CPA Teaching Assistant
Ends on
Title Teaching Assistant
Wage Classification Hourly, non-exempt ($18/hr)
Reports to Layla Ehsan, Manager of Community Partnerships in the Arts
Residency Site Southwark School – Bilingual Immersion Program (Kindergarten)
Residency Dates and Times
Tuesdays and Fridays, for one hour (exact time TBD) between the hours of 12:45-3pm. Residency will begin the week of November 11 and run for 10 school weeks, ending in early February.
Position Description and Incentives: The Community Partnership in the Arts (CPA) Program is a partnership program, working primarily with the School District of Philadelphia as well as other partner organizations, to establish art programming in the K-8th grade classroom and OST setting. Teaching artists collaborate with classroom teachers and principals to ensure creative projects complement teaching and learning in the classroom, respond to the needs and interests of students, and fit into the School District of Philadelphia’s curriculum frameworks.
Teaching artists and assistants are typically in residence in schools twice weekly for 60-90 minute sessions over the course of 10-12 weeks (20-25 hours total).
Teaching Assistants play an essential role in supporting the lead teaching artist in curriculum implementation and classroom management. In the classroom, teaching assistants help the lead artist in supply prep, distribution, and cleanup, as well as providing one-on-one support to students as needed while they work on projects using a variety of materials.
Should the lead teaching artist have an unexpected absence, Teaching Assistants have the opportunity to lead classes at the lead rate of $45/hr.
General Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
· BE PRESENT for every session of the semester, especially the first and last sessions. In the event of unexpected schedule conflict or illness, notify CPA Program Manager immediately via email or text. DO NOT COME TO WORK IF FEELING ILL.
· BE FLEXIBLE; step in to substitute for teacher when necessary and possible.
· IMMEDIATELY REPORT any issues in relation to students, adult caregivers, or FAM staff to Program Manager. Fills out incident reports when necessary (for example, any time first aid is applied).
· ARRIVE TO CLASSROOM 15 minutes before the scheduled time in order to assist with setup
· LEAVE THE CLASSROOM clean and organized with all materials put away
· HELP DOCUMENT PHOTOS AND STORIES about students and lessons during residency.
Qualifications and Skills:
· Formal or informal experience teaching or otherwise engaging with young people
· Enjoys working with youth
· Reliable and communicative
· Fluent or heritage Spanish speaker
· Child Abuse Clearance, Criminal Background Check, Mandated Reporter Training, Act 168 Form, and FBI Clearance are not due at time of application, but are required for employment– for more information on obtaining necessary background checks and clearances, reach out to Layla Ehsan at lehsan@fleisher.org
Work Schedule:
Tuesdays and Fridays, for one hour (exact time TBD) between the hours of 12:45-3pm. Residency will begin the week of November 11 and run for 10 school weeks, ending in early February.
Pending availability, future placements in the CPA program may be available. In general, CPA Residencies are determined and scheduled based on the partnering school/organization’s availability – they generally take place during the school year (September-June) between the hours of 9am-3:30pm. Classes meet twice a week for 60-90 minutes sessions, for 10-12 weeks (20-25 hours total).
CPA Teaching Assistants are also invited to attend faculty skill-share meetings every other month.
Compensation & Benefits:
· $18/hr for all in-class time, plus an additional hour per class for setup and cleanup
· $25/hr for meeting time
· Paid sick time accrued at the rate of 1 hour PTO per 35 hours worked
· Optional participation in the Annual Fleisher Faculty Exhibition
· Tuition waived for one class or workshop at Fleisher per term
· Free admission to the Philadelphia Museum of Art
· Annual Membership to Fleisher Art Memorial
· Additional benefits as outlined in the Fleisher Faculty Handbook
To Apply:
If this position seems like a good match for your personality, skills, and career goals, please submit the following via Submittable:
- Cover Letter and current résumé
- Three professional references
Interview Process: Interviews will be held starting October 28th and will include a brief phone call with the Manager of Community Partnerships in the Arts, then an in-person interview and tour with them and another person from the Education Department. The candidate chosen will receive notification no later than November 6th.
Fleisher’s core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and to maintain a diverse and inclusive environment. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position.
Fleisher strongly encourages individuals from marginalized and underrepresented groups to apply. Fleisher is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
ABOUT FLEISHER ART MEMORIAL:
Founded by industrialist Samuel S. Fleisher in 1898 as one of the nation’s first community-based art centers, Fleisher Art Memorial is renowned for its long-standing mission of making art accessible regardless of economic means, background, or artistic experience. In 2023, Fleisher celebrated its 125th anniversary as the center continues to provide free and low-cost studio art classes along with opportunities for emerging and seasoned artists to exhibit their work. Extensive arts education and community-based programming also reflect the organization’s commitment to serving and strengthening communities in Philadelphia by developing, sharing, and promoting creative resources. To learn more, visit fleisher.org.