Teaching Artist / Coordinator (Photography, Youth) (Capitol Hill, Seattle)

Dec. 13, 2011

Seattle, WA

Confidential

CLUB PHOTO -- Teaching Artist / Coordinator

Job Title: Teaching Artist (Photography)

Status: Part-time, ranges 5-10 hours a week (teaching + planning) for two semester sessions

Compensation: $25/hr

Benefits: Flexible schedule, free access to photography facilities and classes at Photo Center NW

PROGRAM / POSITION SUMMARY

Club Photo is an after school photography program for immigrant & refugee middle and high school youth. The program is supported jointly by Seattle's World School (previously Secondary Bilingual Orientation Center) and Photo Center NW and led by two teaching artists. The program, which involves classroom sessions, field trips, assignments, and hands-on activities, is now in its seventh year and has been supported in the past by grants from the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs. The goal of the program is to use photography as a visual language to empower youth and provide them with a means for creative self-expression through visual story-telling. In the program students learn the fundamentals of digital and B&W photography, including B&W darkroom experience. Emphasis is placed on developing a creative eye, personal expression, and incorporating aspects of family and culture into photographic work.

The two Teaching Artist/Coordinators are equally responsible for developing curriculum for, teaching and coordinating a program of afterschool sessions in fall and spring semesters. They are responsible for managing all aspects of the program: contributing information for grants and fundraising, documentation of student work, planning and adhering to program budgets, and communication with all parties involved (students, teachers, school officials, Photo Center staff, parents, and community partners). Teaching Artists/Coordinators work with school officials to coordinate classroom space, materials, recruitment for the program, and exhibitions at the school. They work with Photo Center staff to schedule classroom, lab, or darkroom sessions, and procure materials. Artists also work with and coordinate a group of volunteer translators for after school sessions. Teaching artists are also responsible for day to day instruction in this after school group (approximately 2:30pm-5:30pm) including English instruction, darkroom skills, leading discussions and teaching students to use film and digital cameras. At the school there are more than 26 different languages spoken. It is essential for those in this role to be conscious of different minority groups, religious beliefs, and economic backgrounds.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Help develop a long-term structure for Club Photo including curriculum, budget management, resources, and community partners/stakeholders

Day to day teaching responsibilities including English instruction, teaching darkroom skills, leading work critiques, and giving basic camera instruction

Serve on the Teaching Artist team (2 artists) to organize Club Photo recruitment, meeting times, and resources

Communicate with World School, Photo Center, and other stakeholders in connection with Club Photo schedule of meetings, lab time, and exhibitions

Assist with student work and program documentation, reporting and evaluations for grant and fundraising purposes

Develop resources for the long term success of Club Photo

Help communicate and support the mission of Club Photo to the community through exhibitions and events

Keep clear and organized records and maintain archive of student work (negatives, prints and digital files).

Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum 2 years experience working with middle school/high school youth (degree or certificate in teaching a plus)

Experience leading youth or community programs including: administrative duties, grant writing, program development, budget management and curriculum planning

Ability to work with diverse community partners or organizations as well as potential donors/program funders

Ability to work with students from a wide range of minority groups, religious beliefs, and economic backgrounds

Experience working with ESL students, or willingness to participate in training

Strong background in photography, knowledge of analog and digital photographic practice

Ability to think and work creatively with available resources in multiple learning environments

Time management skills

Exceptional oral and written communication skills, ability to communicate across many program levels: students, administrators, parents, prospective donors/supporters

Ability to work collaboratively with other artists/teachers and share responsibilities across the program

Flexibility in schedule and commitment to serving youth above and beyond scheduled hours

HOW TO APPLY

Send your cover letter and CV/resume to: jobs (at) pcnw (dot) org with the subject line: Club Photo Teaching Artist

Please include specifics regarding your teaching experience with youth (specifically ESL youth), photography, and program management. Position closing date: January 6.

No calls or unsolicited additional communication

It is the policy of Photographic Center Northwest to employ the best qualified individuals available for all jobs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, disability, and citizenship, or status as a veteran with a disability.