An Art Teacher teaches art skills to elementary, secondary school students, or recreationally. Teaches all aspects of art from basic drawing and color theory to advanced techniques and art history.
Art & Aftercare Teacher The Portland Forest School of the Pacific Northwest Portland, OR Job Details Part-time $25.23 - $28.00 an hour 2 hours ago Benefits Paid time off Qualifications School experience Student supervision Behavior management Sourcing Working with immigrant populations Creative development (child development components) Outdoor work experience Family collaboration in education Engaging lesson design (student motivation techniques) Fieldwork teaching method Cultural competency Education Bachelor's degree Curriculum implementation Working with students from diverse cultural backgrounds Child safety supervision Working with students Instructional adaptability Hazard identification and correction Safe environment creation Parent communication in school administration After-school program experience Instructional materials development Teaching experience with young children Classroom Teaching Communication skills Classroom community building Facilities maintenance Student safety monitoring Entry level Full Job Description
PORTLAND FOREST SCHOOL
Art & Aftercare Teacher This is a contract position with a start date of August 27, 2026 to June 11, 2027. The Portland Forest School Art & Aftercare Teacher is a part-time educator working with a cohort of students. The Art & Aftercare Teacher is dynamic and adaptable, possessing a passion for art education, including nature-inspired art, and the flexibility to engage students in creative activities. They are able to context switch to our afterschool program to provide quality aftercare supervision. Our unique programs and out-of-the-box setting foster curiosity, creativity, and academic success by using the outdoors as a primary classroom. The art program is delivered in the Art room with roving opportunities to move throughout our classrooms and the out-of-doors.
Compensation:
$26 - $28 per hour
Schedule:
Up to 27 hours per week with additional paid hours for fundraising events. A typical daily schedule includes 12:15-1:30 PM (planning time), Art Class 1:30-3:00 PM, followed by the aftercare program from 3:30-6:00 PM daily (rolling pick up). Art & Aftercare Teachers report directly to the Forest School Principal. We understand that in order for our school to serve a diverse population/communities, we must also have that diversity represented in our staff. While Portland Forest School has a list of qualifications in this job description, studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. About Portland Forest School We are a school of community and nature. Students journey outside and into the forest every day. They learn through collaboration with peers and alongside their mentors. We dive into naturalist studies and life sciences, fostering research skills that last a lifetime. Journeying beyond nature play, we live with the seasons, forage for wild foods, and make forest tools and crafts. The students of the Portland Forest School grow with the land, plants, and animals who share our world.
Duties:
Art Instruction:
Deliver engaging and educational art lessons, adapting plans as needed to suit student needs and interests.
Nature-Inspired Art:
Incorporate elements of nature into art projects, using natural materials or themes to inspire students' creativity.
Aftercare Supervision:
Oversee and ensure the safety and well-being of students during aftercare hours (3:30-6:00 PM).
Lesson Planning:
Create and implement art lessons using available resources in the art room, focusing on incorporating natural elements where possible.
Classroom Management:
Maintain a positive and orderly classroom environment, encouraging student participation and creativity.
Adaptability:
Quickly adjust lesson plans based on the number of students, their age groups, and varying skill levels.
Student Engagement:
Foster a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where all students feel encouraged to express themselves through art.
Resource Management:
Utilize and manage existing art supplies efficiently, including sourcing natural materials when appropriate.
Communication:
Collaborate with staff and parents to provide updates on student progress and behavior.
Safety:
Recognize, mitigate, and respond to hazards to ensure a healthy and safe program for all staff and participants.
Facilities:
Work with facilities staff to maintain facilities in good operational order and maintain equipment and teaching supplies.
Qualifications:
Educational Background:
Bachelor's degree in Art Education or related field preferred.
Experience:
Previous experience teaching art to children, preferably in a school setting. Experience in aftercare supervision is a plus.
Flexibility & Creativity:
Ability to create and adapt lesson plans on the spot and inspire creativity through nature-based projects.
Nature-Based Art Skills:
Familiarity with nature art techniques and the ability to use natural elements in projects.
Communication Skills:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with students, parents, and staff.
Inclusion:
Enthusiasm about working in an inclusive environment which serves children of all backgrounds and abilities.
Cultural Humility:
Demonstrated cultural competency/humility and experience working with diverse populations, including communities of color, immigrants, and underserved communities.
Physical & Mental Ability:
Must have visual, perceptual, cognitive and judgment ability to recognize and respond to health and safety concerns and improper behavior.
Working Conditions:
Work environment includes art materials and all mediums, and all-season outdoor weather conditions.
Physical Demands:
10% Sitting, 30% Standing, 20% Walking, 35% Lifting/Carrying/Pushing/Pulling 5-80 lbs. The Portland Forest School is an Equal Opportunity Employer valuing diversity and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job. Application Deadline Rolling Application, Open until filled. Interview Process 1 or 2 rounds of interviews
EMAIL SUBMISSIONS PREFERRED
To apply: Please email your cover letter & resume to:
