Teaching Intern – Youth Summer Camps 2026

Position Summary

The Studio Teaching Internship provides an educational opportunity for students exploring career paths in studio arts design art education or education-related fields of study. This internship is for applicants looking to start their career in teaching or studio art-related work and individuals who actively enjoy and find success working with children. The Des Moines Art Center will coordinate with colleges and universities about fulfilling internship credits.

Teaching Interns will be introduced to methods of developing and teaching high-quality hands on age-appropriate studio art education classes for ages 5-14. Alongside experienced Des Moines Art Center staff the Studio Teaching Intern will teach the fundamentals of art and a variety of techniques and mediums while fostering creativity and enthusiasm for art-making. The intern will be assigned studio classes to teach during the defined period of the internship and will participate in professional development activities and all aspects of the studio education department for broad exposure to the departments role in museum operations.

A learning component will be incorporated into the course of this internship; interns will be given the opportunity to job-shadow and learn from other departments throughout the duration of this internship.

Reporting Relationship

This position reports to the Youth Program Lead and interacts frequently with teaching artists classroom assistants and students of all ages and their parents as well as staff from other Art Center departments.

Essential Functions

• Develops class schedules activities and learning experiences; works closely with the Studio Education team to contribute to the development of learning objectives for various classes and themes.
• Teaches studio art camps independently as assigned.
• Creates unique and welcoming experiences for all students.
• Job-shadows and assists Art Center staff and instructors to gain an understanding of the department museum operations policies and goals related to studio education.
• Prepares and cleans up studio space and supplies before and after class.
• Attend summer camp-related meetings and training sessions/events

Other Responsibilities

Act in ways that reflect favorably on the Art Center and maintain professional standards in quality of performance. Demonstrate concern for the Art Centers collection programs and facilities. Adhere to the Des Moines Art Center Code of Ethics Employee Handbook and all other organizational policies.

Qualifications Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of art history and art movements
• Approachability patience and kindness are required
• Ability to work effectively with children and teens
• Must like interacting positively with children
• Working knowledge of a variety of art materials and techniques

Decision Making

Exercises best judgement and discretion in matters related to classroom management. Participates in day-to-day operational decision making under the guidance of the Studio Arts Manager & Youth Program Lead.

Special Considerations (Work Environment Schedule Physical Factors Required Travel etc.)

• The course of this internship will run from Tuesday May 26 2026 through Friday August 14 2026. To be considered applicants must be able to work every week of Summer Camps. All day-off requests must be placed before June 8 2026.
• Most work is performed in art studios or museum galleries. Camps occasionally take place outdoors sometimes in mild heat.
• Camps are generally scheduled for weekday mornings and/or afternoons in the summer during June July and August; work availability must correspond to scheduled classes.
• Work is mostly sedentary or light work; however the ability to lift or move 5-45 pounds is occasionally required to rearrange studio equipment and move supplies
• The ability to handle and grasp objects is required to demonstrate techniques and assist students
• Must be able to kneel and crouch to assist small children
• Must be able to stand and walk for sustained periods of time

Equipment Used

• Art materials (paint pencils ink clay brushes scissors etc.); possible use of clay roller
• Office Supplies (pens staplers pencils paper cutter etc.); packing supplies (boxcutter tape gun); and simple hand tools (hammer screwdriver etc.)

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

The Art Center is dedicated to equal employment and advancement opportunities. It is the Art Centers policy to hire and promote qualified individuals based on their interest aptitude and qualifications and without regard to age; creed; disability or genetic information; ethnicity national origin race or skin color; gender gender expression gender identity sex or sexual orientation; religion; veteran status; or any other protected group under applicable Federal State or Local law.

Art Center Contact

The recruitment manager for this position is Jessica McGlynn People and Culture Manager at the Art Center. Please reach out to her at with your questions!

Employment at the Art Center is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check which we conduct in compliance with all Federal State and Local laws.

Required Experience:

Intern