Summer Camp Instructor

Summer Camp Instructors at the Carnegie Museum of Art design and lead creative experiences for children enrolled in week-long summer camps and high school workshops. Using CMOA education department philosophy and working within museum protocols, Summer Camp Instructors capitalize on museum collections and exhibitions as catalysts for exploration, experimentation, creativity, and learning according to camp themes. Summer Camp Instructors produce camp lesson ideas and activities for approval and feedback from their supervisor according to schedules and approved formats; they implement camp experiences with utmost concern for safety and security of participants and of museum collections, exhibitions, and facilities. Instructors participate in required trainings and planning activities, produce follow-up reports or documents as required by supervisor, and represent CMOA with highest standards of professionalism and respect for colleagues, children, and museum patrons. This is a temporary position.

Education and Experience:

• BA in studio art, art education, education, or architecture and one year of relevant experience teaching art and/or architecture to children; or 2 years of past summer camp teaching experience; 
• Object-based teaching experience preferred.
• Experience working with children of diverse ethnicities, abilities, ages, and special needs is required.
• Act 33/34 clearances.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Awareness and understanding of student-centered, inquiry-based teaching methods required.
• Familiarity with museum-based programming strongly preferred.
• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal and listening).
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong classroom/studio management/leadership skills.
• Strong time management skills while maintaining a cooperative and congenial demeanor.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with consistently high performance. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to work in both a sedentary position, as well as moving about, rapidly and with urgency, throughout the museum galleries and studios for up to 3-4 hours at a time.  Must be able to carry up to 25 pounds of art supplies.
 

Principal Accountabilities:

• Teach assigned summer camps according to an agreed upon lesson plan, with developmentally appropriate teaching strategies and in accordance with the museum’s student-centered, imaginative, play, and inquiry-based philosophy. Maintain order and cleanliness of studio and other spaces, showing respect for materials and for student work and conveying appropriate studio behavior to students. Conduct student sign-in and sign-out each day providing information to parents as needed. Manage problems that arise throughout the day or week according to museum protocols.
• Supervise and mentor teaching assistants before and during class, creating an inspiring and collaborative environment.
• Work with supervisor to develop curriculum ideas and submit lesson plans according to recommended format while meeting deadlines and requirements; submit material request in a timely fashion according to departmental procedures; produce required follow up reports, evaluations, and documentation related to camp activity.
• Participate in required staff trainings, preparation, and planning for specific assigned camps including developing appropriate knowledge and understanding of museum artwork relevant to camp topic. Participate in camp debriefs. Complete time card in timely and accurate fashion.
• Collaborate with fellow teaching artists to instruct summer camps, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.