Traditional Art Instructor (Part Time, After School, In-Person)

Concorde Education; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

Concorde Education is looking for a Traditional Art Instructor in Oakland, California. The role involves teaching a hands-on after-school art course that caters to various grade levels. You'll guide students through foundational art techniques, including drawing and painting, fostering creativity and personal expression.

The instructor will work with students once a week for 10 weeks, adapting lessons to student needs while maintaining a supportive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 60 college credits or an Associate degree in progress/completed.
• Experience with traditional visual art techniques (drawing, painting, and/or mixed media).
• Experience working with school-age students in structured settings (school, camp, after-school, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Deliver a 10-session course with clear objectives and engaging, hands-on instruction.
• Demonstrate techniques and scaffold projects for successful skill practice.
• Maintain a safe and supportive studio environment with clear expectations.

Skills

Traditional visual art techniques

Classroom presence

Communication skills

Experience with school-age students

Reliability

Education

Minimum of 60 college credits or Associate degree

Job description

Schedule: Typically 1 hour per week for 10 weeks (after school)

Location: On-site at a partner school; varies by assignment

Start Date: Rolling openings based on school schedules

Position Overview

Concorde Education is seeking an engaging, student-centered Traditional Art Instructor to facilitate a short-format after-school enrichment course for students. This course introduces and develops traditional art techniques through hands-on projects that encourage creativity, self-expression, and skill growth across grade levels. Instruction should be developmentally appropriate for the assigned grade band. Younger students will focus on foundational art concepts and basic technique practice, while older students will explore more advanced methods and build toward stronger conceptual understanding and personal artistic style. The instructor will deliver instruction one day per week for approximately one hour across a typical 10-week cycle, with pacing adapted to student needs and site logistics.

What You Will Teach

Students will explore traditional visual art techniques beginning with core fundamentals such as line, shape, color, and composition, progressing toward more refined drawing and painting skills. Depending on grade level, students may also practice shading, proportion, texture, perspective, mixed media approaches, and critique routines that support artistic growth and reflection.

Major Topics Can Include

• Studio routines, materials handling, and safe classroom practices
• Elements of art and principles of design (line, shape, color, value, texture, space, composition)
• Color theory fundamentals (primary/secondary colors, mixing, warm/cool, contrast)
• Drawing foundations (observation, contour, proportion, gesture, basic perspective)
• Shading and value techniques (gradients, highlights, cast shadows)
• Painting techniques (brush control, layering, blending, washes, basic composition planning)
• Mixed media exploration (collage, ink, charcoal, pastels, or other site-approved media)
• Visual storytelling and idea development (themes, symbols, personal expression)
• Peer critique and reflection routines (age-appropriate feedback and revision)
• Portfolio development and presentation of artwork

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a 10-session course with clear objectives and engaging, hands-on instruction
• Demonstrate techniques and scaffold projects so students can practice skills successfully
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, supportive studio environment with clear expectations and routines
• Differentiate instruction to support varying skill levels and learning needs
• Support students in developing original work and making iterative improvements
• Communicate professionally with site staff and Concorde program contacts regarding attendance and session completion tracking
• Adapt pacing and activities to meet student needs while maintaining intended outcomes

Qualifications (Required)

• Minimum of 60 college credits (or Associate degree in progress/completed)
• Experience with traditional visual art techniques (drawing, painting, and/or mixed media)
• Experience working with school-age students in structured settings (school, camp, after-school, tutoring, youth programs)
• Strong facilitation skills, classroom presence, and clear communication
• Reliable, punctual, and professional; able to follow school policies and program boundaries
• Comfort managing materials and supporting students through multi-step creative processes