Inspire Young Minds: Share Your Art. Shape the Next Generation.
TBEY Arts Center has been transforming the lives of Milwaukee youth through the arts for 25+ years — and our Teaching Artists are at the heart of that work. We are always looking to partner with practicing artists who are passionate about sharing their craft with young people in meaningful, engaging, and culturally affirming ways.
Whether your discipline is Visual Arts, Music, Theatre, or Dance, there is a place for you at TBEY. Our Teaching Artists are not just instructors — they are mentors, role models, and creative leaders who help students grow artistically, academically, and personally.
Pay Rate: $25-$30 per hour (based on experience)
Position: Teaching Artist
Type: Part Time / Hourly / Seasonal (Must be available from August-June)
Overview
TBEY Arts Center, Inc. is seeking passionate, experienced Teaching Artists to deliver high-quality arts instruction to youth across our programs, including our After-School Arts Program (ASAP), our community-based ArtReach initiative, Summer Arts Camp, and our major productions and exhibitions.
Teaching Artists are supported throughout the year by TBEY’s program staff, curriculum resources, and professional development opportunities. TBEY program staff serve as the primary point of contact for all school and community site partnerships, you focus on teaching, and we support the rest.
Key Responsibilities
Planning:
- Develop an original arts curriculum with weekly lesson plans aligned to Wisconsin Arts Education Standards and TBEY’s program goals
- Submit lesson plans to the Program Director on the established schedule before each unit begins
- Adapt lessons to meet diverse student learning needs, abilities, and age groups
- Attend planning meetings with TBEY program and artistic staff as scheduled
- Participate in ongoing professional development throughout the program year
Arts Instruction & Student Engagement:
- Deliver high-quality, hands-on arts instruction at your assigned school(s) or program site(s)
- Create a classroom environment that is safe, inclusive, and conducive to creative risk-taking
- Build genuine mentoring relationships with students that go beyond technical skill-building
- Use active learning, dialogue, and experiential approaches to engage students at all skill levels
- Maintain and organize classroom supplies in alignment with lesson objectives
Documentation & Accountability
- Submit weekly attendance for all classes by Wednesday of each week
- Complete student progress reports at the end of each semester
- Respond to communications from TBEY program staff within 24 business hours
- Use TBEY’s designated tools (Microsoft Teams, Google Calendar, Microsoft Planner) for scheduling and coordination
Productions, Showcases & Events:
- Support student preparation for semester-end showcases, exhibitions, and productions
- Submit showcase details and media files by established TBEY deadlines
- Attend and support TBEY productions and events as assigned
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum 1–2 years of experience working with youth in an arts, educational, or youth development setting
- Demonstrated expertise in at least one discipline: Visual Arts, Music, Theatre, or Dance
- Experience developing and implementing age-appropriate arts curriculum and lesson plans
- Knowledge of classroom management strategies and differentiated instructional methods
- Strong communication skills, written, verbal, and relational
- Comfortable using Google Workspace and Microsoft Suite (Teams, Planner)
- Reliable and organized, able to meet lesson plan, attendance, and reporting deadlines
- Available from August through June for the full program year
- Genuine passion for youth arts education and community impact
Preferred Qualifications:
- Degree or equivalent experience in Fine Arts, Arts Education, Music, Theatre, Dance, or a related field
- Experience working in Milwaukee schools, community organizations, or youth-serving nonprofits
- Familiarity with trauma-informed teaching practices or social-emotional learning (SEL)
- Bilingual or multilingual ability (Spanish, Hmong, Somali, or other Milwaukee community languages is a plus)
- Experience supporting or directing youth productions, exhibitions, or performances
How to Apply:
Submit the following to info@tbey.org with the subject line: Teaching Artist Application — [Your Discipline(s)]:
- A cover letter detailing your interest in the role and relevant experience.
- A professional resume (artist resume in addition is highly recommended)
- Example lesson plans and/or artistic projects you have led/created.
- Two professional and/or artistic references that can attest to your ability to carry out the duties of this position.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply early, positions fill quickly.
Compensation:
- Hourly Rate: $25–$30 per hour, based on experience and discipline
- Hours: Varies by program placement (typically 10–20 hours/week)
- Professional Development: TBEY-provided PD opportunities throughout the year at no cost
Equal Opportunity Employment
TBEY Arts Center, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all
qualified individuals, regardless of background.
Non-Discrimination Policy
TBEY Arts Center, Inc. is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or socioeconomic status. We believe that diversity is essential to achieving our mission of promoting access to arts and fostering creativity among youth. As such, we have a zero-tolerance policy for any form of discrimination, harassment, or bullying. We strive to create a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to participate fully in our programs. Our commitment to non-discrimination extends to all aspects of our organization, including our programs, employment practices, and community engagements.
By embracing diversity and promoting equity, TBEY Arts Center, Inc. aims to create a vibrant, creative community where all young people can explore their artistic potential and express themselves freely.
Download Artist Application:
Download the Job Description