Wolf Trap Institute Teaching Artist (Independent Contractor)
About Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts
Backed by more than 40 years of experience and research, Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts (Wolf Trap Institute) -- the flagship education program of Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts -- leverages the power of the performing arts to engage successful learners and empower educators.
Using a research-informed approach to arts-integrated professional development, the Institute offers effective and customized professional development delivered by teaching artists to support educators, caregivers, children, and families. Offerings include residencies, partial and full-day workshops, and digital arts education resources.
Wolf Trap Institute has earned a national reputation for excellence and innovation in arts-integrated early childhood programming, and now works with 23 affiliates and numerous partners in 30 states, the District of Columbia, and Singapore.
Position Description
Wolf Trap Institute seeks teaching artists with specialization in the performing arts; dance, drama, music, puppetry, storytelling, etc. - to join their nationally-respected arts-integration program!
By working with educators to integrate the arts into content areas like language arts, math, and science, teaching artists help young learners stimulate their imaginations, and develop academic, social and emotional skills that are the foundation for future learning and healthy lifestyles.
Wolf Trap Teaching Artists participate in ongoing professional development to work with and support early childhood educators, caregivers, and families as they incorporate arts-integrated experiences into classrooms, early childhood environments, and home and community settings.
Wolf Trap Teaching Artists are independent contractors. The number of contracts a Wolf Trap Teaching Artist is offered annually is not guaranteed.
Required Qualifications
- Availability to work as an independent contractor in the Washington DC metro area (DC, MD, VA) and throughout the state of Virginia.
- A minimum of 3 years of experience as a professional artist and/or teaching artist in a performing arts discipline (dance, drama, puppetry, drama, and storytelling)
- Thorough knowledge of the elements, forms, processes, and skills of specified art discipline(s)
- Ability to articulate the creative process in or through specified art discipline(s)
- Desire and ability to reflect on and assess methods of artistic practice
- Desire to engage in regular, ongoing professional learning supporting best practices in early childhood education, arts integration and adult learning
- Demonstration of cultural competence and respect for individuals of all cultures, backgrounds, and belief systems
- Strong professional conduct as consistently demonstrated by preparedness, punctuality, reliability, and organizational skills
- Exceptional verbal and interpersonal communication skills
- Strong ability to work effectively and collaboratively with adult learners
- Access to reliable transportation and willingness to travel within DC Metro Area and throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia
Desired Qualifications
- Experience teaching and/or working with young children and their families
- Experience with educators and other professionals engaged in work with young children and their families
- Excellent written communication skills, and ease with using email as a means of communication
- Comfort using or learning to use online video platforms (Zoom, Goggle Meet, Microsoft Teams, etc.)
- Weekday availability for contracting opportunities (Monday Friday between 9:00 am 5:00 pm EST)
Wolf Trap Teaching Artist candidates are required to complete a multi-day New Artist Training before beginning their work with partner programs. Teaching Artist Candidates are required to attend the full training and will receive compensation for their attendance.
Wolf Trap Teaching Artists are required to complete multiple classroom residencies and/or develop one workshop within their first year as a Teaching Artist. Specific details of individual work will be discussed with members of Wolf Trap Institute upon completion of New Artist Training.
Contact Information:
Please email teachingartistapp@wolftrap.org with questions.
Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment that embraces and encourages different perspectives. We work to reflect and be representative of the communities in which we serve and in which we reside. Qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans who need assistance or an accommodation in our job application processes should contact hr@wolftrap.org. An offer is contingent on successfully passing a background check and providing proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. Applicants who cannot get vaccinated for bona fide disability or religious reasons should also contact HR at hr@wolftrap.org so they can determine if reasonable accommodations can be made.
Wolf Trap Foundation is monitoring and adhering to current federal and state guidelines for COVID work place safety to protect staff, artists, and patrons.
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED ON A ROLLING BASIS
