Apply to be a Teaching Artist

What you’ll do: 

• Work in one elementary school for the full school year (October 2026–May 2027)

• Teach monthly visual arts lessons to all 1st and 4th grade classes

• Be on-site at least once a week, depending on scheduling at the school

• Plan simple, engaging, sequential lessons that are connected to state learning standards

• Collaborate with school staff and support the existing art docent program

• Occasionally participate in school-wide events when it makes sense

Who should apply?

• Teaching Artists: Experienced artists with a passion for education and engaging young minds.

• Art Docents: Individuals with a background in volunteering for school art programs, or in guiding and educating youth in out of school enrichment settings.

• Artists Interested in Teaching: Visual artists who are new to teaching but enthusiastic about sharing their craft with children.

You are eligible to apply for this role if:

• You have a meaningful background in visual arts (painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, mixed media, etc.)

• You have a profound love for art education

• You are willing to collaborate with school staff and adapt lessons for diverse learners

• You can demonstrate the ability to create and implement schedules, timelines, and deadlines

• You are comfortable communicating in person and over email

• You have reliable transportation to and from school sites, sometimes multiple times a week, from October 2026 through May 2027

You could be a great fit for this role if:

• You have experience with curriculum development, or similar experience with instructional design

• You have experience working with children ages 6-12 in a classroom setting

• You have experience creating and managing inventory of supplies

• You are familiar with the Issaquah School District 

What Art Commons offers:

• A supportive and creative environment for educators and artists

• Opportunities to develop and lead engaging visual arts lessons

• Professional development and training for those new to teaching or interested to learn more

Compensation and Benefits:

Teaching Artists will receive $11,100 over the course of the school year, in monthly installments. This is calculated as 222 hours at $50/hr, and includes planning, preparation, and evaluation time. Actual hours worked may vary, but the stipend is not adjustable or negotiable. This is a contract position.

How to Apply:

Please send the following to info@artcommons.org:

• Resume

• Examples of your artwork and teaching experience

• A teaching artist statement*, no more than one page, about why you’re interested and what you hope to bring to our program. Please include some specifics about what art medium(s) you would focus on over eight months of classes, and why.

*A teaching artist statement is a concise, first-person document bridging your artistic practice with pedagogical goals. It should express your philosophy on fostering creativity, building community, and facilitating learning through your medium. A strong statement outlines how you teach, why you teach, and the specific impact you aim to have on students.

Teaching Artist Statement Examples:

Artist-Art Teacher Statement & Student Gallery – Reuven Robinson

Artist Statement – Ali Wesson’s Teaching Portfolio

Application Deadline:

Applications are open until June 20 (we encourage early submissions). Finalists will complete a required school district background check and present an abridged sample class activity in person. We expect to make final decisions by August 10, 2026.

Help us nurture the creative spirit in every child. We look forward to receiving your application!