Teaching Artist - Smart Money Kids

Staten Island Chamber of Commerce; New York (NY); On-site; USD 56,826 - 80,934; Full time

Job summary

Sundog Theatre, a Staten Island-based performing arts organization, seeks enthusiastic Teaching Artists to join its arts education team. You will lead engaging workshops and residencies in schools and community settings, helping students explore artistic ideas, build skills, and express themselves creatively.

Applicants should enjoy working with young people, adapt to diverse learning styles, and create an inclusive classroom.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in teaching arts to students in educational or community settings.
• Strong classroom management and communication skills.
• Ability to design engaging, hands-on lesson plans that fit diverse learners.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead engaging lessons in financial literacy and entrepreneurship for grades 5 and up.
• Work with students in small groups to create businesses and product lines.
• Create a positive, inclusive classroom environment and collaborate with teachers and staff.
• Adapt lessons to meet diverse learners' needs, including English Language Learners and students with special needs.
• Incorporate NY State Learning Standards and NYC Blueprints for Teaching & Learning in the Arts.
• Communicate program progress to Sundog staff.

Skills

Teaching

Workshop facilitation

Public speaking

Curriculum design

Entrepreneurship

Financial literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree in arts education

Job description

Sundog Theatre, founded in 2002, is a Staten Island-based performing arts organization with an excellent reputation in 4 areas:

• 100+ arts-in-education programs in over 50 schools and organizations; we support our teaching artists, and are team players with the mission to create positive change through the power of live performance and the arts. Rates of pay are comparable to those of teaching artists throughout NYC.
• Original, contemporary, and thought provoking theatre
• Touring productions with educational and social themes

Position Overview

Sundog Theatre is seeking enthusiastic and creative Teaching Artists to join our arts education team. Teaching Artists lead engaging workshops and residencies in schools and community settings, helping students explore artistic ideas, build new skills, and express themselves creatively.

We are looking for artists who enjoy working with young people and are passionate about sharing their craft in a classroom environment. Teaching Artists should feel comfortable leading groups, adapting lessons to different learning styles, and creating a supportive and inclusive space for students to learn and participate.

Smart Money Kids blends technology, engineering, arts, and math into an engaging, arts-centered approach to business education. SMK Teaching Artists feel confident within these disciplines and can implement lessons on financial literacy as students launch their own mini-businesses, culminating with a grand opening in which they showcase and “sell” their products.

SMK Teaching Artists inspire students to become entrepreneurs as they explore money management, product development, and digital marketing. Presentation skills, marketing and branding come to life through theatre, music, and art. Math becomes relevant in budgeting and calculating profits.

Often there is a DIY element to this program, so the SMK Teaching Artist needs to feel comfortable in an arts and crafts environment to help students create their signature products.

Teaching Artists should feel confident in their ability to teach students:

• Financial literacy and entrepreneurship
• Confidence in public speaking
• Creative problem-solving
• Organization and time management skills
• Teamwork and leadership
• Basic arts and crafts
• A deeper understanding of how businesses impact the community

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead engaging lessons in financial literacy and entrepreneurship, grades 5 and up
• Work with students in small groups to create their own businesses and product lines
• Create a positive, inclusive classroom environment where students feel comfortable participating
• Collaborate with classroom teachers and school staff
• Adapt lessons to meet the needs of diverse learners, including English Language Learners and students with special needs
• Incorporate New York State Learning Standards and the NYC Blueprints for Teaching & Learning in the Arts
• Communicate with Sundog staff about program progress and classroom needs

Qualifications

• Professional experience within the discipline (entrepreneurship, digital marketing, arts and crafts)
• Experience working with students ages K - 12 in educational, community, or arts settings
• Strong classroom management and communication skills
• Ability to create engaging lesson plans and hands-on learning experiences
• Collaborative and flexible approach to teaching

Additional experience that is preferred but not required:

• Experience working in NYC public schools
• Experience working with District 75 or special education populations
• Experience working with English Language Learners

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an arts-related field preferred, or equivalent professional and teaching experience.

Compensation

Teaching Artists are paid starting at $50 per hour, depending on experience.