Educator

MOCA Education strives to make education more collaborative, inclusive, and learner-centered, to nurture intellectual growth through experiences with contemporary art, and to increase access to the transformative power of art. 

The Educator will work primarily within Contemporary Art Start (CAS), the Museum’s year-long partnership program for 3rd-12th grade classrooms across Los Angeles County. Through CAS, MOCA invests in supporting teachers to lead inclusive discussions about contemporary art with their students using Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS). 

Within this part-time position (12-20 hours per week), the Educator will primarily assist with the development and implementation of discussion-based tours for students and learner-centered professional development trainings for teachers within CAS, as well as assist with our family programs. Family programs include in-person events that incorporate guided tours and artmaking experiences as well as self-guided project spaces featuring accessible artmaking activities, and more. MOCA is looking for candidates who are interested in developing into highly trained teacher-coaches. 

Essential Functions: 

• Assist with the development and implementation of discussion-based tours for 3rd-12th grade students using Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) 
• Facilitate learner-centered professional development trainings for teachers within CAS 
• Co-develop creative curriculum and projects for students, families, and adults 
• Assist with research, development, and implementation of family programs for all ages and ability levels 
• Use social justice as a lens to examine teaching practices 
• Occasionally assist with other large-scale community events as well as the MOCA Teen program 
• Actively participate in staff reflection and planning 
• Work independently and remotely on a variety of projects as assigned 
• Engage in VTS training as well as professional-development learning opportunities, research opportunities, and peer-coaching 
• Promote MOCA Education programs to help recruit future participants, including at school and community sites 

Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in art education, studio art, art history or closely-related field strongly preferred 
• Ability to reflect upon and examine their own teaching as well as that of others 
• Knowledge of and experience in art education 
• Knowledge of and experience in anti-oppressive teaching 
• Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred 
• Strong knowledge of contemporary art 
• Experience working collaboratively with diverse team members 
• General flexible attitude 
• Willingness to pivot between online and in-person programming 
• Solution-oriented 
• Studio art practice preferred 
• Availability to work a part-time schedule that varies according to the academic calendar. Staff hours include up to 14 full days of facilitating professional development for teachers over the summer and four Saturdays each fall and spring; family programs occur on weekends throughout the year. 

Hourly wage: $23.56 

Position Covered by MOCA/AFSCME Collective Bargaining Agreement: YES 

Physical Demands: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to move around and give hour-long tours around the museum (shifts usually consist of two tours); use hands to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; and demonstrate effective communication skills. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. During CAS teacher workshops and family workshops, this employee will assist with setup and cleanup of studio art and other activities, involving duties including but not limited to bending to tape down tarps, lifting and reaching to set up canopies and tables, and carrying other supplies. Accommodations will be made as needed. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy 

The Museum of Contemporary Art is an equal opportunity employer. We will extend equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, hairstyle, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws. Our policy reflects and affirms the Museum of Contemporary Art’s commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory practices. Details of our equal employment opportunity policies are further explained in Anti-Discrimination & Harassment. 

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.