PROJECT BASED LEARNING INSTRUCTOR

JOB DESCRIPTION: TEACHING ARTIST (IST)  

Location: Handley Alternative Metro Opportunity School

Reports to: Project Based Learning (PBL) Manager

Department: Programs & Learning Systems

Position Type: Full time/Exempt 

Supervision: No

About the Role:

Works in partnership with Program Manager and PBL (Project Based Learning) Instructors to deliver high quality instruction to Middle and/or High School students in an alternative education setting during a in school time (IST).

About Big Thought:

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, we’re 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. Our kids come first, and we use a collaborative, all hands-on deck approach to ensure that they are served well.
 

About the Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate is a practicing artist who is also skilled at creating authentic arts experiences for youth from marginalized populations for whom the traditional learning environment has not created successful learning outcomes. This person is patient, encouraging, attentive, and able to partner with other instructors to create innovative learning experiences designed to achieve multiple outcomes. Experience with Restorative Practices, Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and Project Based Learning (PBL) a definite plus.

What the Role Entails:

• Deliver high quality direct instruction to Middle and/or High School students in an alternative education setting, in alignment with the PBL Workbook: Big Thought’s instructional framework of Six Dimensions of Quality (6DQ), Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and Project Based Learning (PBL).
• Guide students in fully executing assignments/projects to create tangible deliverables.
• Engage and build relationships with students, monitor student behavior to maintain a calm and safe school/workplace environment.
• Use differentiated instruction and student-centered teaching methods that meet the needs of individual students in an innovative environment.
• Consult with and be coached by educators on aesthetic education practices as requested.
• Work in collaboration with Program Manager, PBL Manager, Professional Learning Team, Program Specialists, and PBL Instructors. 
• Utilize advanced classroom management skills to maintain productivity.
• Perform administrative responsibilities, such as submission of written lesson plans, assessments, teaching schedules, managing supplies, including placing orders in a timely manner as requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• 2 years of experience serving youth
• Demonstrated expertise working as a professional/experienced artist as specified by one’s craft, and/or as a practicing instructor, as well as curiosity about learning Big Thought’s philosophy and approach to education.
• Strong interpersonal skills: listening and relationship-building abilities, with ability to effectively interact with individuals of all levels and backgrounds.
   

Physical Work Expectations (not an exhaustive list):

Big Thought jobs are hands on and can be physically demanding. To perform the duties of these roles 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; maintain emotional control during stressful situations.

BIG THOUGHT ASPIRES TO BE A WORKPLACE OF INCLUSION & EQUITY. 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.

Big Thought is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Employees of Big Thought are expected to participate in mission driven activities, meetings, committees, etc. BT is based on a team environment and 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 assigned. In addition, all employees may be assigned “other” duties in the spirit of teamwork.

NOTE: This job description 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.

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