Teaching Artist Apprentice -- Music, Drama, Visual Arts, & Dance

To apply, please complete this application form: https://forms.gle/RRujgo217NLh4a1i7

Please fill out the Application form, and then send your resume and 3 professional references to alyssa@girlsfirst.org

Girls First is seeking enthusiastic, motivated, compassionate, and reliable individuals to complete a part-time 8-month Teaching Artist Apprenticeship Program over the course of the 2025-2026 school year.  We are currently searching for MUSIC, DRAMA, VISUAL ARTS, & DANCE Teaching Artists for the upcoming program year.

The Teaching Artist Apprenticeship Program equips teaching artists to create a learning environment that is trauma-informed and provides equitable opportunities for growth academically, artistically, and socio-emotionally in a community setting.

Specifically seeking qualified candidates in the fields of music, drama, visual arts, and dance with prior teaching experience. 

Apprentices will receive a $1200 monthly stipend for participation, plus paid time off.

Program Description

Girls First is a free, after school program located in Norristown, PA, for girls in grades 1 through 4. The mission of GF is to build character, instill a positive sense of self, and provide tangible life skills through a creative curriculum of arts exploration, academic reinforcement, and emotional learning. GF provides a safe, stable environment where students practice respect for self and others, exercise appropriate interactions with peers and adults, discover new skills and talents, and develop tools that will allow them to achieve greater success in school and beyond.

Apprenticeship Program Time Requirements

• Must be available to attend 20 hours of paid training before the program year begins (September 29 – October 2; 1:30-6:30pm)
• Must be available Monday - Thursday afternoons from 2:30 – 6:30pm between October 6, 2025 and May 27, 2026 (excluding holidays and school breaks)
• Must attend monthly apprentice team professional development meetings (2:00-3:00pm) and semesterly individual check-ins
• Must attend and assist Fall and Spring Girls First fundraiser events (Dates TBD)

Learning Opportunities

• Gain experience teaching social, emotional, and academic skills through arts explorations
• Receive mentorship and professional development throughout the program year
• Learn best practices in trauma-informed, arts-based programming
• Understand brain-based learning and teaching methods
• Opportunity to renew contract for the following program year

Responsibilities

• Promote a safe, fun, and engaging environment for all students
• Attend mandatory training sessions, apprentice team professional development meetings, and individual check-ins 
• Using provided lesson plans, lead two classes per week for up to 10 students
• Create and lead bi-weekly Creative Explorations activities inspired by the monthly theme
• Complete student assessments 
• Reflect upon teaching and student interaction experiences and be prepared to discuss and invite feedback
• Assist with program mealtime, program set up, and program clean up
• Supervise a small group during Homeroom Time
• Provide support to students with program activities including Mealtime, Group Movement, and Community Partners lessons
• Respond compassionately and effectively to varying student concerns and behavioral reactions
• Commitment to ensuring an inclusive environment where all members of the Girls First community are treated with dignity and respect

Qualifications

• Previous teaching experience preferred
• Previous experience working or volunteering with youth
• Must have reliable transportation to Norristown
• Demonstrated proficiency in chosen art discipline
• Passion for the arts, education, and community engagement
• Possess interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with diverse groups of students, parents, and staff
• Ability to practice patience, proactivity, flexibility, and creative problem-solving abilities
• Clear & prompt communication abilities
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and/or group environment
• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check Clearance (Act 34)
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151)
• Federal Bureau of Investigation Record Check Clearance (Act 114)

  Girls First is located in Norristown, PA. Please contact Alyssa Franklin, Director of Education, (alyssa@girlsfirst.org) with any questions.

Girls First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, neurodiversity, age, parental status, socio-economic background, military service, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.