Art Instructor (Temporary One Semester)

North Orange County Community College District; Cypress (CA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Limited employee benefits

Job summary

North Orange County Community College District is seeking an Art Instructor for Cypress College for Spring 2027. The role involves teaching foundation drawing courses and developing engaging curricula to support transfer preparation for a diverse student body.

The position emphasizes inclusive pedagogy, ongoing professional development, and collaboration with the Art Department within the Visual and Performing Arts division.

Qualifications

• Master’s in fine arts, art, or art history.
• Bachelor’s in art-related field and Master’s in humanities.
• California teaching credential or district-accepted equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Teach foundation drawing courses such as Drawing, 2D Design, Watercolor, Painting, Illustration, and/or Digital Art.
• Develop and deliver structured curricula to build students’ skills, literacy, and creativity.
• Provide constructive feedback through critiques, demonstrations, and one-on-one instruction.
• Foster an inclusive classroom environment for diverse student backgrounds.
• Stay current with traditional, contemporary, and emerging art practices and technologies.
• Assist students in transfer pathways to four-year institutions or related careers.
• Collaborate on curriculum development, assessment, and program planning with colleagues.

Education

Master’s in fine arts, art, or art history

Bachelor’s in art-related field + Master’s in humanities

California teaching credential OR equivalent

Job description

Art Instructor (Temporary One Semester)

Please note: Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST on the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS SUMMARY
This is a temporary position scheduled for the 2027 Spring Semester. This position is eligible for limited employee benefits. Initial salary placement will be determined by the Office of Human Resources in accordance with the faculty collective bargaining agreement and is not negotiable. The candidate selected for employment will be required to provide the following: official transcripts and verification of experience prior to the first duty day, identification and employment eligibility as outlined in the Immigration Reform and Control Act, fingerprints and required medical certification pursuant to statute. NOCCCD will not sponsor any visa applications.
The District may choose to fill one or more positions from this recruitment within eight (8) months.
To ensure consistency and fairness to all applicants, please do not submit materials in addition to those requested. Additional materials will not be considered or returned. Be sure to complete all questions and sections of the application. For questions which may not apply, indicate “N/A” (not applicable). Do not use terms such as “see resume” or “see attached”.
The minimum required number of references for this position is five (5).
All applications will be screened under a process of utmost confidentiality by a committee of representatives from the college community. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure an interview. At the time of the interview a written exercise and/or an oral presentation related to the assignment may be required. Subsequent to the interviews, the screening committee will select candidates for final consideration. A second interview will be required of candidates selected as finalists. References, including a supervisor will be contacted if a candidate is moved forward as a finalist in the recruitment process.
Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be requested by calling [phone] at least three business days in advance of the scheduled examination/interview date.

Position Details

Classification Information Classification Title Credit Faculty Salary Range $87,573 - $131,428 Annually Salary Schedule Information Click Here For Current Faculty Salary Schedule Position Information Job Title Art Instructor (Temporary One Semester) Department CC Visual and Performing Arts Location Cypress College Percentage of Employment 100% Months of Employment Spring Semester 2027 Work Schedule Temporary One Semester Term: Spring 2027 About Us: ABOUT US Do you strive to make a difference in higher education? Are you looking for a rewarding career opportunity to be a part of our students’ educational success and lifelong learning? If so, we invite you to join North Orange County Community College District. The District is renowned as one of the best two-year college districts in California. Located approximately 40 miles southeast of Los Angeles, California, the North Orange County Community College District ( NOCCCD ) serves approximately 60,000 students annually at three institutions: Cypress College, Fullerton College, and North Orange Continuing Education. Students are able to shape their futures in programs leading to associate degrees, a baccalaureate degree, career education certificates, and transfer opportunities. Life-long learning is also possible in continuing education programs that range from high school completion and basic skills mastery through an array of career education training and self-developed courses. The District’s geographic boundaries encompass 155 square miles, taking in most of north Orange County and a small portion of Los Angeles County. The District’s service area includes 18 cities and communities and 16 school districts. The NOCCCD campuses serve an area of over one million diverse people. The student population demographics, District-wide are: Latinx 47.2%; Asian 17.9%; White 16.5%; African American 2.6%; Multi-Ethnicity 2.6%; Pacific Islander 0.3%; and American Indian/Alaskan Native 0.2%. The District is part of a regional higher education community that includes the California State University campuses at Fullerton and Long Beach, the University of California Irvine, and the Chapman University system.

The ideal candidate will share Cypress College’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Cypress College student body is incredibly diverse, with over 46% Latinx, 24% Asian/Pacific Islander, 16% Caucasian, 4% African American, and 0.18% American Indian/Alaskan Native. Students from over 30 countries join our International Student program every year. The College believes in creating an inclusive and multicultural learning experience where faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds can contribute to the development of our students.

Cypress College is ranked 3rd in the nation (among community colleges between 5,000 and 15,000 students) for the quality of faculty/teaching and 1st in California (out of 114) in the 2018 and 2020 Best Community Colleges report by Niche.com. Cypress College epitomizes an environment of academic excellence, underscored by our 53% completion rate, a full 7% higher than the state average. Whether it is vocational studies such as our T- TEN program, a collaboration with Toyota Motor Corporation which is ranked #1 in the nation, or academic programs, such as English and ESL , where the success rate of our students is 15% higher than statewide averages, Cypress College sets the benchmark for excellence. Cypress College is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution ( HSI ) and was awarded a DHSI Title V grant in 2019, as well as named an Equity Champion for our support for Latinx transfer in 2021 and 2022. The college is also eligible for designation as an Asian American, Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution ( AANAPISI ). Cypress College is proud of its many programs that serve our diverse student body, such as the Legacy and Puente programs. The College provides many avenues of support for our faculty and staff through networks that include the Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, and LGBTQ Faculty Staff Associations.

College employees are guided by the five core values of Excellence, Integrity, Collegiality and Inclusiveness, centered in Equity. We are a Guided Pathways institution, and our comprehensive Student Services programs support and enhance strategic goals related to access, retention and persistence initiatives on campus. In partnership with instructional faculty, our student services staff and faculty strive to implement innovative strategies to ensure all students succeed and experience a culturally relevant environment on campus.

Cypress College is an equity-minded institution, committed to ensuring all students are supported on their academic journey. We invite you to be a part of this celebrated and diverse community of learners where we put students first. More information can be found at www.cypresscollege.edu .
The Division of Visual and Performing Arts at Cypress College is home to the departments of Art, Dance, Music, Media Arts Design, Journalism, Photography, and Theatre. Our faculty and students have earned recognition and acclaim in the arts on both national and international levels, and many faculty members remain active as practicing artists and writers. We are looking for faculty and staff who bring creativity, rigor, energy, and compassion to the community college student experience – all while keeping a good sense of humor.

The Cypress College Art Department delivers the first two years of lower-division coursework across a broad range of art, design, and creative disciplines, helping students build the creative, critical, conceptual, and technical foundations they need to transfer successfully and pursue careers in the arts.

• Transfer Preparation: Provides the first two years of coursework for art and design degrees.
• Broad Career Pathways: Prepares students for careers across art, design, and creative industries.
• Creative Thinking: Builds creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Studio + Technology: Blends traditional art-making with emerging technologies.
• Communication: Uses art as a means of expression, storytelling, and change.
• Student Success: Equips students for university transfer and careers in the arts.

What We Offer: WHAT WE OFFER

• 100% employee medical premium coverage
• Fringe allowance to be used at employee’s discretion ($2,646.10 annually)
• Voluntary (Medical/Dependent Day Care) Flexible Spending Account
• $50,000 life insurance benefit
• Deferred Compensation Program (403(b)/457 plans)
• Retirement pension plan (CalSTRS /CalPERS)
• Abundant Professional Growth & Development opportunities
• Cumulative sick leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Environment that fosters diversity and inclusion
• Progressive and innovative culture
• Opportunity to participate in various Faculty & Staff Associations

Primary Purpose PRIMARY PURPOSE

Duties and responsibilities as presented are intended to be representative and not restrictive. The District reserves the right to modify the assignment and allocation of duties in accordance with operational needs. Essential Functions ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Examples of essential functions are interpreted as being descriptive and not restrictive in nature. Job Description JOB DESCRIPTION

Teach a variety of foundation drawing-related courses, such as Drawing, 2D Design, Watercolor, Painting, Illustration, and/or Digital Art, that support the Studio Art transfer degree, serving a diverse student population with varying levels of prior experience and artistic background.
Develop and deliver engaging, well-structured curricula that build students’ technical skills, visual literacy, and conceptual understanding while encouraging experimentation and personal artistic growth.
Provide students with constructive, individualized feedback through critiques, demonstrations, and one-on-one instruction to help them refine their craft and develop a professional portfolio.
Foster an inclusive and supportive classroom environment that welcomes students of all backgrounds, skill levels, and creative interests, while maintaining high standards of academic rigor.
Stay current with evolving practices, materials, and technologies in drawing and related studio art disciplines, incorporating relevant trends and tools into coursework as appropriate.
Guide students in understanding the historical and contemporary context of drawing and related media, connecting foundational techniques to broader movements in art and design.
Collaborate with Art Department colleagues on curriculum development, assessment, and program planning to ensure course offerings align with the goals of the Studio Art transfer degree.
Support students in preparing for successful transfer to four-year institutions and/or careers in art, design, and related creative fields.
Participate in curriculum development and serve on department, division, college and district committees as necessary to maintain and improve the instructional program; participate in appropriate professional development activities.
Participate in co-curricular activities, including planning, implementing, and teaching in special programs designed to support student success.
Participate in the formulation of Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) and the Student Learning Outcomes assessment cycle.
Maintain formal office and campus hours; participate in department and division meetings.
Maintain current knowledge of instructional methods and new technologies pertinent to areas of assignment; learn and apply emerging technologies and advances (e.g., computer software applications) as necessary to perform duties in an efficient, organized and timely manner.
Teach scheduled classes and perform related duties as assigned, including timely compliance with clerical and administrative responsibilities; comply with district, college and division policies in the performance of duties.
Instruct and assist in the growth and success of a diverse population of students through careful preparation of course materials, effective teaching methodologies and informed critical feedback on assignments and discussions.
Develop culturally relevant course content, culturally responsive pedagogical techniques, and effective practices for engaging students who are diverse and/or are students who are historically underserved. The ideal candidate should have experience in this area with African American, Latinx, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders and other disproportionately impacted students.
Work cooperatively with staff and students.
Evening and/or Saturday assignments may be required as part of the regular contract.
Special Requirements SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
The award of all degrees must be verifiable on a legible transcript. If degree award date is not posted on transcript your application will be deemed incomplete and removed from consideration.
Grade cards will not be accepted in lieu of transcripts.
All degrees and course work used to satisfy the required minimum qualifications must be submitted and from accredited postsecondary institutions. See our website here regarding accredited postsecondary institutions.
Per the Faculty Hiring Policy 3004, section 10.1 , An applicant can apply if they meet or is reasonably expected to meet the minimum qualifications not later than 45 days before the first day of employment (e.g., required degree and certificate(s) have been awarded; requires years of professional/occupational experience are in evidence).
Evaluations of foreign degrees and/or course work are required. See our website here for information regarding evaluation of foreign degrees. Minimum Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s in fine arts, art, or art history

OR

Bachelor’s in any of the above AND Master’s in humanities

OR

Possess a valid California teaching credential authorizing service in a community college in the appropriate subject matter area.

OR

The equivalent. Equivalent qualifications may include related education, training, employment and professional experience that would be equal to the required degree(s) and experience in this field as determined by the District Equivalency Committee.
Commitment to diversity. All applicants must have demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty and staff. The applicant must be able to demonstrate how these factors relate to the need for equity minded practices within the classroom.
( NOTE : “Master’s in fine arts” as used here refers to any master’s degree in the subject matter of fine arts, which is defined to include visual studio arts such as drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, textiles, and metal and jewelry art; and also, art education and art therapy. It does not refer to the “Master of Fine Arts” ( MFA ) degree when that degree is based on specialization in performing arts or dance, film, creative writing or other non plastic arts.) Desirable Qualifications DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Record of professional artistic practice, including exhibitions, commissions, publications, or other recognized creative activities.
Five years of college-level teaching experience in studio art, with an emphasis in drawing, 2D design, watercolor, and/or illustration.
Experience creating equitable and inclusive learning environments that promote success for all students, effectively engage diverse student populations, and address issues of equity, inclusion, diversity, and representation within the art program.
Experience in curriculum development, departmental service, and collaborative projects within an academic environment.
Knowledge of traditional, contemporary, and emerging art practices, processes, and technologies, with the ability to integrate these approaches into studio instruction.
Commitment to student academic, artistic, and professional development through mentorship, critique, portfolio development, and transfer preparation. Working Conditions Posting Detail Information Posting Number 2016629FT Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date 01/28/2027 Open Date 09/02/2026 Close Date 10/01/2026