Lead Educator Visual Arts or Music
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Salary: $50,000 (non-exempt)
Type of Position:
Application Post Date:
About Our Organization
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, located at the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock festival, is committed to building upon its rich history of peace and music by providing extraordinary experiences and access to the arts. With the belief that the world can be made better through the power of music and the arts, Bethel Woods makes music, visual, performing and creative arts programming available and accessible to the community, helping people of all ages discover and tap into their creative potential.
Located 90 miles north of New York City in Bethel, NY, the lush 1,000-acre campus includes the Pavilion Stage amphitheater with seating for 16,000, an intimate 422-seat indoor Event Gallery, a 528-site Campground, and a Conservatory and Studios for arts education programming. The award-winning Museum at Bethel Woods carries on the history, spirit, and learnings of the 1960s and the Woodstock Music & Art Fair through the preservation and interpretation of the historic site. Bethel Woods is a not-for-profit organization that relies on the generous support of individuals, corporations, and foundations.
Job Position Summary
The Lead Educator (Visual Art or Modern Music) is a key, full-time role in the Museum Education and Creative Programs (MECP) team, with a focus on launching a new initiative, The Academy at Bethel Woods, beginning in fall 2025 on the historic grounds of the 1969 Woodstock Festival in Bethel, NY. The Academy program provides holistic, sequential, and career-connected learning in Modern Music and Visual Art & Design to high school students (grades 9–12). Built on the foundations of Creative Youth Development (CYD), social-emotional learning, and post-secondary readiness,
This role is ideal for a student-centered educator who is both a skilled artist and a strategic program leader. The role focuses on developing and delivering one of two content pathways (Music or Art). Educators will collaborate with partner schools and Bethel Woods staff to create dynamic, standards-aligned programming that supports students’ personal and artistic growth. Approximately 40-60% of your role will be dedicated to the launch of the Academy program, with the remaining time contributing to other programming in the MECP department.
Roles & Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary educator and mentor for your content pathway (Visual Art or Music), leading high school students in year-round after-school programming.
- Design and implement a year-long, scaffolded curriculum that develops technical mastery, creative capacity, and career readiness.
- Facilitate high-impact learning experiences that build student portfolios and culminate in public presentations, exhibitions, or performances.
Curriculum & Program Development
- Align instruction with National Core Arts Standards, IAAP requirements, and Academy frameworks.
- Use trauma-informed, project-based, and inquiry-driven approaches to teaching
- Leverage Bethel Woods’ world-class facilities (recording studio, Mac labs, galleries, and more) to deepen student learning and connection to our history
Mentorship & Community Building
- Build long-term, authentic relationships with students to support their artistic and personal development.
- Serve as a consistent, caring adult for students navigating complex challenges and pathways toward success.
- Foster a culture of trust, high expectations, and inclusion.
Collaboration & School Partnerships
- Collaborate with school partners to recruit and support students in out of school programs.
- Work closely with part-time TAs, guest artists, and visiting educators to enrich student learning.
- Contribute to other MECP or BWCA programs, such as workshops, field trips, museum education, or public events, based on organizational needs and your expertise.
- Participate in cross-departmental initiatives that further BWCA’s mission in arts access, interpretation, and community engagement.
How to Apply
To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to HR@bethelwoodscenter.org, with Lead Educator (your last name) as the subject line
Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Arts Education, Music Education, Fine Arts, or related field required; Master’s preferred. 3–5 years of teaching experience in museum, classroom, or community-based arts education settings. Demonstrated experience working with high school students (grades 9–12), including students with diverse learning needs and abilities. Deep content knowledge in one or more of the following: o Music: Songwriting, Modern Band, Music Production, Live Performance, Recording o Visual Art & Design: Digital Media, Photography, Printmaking, Mixed Media, Animation, 2D/3D Design Skills & Attributes Passion for youth development and belief in the power of the arts to transform lives. Strong classroom presence, cultural competence, and trauma-informed practice. Familiarity with NYS Learning Standards, IAAP, and National Core Arts Standards. Proficiency in relevant tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, DAWs, Ableton, Logic, ProTools). Excellent communication, organization, and collaborative leadership skills. Bonus (not required): Spanish proficiency or NYS Certification. Position is in-person, on-site, Liberty and Bethel, NY, with occasional off-site travel required to schools in Sullivan County. Requires a flexible schedule with the ability to work evenings and weekends when necessary.