Substitute Instructor (Teaching Artist)

This position is being facilitated by Pathway Talent Solutions Group a specialized recruitment and talent advisory firm. We partner with organizations to identify engage and place exceptional talent. Candidates will be supported throughout the process with clear communication guidance and advocacy to ensure the best fit for both client and candidate.

Reports to:Site Project Manager
Department:Programs
Position Type: Part-Time/Non-Exempt
Days: Mon-Fri
Hours: Varies
Supervision:No

Big Thought equips youth to imagine and create their best lives and world. The secret that makes our work uniquely effective is the powerful combination of our social and emotional focus experiential learning community-centered partnerships with a future focus.

Throughout our 30 year history of innovation Big Thought has become a national model in arts education out of school time systems summer learning and juvenile justice intervention. Now were one of six community partnerships in the U.S helping scale national best practices in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). We take direct-to-youth programs and resources to communities with the greatest needs and share our evidence-based best practices with other nonprofits and organizations through a suite of consultation services including professional development curriculum design and technical assistance.

#Big Thought Way:

Big Thought brings relentless optimism innovation and imagination to everything we do. We emphasize the need to center youth and use a collaborative all-hands-on-deck approach to ensure that they are served well.

The Substitute Teaching Artist (Instructor) designs and delivers engaging learner-centered instruction that inspires creativity curiosity and skill development among youth and young adults. Working in partnership with Big Thought staff and school partners the Substitute Teaching Artist creates inclusive learning experiences that foster academic growth creative expression and social-emotional development.

Substitute Teaching Artists serve as subject matter experts who bring their artistic or specialized discipline to life through high-quality instruction aligned with Big Thoughts educational philosophy and instructional framework.

About the Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate is a passionate educator artist or creative professional who believes in the transformative power of learning through the arts. They are student-centered collaborative and committed to creating engaging learning environments where every learner can succeed.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Passion for working with children youth and young adults from diverse communities.
• Expertise within their artistic or instructional discipline.
• Strong classroom management and facilitation skills.
• A growth mindset and commitment to continuous learning.
• Creativity flexibility and adaptability.
• A commitment to equity inclusion and culturally responsive instruction.

What the Role Entails:

Instruction & Learning

• Deliver engaging high-quality instruction for students ages 424 in alignment with Big Thoughts instructional framework Six Dimensions of Quality Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and project-based learning principles.
• Create learner-centered experiences that encourage creativity critical thinking collaboration and self-expression.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of learners with varying abilities learning styles and developmental levels.
• Foster an inclusive classroom environment where every learner feels welcomed respected and empowered to participate.

Curriculum Planning & Instructional Design

• Develop document and implement engaging lesson plans aligned with program goals and learning outcomes.
• Collaborate with Big Thought staff to design instructional experiences that integrate creative learning strategies and the Creator Archetype.
• Incorporate scaffolding modeling and differentiated instructional practices to maximize student engagement and success.
• Prepare instructional materials and maintain an organized learning environment.

Coaching & Professional Growth

• Partner with instructional coaches to strengthen teaching practice through observation feedback and continuous improvement.
• Apply coaching recommendations to enhance instructional effectiveness.
• Participate in required trainings professional development team meetings and collaborative planning sessions.
• Model instructional best practices and when appropriate support novice instructors through co-teaching and mentorship.

Program Administration

• Submit lesson plans attendance assessments schedules and other required documentation in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate program records and instructional materials.
• Communicate effectively with program staff school partners and families as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of program success.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience teaching or facilitating instruction within an educational arts nonprofit or community-based setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in a creative discipline or instructional content area.
• Experience developing lesson plans and delivering learner-centered instruction.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction classroom management and instructional scaffolding.
• Strong verbal written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to engage learners from diverse backgrounds and varying ability levels.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Reliable transportation required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including after-school evening and occasional weekend hours.

PHYSICAL WORK ENVIRONMENT:

To perform the duties of role successfully you may regularly be required to: sit stand or stare at computer screen for long periods of time; participate in external activities; use various office equipment some manual; work in environment with loud sounds multiple distractions and interruptions; be exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures on occasion.

EMPLOYMENT TERM:

Part-Time Temporary This position follows the academic school-year calendar generally beginning near the start of the school year and concluding at the end of the school year.

Note:

WE VISUALIZE A WORKPLACE THAT PROVIDES AN EXCEPTIONAL EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE. WE BELIEVE A BASELINE REQUIREMENT TO ACHIEVE OUR VISION IS EVERYONE TREATED WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT REGARDLESS THE ISSUE AT HAND.

Employees of Big Thought are expected to participate in mission-driven activities meetings committees etc. BT is based on a team environment and an openness to always lend a hand as appropriate to another employee.

All employees are required to adhere to BT policies and procedures. All employees may expect to perform duties as addition all employees may be assigned other duties in the spirit of teamwork.

This posting is not an employment agreement or contract. The CEO and/or designee has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.