the session.

Teaching Artist Qualifications

  • Experience working with children in a group or school setting
  • Firm understanding of curriculum and content
  • Classroom management skills and comfort with diverse learning styles
  • Ability to communicate with UCAL staff regarding student and classroom issues and willingness to occasionally talk with parents, classroom teachers, or administrators about student's progress and/or challenges.