Job Description
Art Instructor - Museum Posted on 6/2/2026 Accepting applications About this position Art Instructors design and lead engaging seasonal classes and workshops in studio art, performance, or creative writing for diverse audiences at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art at Florida Southern College. Each session focuses on a single art medium, providing process-based instruction that encourages creativity, collaboration, exploration, and self-expression within that discipline. Art Instructors develop inclusive lesson plans tailored to specific mediums fostering technical skill-building, artistic confidence, and critical thinking. This position guides participants through creative processes, demonstrates techniques, manages studio spaces and materials, and creates an engaging, supportive learning environment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Collaborates with the Director of Education to support educational programming Designs and leads engaging seasonal classes in studio art, performance, or creative writing for diverse audiences Teaches foundational and advanced techniques through hands-on instruction Develops lesson plans and curriculum aligned with museum exhibitions and/or educational goals Facilitates creative exploration, self-expression, and skill-building in group settings Adapts instruction for diverse ages, learning styles, and abilities Prepares, organizes, and maintains studio/classroom materials, tools, and supplies Creates a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment Assists with setup and breakdown of class space and materials Evaluates and adjusts programs based on participant engagement and outcomes About our ideal candidate EDUCATION
Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Art Education, Studio Art, Performance, Creative Writing, or a related field preferred, or equivalent professional experience as an art instructor or practicing artist Additional coursework or training in arts education, pedagogy, or curriculum development preferred WORK EXPERIENCE
Teaching experience in art, performance, or creative writing in school, studio, museum, or community setting Working with children, teens, adults, or intergenerational audiences Developing lesson plans, workshops, or curriculum in an arts-based setting Managing studio/classroom environments, materials, and tools Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook SKILLS / REQUIREMENTS
Strong foundation in studio art, performing arts, or creative writing Ability to design and deliver engaging, process-based instruction Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills Ability to foster inclusive and participatory learning environments Knowledge of art materials, techniques, and safe studio practices Ability to adapt instruction for diverse ages, abilities, and learning styles Strong organizational and time-management skills Ability to collaborate effectively with museum staff and educators Certification in Art (Grades K-12) required to teach children's classes PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Standing and walking for extended periods during instruction Moving about museum spaces, including classrooms, galleries, and outdoor areas as required. Reaching above shoulders and below waist to access materials and equipment. Bending, stooping, squatting, and kneeling during setup or facilitation of program. Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling materials and supplies, generally up to 25-50 pounds. Handling and grasping objects firmly, including tech devices like tablets or other art-based tools. Communicating effectively with students in group settings, including speaking and listening in moderately noisy environments. Frequently using hands and fingers to handle or assemble art materials, tools, and instructional equipment . Operating technology such as computers, tablets, Smartboards, and AV equipment. Setting up, arranging, and breaking down classroom environments, including tables, chairs, and equipment. Must be able to maintain focus and engagement during active instructional sessions. Working indoors and outdoors, sometimes in extreme temperatures. WORKING CONDITIONS
Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Work is primarily performed in museum classrooms, galleries, and other program spaces. The noise level is generally moderate and may increase during active classes or workshops. Some programs may take place outdoors, requiring flexibility with weather conditions and varying environments. Regular interaction with visitors, students, educators, and volunteers is a core part of the role. May be exposed to common art materials such as paints, adhesives, clay, dust, and cleaning agents. Position is on-site and not eligible for remote work. About us The College's health and wellness plans along with generous paid time-off benefits are in addition to rewarding employee benefits such as the tuition grant and 403(b) plan. The employee tuition grant is a remarkable benefit that covers the cost of 100% of the College's tuition for dependent children of faculty and staff who have been employed with the college fulltime for one year. Employees can also take advantage of the benefit for themselves. The Defined Contribution Retirement Plan is a 403(b) plan in which the college automatically contributes 7% of the eligible employee's earnings into a retirement fund whether the employee chooses to participate or not. The account has a comprehensive investment portfolio and allows the employee to control their investment choices. At 6 years of service, the employer contribution amount is elevated to 10%. Employees can choose to participate through pre-tax payroll deductions when ready! Florida Southern College is committed to diversity and inclusion in hiring, campus life, and intellectual engagement and welcomes applications from all interested candidates. The college actively seeks a wide variety of candidates and enthusiastically looks to diversify our workforce. Florida Southern College has a strong commitment to the principles of equal employment opportunity. The college recruits, hires, trains, transfers, promotes and compensates individuals and makes all personnel decisions without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, marital status, veteran status, or physical or mental disability unrelated to an individual's ability to perform the job, in accordance with applicable law. As the oldest private college in Florida, Florida Southern College is a nationally recognized liberal arts institution located in Lakeland, enrolling approximately 3,500 students across more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs. The College is known for its strong student-to-faculty ratio and its emphasis on engaged learning, providing students with hands-on experiences that prepare them for meaningful careers and lives of leadership and service. Florida Southern is home to the world's largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and competes in NCAA Division II athletics, with a distinguished record of national championships. Consistently ranked among the top regional institutions in the South by U.S. News & World Report and recognized by The Princeton Review, Florida Southern equips students to lead lives of positive and consequential impact through dynamic, engaged learning in its iconic setting and beyond. Connect with Florida Southern College.
