Join Our Team

Teaching Artist

Overview

Stay Arts is currently accepting applications for teaching artists, assistants, and substitutes to support our growing arts education programs during the 2025–2026 school year. 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 impactful public art projects. We offer youth programming both at our community art studio in Downey, CA and through partnerships with over 25 local schools across Southeast Los Angeles.


What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking enthusiastic, reliable artists who are passionate about creative development and arts education for young people. Ideal candidates have 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

Details

  • We are currently hiring for 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

    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 (in-school artist residencies), evenings and weekends (studio classes, community events).

  • Are you an emerging artist who’s interested in teaching but doesn’t have formal classroom experience? Our Teaching Artist Mentorship program is designed to help you build the skills and confidence to lead your own class. The program includes:

    • Classroom observation and shadowing

    • Hands-on teaching assistant roles

    • 1:1 mentorship from our teaching artists

    • Modest stipend upon completion

    We strongly encourage local artists with lived experience in Southeast LA to apply.

  • 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 in after-school programs, community arts, or SEL-based curriculum

    • 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

  • 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 (General & 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

    • Mentorship – Volunteer/paid hybrid (stipend upon completion)

    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):

  1. Resume

  2. 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!