Gallery Teacher

San José Museum of Art; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

San José Museum of Art is seeking a part-time Gallery Teacher to facilitate inquiry-based conversations in the gallery, lead on-site hands-on art lessons, and develop grade-appropriate lesson plans for K-12 students in San Jose.

The role requires strong writing and communication, experience with groups of children, and an interest in modern and contemporary art; bilingual Spanish or Vietnamese is a plus. Flexible hours include evenings and weekends for events.

Qualifications

• BA in Art History, Studio Art, Education, Museum Studies or related field.
• Minimum six months teaching experience. Studio Art or Museum Education related experience preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish or Vietnamese is a plus.
• Experience facilitating hands-on art lessons and gallery visits.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inquiry-based gallery visits and activities for students in grades K-12.
• Lead hands-on art activities as part of on-site programs.
• Collaborate with other departments and partner organizations on events and programs.
• Teach during Summer Art Camp for a minimum of 3 of the 6 weeks.
• Participate in exhibition trainings, staff meetings, and professional development.
• Research artists and artworks in Museum exhibitions and the Permanent Collection.
• Design and implement grade-appropriate tours.
• Assist with additional duties within the Museum Experience and Education Department.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Group leadership with children

Art making / hands-on art

Educational theories / VTS

Strong writing skills

Interest in modern/contemporary art

Independence / self supervision

Creativity / flexibility

Bilingual: Spanish or Vietnamese

Education

BA in Art History / Studio Art / Education / Museum Studies

MA/MFA/M.Ed. preferred

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Gallery Teacher

Part Time Professional San Jose, CA, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1081

Salary Range: $21.00 To $21.00 Hourly

Position Summary :

Gallery Teachers are responsible for facilitating interactive conversations about art in a gallery setting, researching artists and artworks, leading on-site hands-on art lessons, and writing lesson plans. Gallery Teachers aim to administer inquiry-based gallery visits that offer students the opportunity to develop visual arts literacy through viewing and talking about works of art.

Gallery Teachers are responsible for facilitating interactive conversations about art in a gallery setting, researching artists and artworks, leading on-site hands-on art lessons, and writing lesson plans. Gallery Teachers aim to administer inquiry-based gallery visits that offer students the opportunity to develop visual arts literacy through viewing and talking about works of art. This is a part‑time position, flexible hours.

Duties and Responsibilities, include but are not limited to:

• Conduct inquiry-based gallery visits and activities for students in grades K-12
• Lead hands‑on art activities as part of on‑site programs such as 2‑Part Art, and Community Day
• Work departmentally, cross‑departmentally and with partner organizations on various creative events and programs
• Teach during our annual Summer Art Camp for a minimum of 3 of the 6 scheduled weeks
• Participate in all exhibition training sessions, staff meetings, and continuing education sessions
• Conduct independent research on artists and artworks in Museum exhibitions and the Museum's Permanent Collection
• Design and implement grade‑appropriate tours
• Perform other tasks that pertain to the responsibilities of the Museum Experience and Education Department, as assigned by the Director of Education

Minimum Qualifications :

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills
• Experience working with groups of children and teachers, especially in an informal educational setting
• Experience making art and/or leading hands‑on art lessons
• Basic understanding of educational theories or techniques, Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), age/grade characteristics, and/or child developmental stages
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Interest in modern and contemporary art
• Ability to work independently, with little supervision, and uphold Museum's policies
• Bilingual in Spanish or Vietnamese, a plus
• Creativity and flexibility

Special Requirements :

• Fingerprint clearance and background check, required
• Ability to work during set calendar days for training and events as well as evenings and weekends as required
• An understanding of working with students with a broad range of abilities is desirable

Education and/orExperience:

• BA in Art History, Studio Art, Education, Museum Studies or related field. MA, MFA or M.Ed., or related experience preferred
• Minimum six months teaching experience. Studio Art or Museum Education related experience, preferred

About Us:

San Jose Museum of Art (SJMA) is Silicon Valley's premier modern and contemporary art museum, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), and a member of AAMD. SJMA presents a dynamic program of new exhibitions and off‑site projects to realize its goal to become a borderless museum, essential to the creative life of San Jose and Silicon Valley. Exhibitions are supported by substantial arts education and outreach efforts, a strong commitment to community partnership, and a core commitment to nurturing a sense of belonging and welcome for all members of this vibrant racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse community. The Museum works to eliminate barriers to access by offering weekend and evening hours, eliminating admission fees for students and teachers, and providing exhibition didactics in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese––the three official languages of San José.

SJMA's current exhibitions include Hito Steyerl: Factory of the Sun (co-acquired with the Hammer Museum and MCA Chicago): Trevor Paglen's first sound piece, a public commission called There Will Come Soft Rains; Kelly Akashi: Formations where Akashi explores the inherited impact of her family’s imprisonment in Japanese American incarceration camp during WWII; and Evergreen which is a dedicated gallery space celebrating SJMA's permanent collection. sjmusart.org/exhibitions‑on‑view

SJMA conducts pre-employment, post-offer background checks in accordance with state and federal law.

As SJMA operates in a City of San Jose-owned building, applicants must comply with the City’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

We are an equal opportunity employer. SJMA seeks talented people of all backgrounds - we value diversity of cultures, races and ethnicities, gender expressions, and abilities. Candidates who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, bilingual or multilingual, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.