An Artist or Illustrator develops ideas and works with different materials to create art, including crafts and fine art such as painting. May specialize in drawing and creating visual images, designs or pictures for books and other publications or for commercial products, or detailed drawings for scientific or medical illustrations. Creates drawings by hand and uses computers to create or develop images.
Lead Teaching Artist Carpenter Art Garden Memphis, TN Job Details Contract Up to $10,000 a year 20 hours ago Qualifications Experience teaching visual & performing arts School experience Behavior management Teamwork Program design Youth programs teaching experience Creative writing Classroom management Storytelling activities for children Teaching arts Bachelor's degree Working with students from diverse cultural backgrounds Working with students Literacy education Youth group activity facilitation Teaching visual art K-12 Art Education Certification Collaborative teaching Storytelling (creative arts teaching) Community-based learning (teaching method) Working with youth Youth program management Full Job Description The Lead Teaching Artist will design and facilitate a year-long arts-integrated literacy program for K-3 students participating in Stories in
Color:
Arts + Literacy K-3 After-School Program. The Teaching Artist will lead engaging, hands-on visual arts instruction that supports storytelling, creative writing, literacy development, and self-expression. Working in partnership with Carpenter Art Garden staff, Cornerstone Prep School, and teen apprentices, the Teaching Artist will guide students through the creation of three original five-page illustrated storybooks while fostering confidence, creativity, and a love of reading and writing. The Lead Teaching Artist serves as the primary instructional leader for the program and is responsible for curriculum implementation, lesson plan creation, classroom management, student assessment, and artistic guidance.
Program Schedule Program Period:
August 31, 2026•May 6, 2027
Schedule:
Program is 2 days a week TBD and an additional prep day is required.
Student Program Hours:
3:25 PM•5:00
PM Teacher Work Hours:
3:00 PM•5:30 PM ResponsibilitiesInstruction & Curriculum Develop and implement a sequential arts-integrated literacy curriculum aligned with program goals. Facilitate engaging visual arts and storytelling lessons for K-3 students. Teach drawing, painting, collage, illustration, character design, visual storytelling, and creative expression techniques. Integrate literacy development into all instruction, including: Fry Sight Word practice Vocabulary development Sentence construction Story sequencing Character and setting development Differentiate instruction to meet the developmental needs of students across K-3 grade levels. Guide students through the creation of three original five-page illustrated storybooks. Author-Artist Studio Facilitation Lead recurring Author-Artist Studio sessions where students: Draft and revise stories Illustrate story pages Receive feedback Complete final storybook projects Provide individualized artistic and creative feedback to support student growth. Student Engagement & Classroom Culture Create a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Encourage creativity, participation, collaboration, and self-confidence. Manage classroom behavior using positive youth development practices. Foster student ownership of creative work and storytelling. Supervision of Teen Apprentices and Volunteers Attend training and orientation alongside two teen apprentices and volunteers supporting the program. Assign responsibilities and provide ongoing coaching and mentorship to teen apprentices. Ensure apprentices effectively support literacy and art activities through small-group and one-on-one assistance. Ensure the safety of all teen apprentices and volunteers. Assessment & Documentation Maintain attendance records and student participation data. Collect and organize student portfolios and storybook samples. Complete observation notes and program documentation. Assist with pre•and post-program assessments. Provide evaluation data and reports to Carpenter Art Garden staff as requested. Collaboration & Events Collaborate with Carpenter Art Garden staff and Cornerstone Prep personnel. Support coordination of guest author visits. Participate in family engagement activities and the end-of-year student showcase. Assist with preparation and display of student artwork and storybooks. Qualifications Required Experience teaching visual arts to elementary-aged youth. Demonstrated ability to develop and facilitate arts-based educational programming. Experience working with diverse youth populations. Strong classroom management and communication skills. Ability to create engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences. Passion for literacy, storytelling, and arts education. Experience teaching elementary literacy (K-3) Experience collaborating with a co-teacher or Teaching Assistant. Preferred Bachelor's degree in Art Education, Visual Arts, Education, English, Creative Writing, or a related field. Teaching Artist experience in school or community-based settings. Experience integrating literacy and visual arts instruction. Experience supervising youth leaders, interns, volunteers, or apprentices. Knowledge of early childhood and elementary literacy development. Desired Skills Visual arts instruction Storytelling and creative writing Lesson design Youth development Classroom management Collaboration and communication Project-based learning Cultural responsiveness Physical Requirements Ability to lead active classroom activities. Ability to lift and move art supplies and materials up to 25 pounds. Ability to stand, walk, bend, and engage with students throughout instructional sessions.
Compensation Contract Position:
$10,000 Compensation includes curriculum development, lesson preparation, instruction, assessment, apprentice mentoring, and participation in program events throughout the program year. About Carpenter Art Garden Carpenter Art Garden's mission is to grow young creatives through arts, educational, and vocational opportunities. Through artist-led programming and community partnerships, Carpenter Art Garden provides meaningful creative experiences that empower youth, strengthen literacy, and foster lifelong learning.
