Use your artistic expertise to create a better world

Leap teaching artists help change students' lives by providing the arts education which unlocks their potential. Are you ready to make difference?

Students who participate in a Leap program not only develop artistic skills and techniques, but also build relationships with professional artists who are creating a better world. If you're one of those people, we need you. 

Teaching Artist 

Leap Arts in Education

(Located at various school sites in San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda counties)

About Leap Arts in Education

Founded in 1979 in response to California school budget cuts that effectively eliminated arts from elementary education, Leap Arts in Education provides top quality arts education programs that help students build skills to achieve their fullest potential. We believe all students should experience a transformative education through unlimited access to the arts. Students work with professional teaching artists in their classroom to develop artistic skills, knowledge, and mindsets that empower them to learn and succeed throughout their lives.  Today Leap’s art and architecture programs serve over 8,000 Bay Area students each year through in-school, afterschool, and summer programs. We also offer workshops, training, and team-building events for adults in corporate and community settings. Learn more about us at www.leaparts.org. 

Position Summary

At the core of our organization is the work of professional artists who are experienced educators in dance, theater, music, creative writing, visual arts, and architecture. Leap teaching artists are passionate about advancing educational equity, social justice, and inclusion for students from traditionally marginalized communities. Teaching artists not only teach skills in their given discipline, they facilitate inclusive learning environments where every student feels a sense of belonging, joy, and connection. 

This is a Part-Time teaching position, paid hourly at $68/hour, which includes prep time. The work schedule is mutually agreed upon by the school and Teaching Artist. Hours vary by school site and by program (listed below). (Talk about flexibility-various platforms, etc)

Teaching artists can work in a variety of programs based on interest and qualifications:

• In-school residency programs - Teach at K-12 schools throughout the Bay Area in the counties of San Francisco, Alameda, and San Mateo between August – June (following school academic calendar) on weekdays, roughly between the hours of 8am to 3pm. Average program length is 10 weeks long and spans from one to eight hours a week or more depending on the number of students served. 

• Out-of-school programs - Teach classes in K-12 after school or during holiday/summer breaks, roughly between the hours of 2-5 pm for after school, and at various times for holiday/summer breaks.

• Adult learning programs - Lead workshops, training, or corporate events as opportunities arise. These programs are often customized, one-time events that may occur in the evening or on weekends. Placement in these programs are based on availability, expertise, and experience.

To support Leap’s teaching artists with opportunities for continuous growth and development, 3-4 paid training sessions are offered every year. 

Duties and Responsibilities

As a Leap teaching artist, you

• Work in collaboration with classroom teachers to develop and implement student-centered curricula that teaches fundamental skills in your artistic discipline and aligns with CA arts and academic standards;

• Create a safe, inclusive learning environment that acknowledges and empowers students as they express their perspectives and ideas through the arts; 

• Co-facilitate meeting(s) with classroom teachers and Leap staff to plan and evaluate outcomes of the program; 

• Communicate in a timely and professional manner with school faculty and Leap staff to discuss progress of students and to ensure program’s goals are being met; 

• Participate in Leap’s professional development workshops and trainings to enhance teaching practice and network with fellow artists; 

• Are accountable to a mutually agreeable teaching schedule and alleviate any foreseeable conflicts in advance; 

• Acquire and transport materials and equipment necessary to implementing the program to various school sites;

• Complete and submit all paperwork required by Leap and the school(s)  in a timely and professional manner;

• Support Leap’s marketing and outreach efforts as needed

Required Qualifications

Teaching artists should be able to demonstrate

• Minimum of 2 years experience creating and teaching curricula in visual, performing arts, creative writing, or architecture to students in grades K – 8 in school or community-based settings; 

• Minimum of 1-2 years engaging in an active, professional practice within your art form; 

• Deep knowledge of fundamental elements of your art form and ability to teach them effectively to young students; 

• Experience working within the public school system and/or supporting diverse groups of learners preferred (i.e. race and ethnicity, across gender spectrum, English language learners, low-income, students with disabilities); 

• Commitment to providing high quality arts instruction to all students, meeting them at their respective levels of understanding and ability;

• Ability to work adaptively with diverse stakeholders including school faculty, Leap staff, fellow artists, and parents to ensure best outcomes for students;

• Firm understanding and application of adult learning outcomes (*Adult Learning Programs only)

• Interest in continuous development of your teaching practice, with an openness to giving and receiving feedback; 

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; 

• High degree of empathy, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness

• Flexibility to teach between the months of August – June (following school academic calendar) on weekdays between the hours of 8am to 3pm;  

• Ability to provide their own means of transportation to and from schools. 

• Excellent time management skills

Ideal Qualifications

Ideally, you also 

• Reflect Leap’s values of educational equity, social justice, and inclusion at all stages of program delivery, including but not limited to: curriculum development, classroom instruction, school planning and evaluation meetings, and verbal/written communications; 

• Have a strong working knowledge of culturally responsive teaching methods, and Creative Youth Development principles

• Possess a BA/BFA in arts/arts education/teaching or equivalent amount of experience 

• Have interest and/or experience integrating artistic curricula with other subject areas in collaboration with classroom teachers or fellow artists. 

• Possess the ability to teach in various formats, including online instruction that is synchronous and asynchronous (i.e. Zoom)

To Apply

Leap accepts applications from teaching artists in the fields of dance, music, theater, visual arts, creative writing, and architecture on a rolling basis.  

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, teaching work samples (i.e. images, videos, digital portfolio), and references upon request.  Your cover letter should include a statement expressing your qualifications and experience within the field of arts education. 

Leap is an equal opportunity employer. Leap is committed to building a team and work environment that supports, values, and respects people representing a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, skills, and experience. We strive to maintain a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Application materials should be forwarded to lauren@leaparts.org