Children and Youth Teaching Artist – Jewelry

Reports To: Manager of Children and Youth

Position Classification: Part-Time Faculty

Wage Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt

Start Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025

End Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025

Position Summary

Fleisher Art Memorial is seeking a lead teaching artist to teach Jewelry to students in Grades 9–12 as part of our Young Artists Program, beginning Saturday, September 6th, 2025. This class offers high school students hands-on experience with jewelry-making techniques while encouraging creative exploration and personal expression through the metal arts. Additional Saturday and future teaching opportunities may also be available.

Who You Are

You are a skilled jewelry artist and experienced educator who is passionate about working with teens. You bring both technical expertise and a commitment to student-centered teaching. You’re excited to guide young artists through the creative and technical processes of jewelry-making, from foundational techniques to more complex projects. You create an inclusive and respectful studio environment that encourages experimentation, collaboration, and growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Duties include, but not limited to):

• Develop thoughtful, engaging, and age-appropriate lesson plans focused on skill-building, creative exploration, and technique
• Demonstrate flexibility and professionalism in dynamic classroom environments
• Promote and enforce safe studio practices, particularly with tools, torches, and shared materials
• Arrive 15–30 minutes prior to the start of class to prepare the studio environment
• Encourage students to participate in cleanup and resetting of the space at the end of each class
• Maintain clear and timely communication with Fleisher staff regarding scheduling, supplies, and curriculum
• Notify the Manager of Children and Youth as soon as possible regarding any schedule changes, delays, or absences

Required Qualifications

• Strong background in jewelry and metalsmithing
• Experience teaching high school-aged students (Grades 9–12) in a classroom or studio setting
• Ability to develop and deliver thoughtful, creative, and developmentally appropriate curricula
• Comfortable working in a studio environment with a wide range of tools and materials
• Excellent communication, time management, and organizational skills
• Language skills in Spanish, Mandarin, or Cantonese are a plus

Required Clearances

• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check (PSP)
• PA Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance
• FBI Fingerprint-Based Criminal History Clearance
• Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training Certificate

Compensation and Benefits

• $35 per hour, including 1 additional paid hour per teaching day for class prep and cleanup
• One free Fleisher class per term
• Participation in Fleisher’s Annual Faculty Exhibition
• Digital PMA ID granting free access to many Philadelphia-area museums
• Access to professional development resources
• Discounts on other Fleisher programming for you and your immediate family

Interview Process

Interviews will begin in August and will include:

• A brief phone call with the Manager of Children and Youth Programs
• An in-person interview and site tour with a member of the Education Department

Final notifications will be sent no later than Friday, August 22, 2025.

About Fleisher Art Memorial

Founded in 1898, Fleisher Art Memorial is the nation’s oldest community-based art center, dedicated to making art accessible to everyone, regardless of economic means, background, or artistic experience. Located in Southeast Philadelphia, Fleisher provides affordable studio art classes, exhibitions, and community-based programs designed to inspire and empower.

Fleisher Art Memorial is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), disability (physical or mental), genetic information, citizenship status, ancestry, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Rooted in our mission to make art accessible to all, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, especially those from historically underrepresented groups to apply.