Join our Team
Overview
Stay Arts accepts applications for teaching artists, assistants, and substitutes to support our growing arts education programs. We’re looking for artists who are passionate about working with young people, committed to creative learning, and excited to be part of a mission-driven organization. Whether you’re an experienced educator or an emerging artist curious about teaching, we’d love to hear from you.
About Us
Stay Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding arts access and representation through high-quality arts education, community-led art programs, and commissioned art projects. We offer arts programming both at our community art studio in Downey, CA and through partnerships with over 25 local schools.
Applications
Stay Arts accepts applications on a rolling basis and maintains a pool of applicants for future opportunities. Hiring typically aligns with the school year and seasonal programming, including after-school art programs, in-school residencies, and community-based classes.
We are not always actively hiring, but review applications periodically based on program needs. If your experience aligns, we’ll reach out directly when opportunities become available.
We encourage you to submit an application and we’ll keep it on file for future consideration.
Ideal Candidates
We’re seeking artists who are passionate about creative development and arts education for young people. Most of our programs take place onsite at partnering schools. Ideal candidates are comfortable working in school environments and are available to teach at least two weekdays during after-school hours (typically between 2:00 – 6:00pm).
We’re looking for individuals with experience working with youth, strong classroom presence, adaptability, and a positive, collaborative mindset. We are especially interested in teaching artists with experience in:
Visual Art (painting, drawing, etc.)
Digital Art
Photography
Street Art & Graffiti
Percussion / Drumline
Dance / Movement
Details
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Positions are part-time and based at school sites, with roles offered as ongoing assignments or on-call placements. Depending on experience, availability, and program needs, you may be placed in one or more of the following roles:
Lead Teaching Artists – Plan and lead engaging visual arts lessons for youth
Teaching Assistants – Support classroom flow and student engagement
Substitutes – Provide on-call coverage when a lead artist is unavailable
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Hours vary by program and season, typically ranging from 2–20 hours per week. Most of our programs take place during after-school hours, typically between 2:00 – 6:00pm. Additional opportunities may be available weekdays during the school day, evenings and weekends.
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Required:
At least 1 year of experience working with youth in arts or education
Strong personal connection to creativity and artistic expression
Positive, encouraging, patient, and compassionate attitude
Strong classroom presence and communication skills
Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
Flexibility and willingness to adapt to different teaching situations
Reliable transportation and punctuality
Preferred:
Bilingual in English and Spanish
Bachelor’s degree in Art, Education, or a related field
Experience working in school-based settings or after-school program
Knowledge of or experience with SEL-based curriculum
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Must be at least 18 years of age
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Must be able to complete required clearances and certifications
Must be available for after-school shifts at least 2 days per week
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Because we work with youth primarily in school settings, the following clearances and certifications are required:
TB Test Clearance
DOJ Background Check Clearance
CPR & First Aid Certification
Mandated Reporter Training (School Personnel)
Sexual Harassment Prevention Training (Non-Supervisory)
Stay Arts covers the cost of all required certifications and compensates staff for time spent completing them at our $20/hour training rate, based on estimated course durations.
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Roles may involve physical activity, including:
Standing for extended periods of time
Lifting, carrying, or moving art supplies
Reaching, kneeling, squatting
Seeing, speaking, and hearing in active classroom environments
Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with the ADA.
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Pay rates are based on experience, role responsibilities, and the nature of assigned programs or classes. The following reflects our current starting ranges:
Lead Teaching Artists – $30–$34/hour
Teaching Assistants – $22–$24/hour
Substitutes – $30/hour
All onboarding, meetings, and training hours are paid at our $20/hour training rate.
Application
We highly recommend using a laptop or desktop to complete the application. This application requires two document uploads (PDF format):
Resume
Letter of interest (1 page max) – Please introduce yourself and share why you are interested in working with our organization, your teaching experience, and your connection to the arts.
Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email. If you do not see a confirmation email, we recommend checking your spam folder or contacting us at hello@stayarts.org.
Your application will be reviewed for consideration and a team member will reach out soon. Due to a high number of applications, we cannot respond immediately to every submission. All applications are saved on file for future opportunities.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to the opportunity to work together!