RTA, a leader in arts education in correctional facilities, uses the transformative power of the arts to help people in prison develop skills to unlock their potential and succeed in the larger community.

RTA seeks diverse teaching artists to deliver transformative arts programs in New York State correctional facilities.  Though we offer workshops in a variety of art forms, at this time we are specifically seeking visual arts teaching artists.

RTA teaching artists work closely with the Program Director and are responsible for developing and implementing lesson plans that are experiential and that identify life skills that RTA participants develop through the arts process.  Workshops typically last 8, 10 or 12 weeks and are delivered throughout the calendar year. Teaching artists from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.  Having a car is a big plus!

An ideal RTA teaching artist candidate has experience working in prison or with other marginalized communities.  They are flexible, committed, and have strong professionalism and personal boundaries.

Specific Responsibilities: 

• Create and facilitate transformative arts workshops and productions with incarcerated men and women.
• Submit weekly reports summarizing relevant issues that arise in the workshop/production.
• Communicate and follow-up regularly with the Program Director.
• Demonstrate effective classroom management skills and the ability to maintain a structured, positive learning and creative environment.
• Represent RTA with professionalism at all times within the correctional facility.

Requirements of Teaching Artist: 

• BA in Arts and/or Education, BFA or related training preferred
• Experience working with incarcerated people or other marginalized communities
• Experience in teaching and curriculum design
• Strong oral and written communication skills and an ability to work as part of a team
• Evening availability
• Access to a car is a plus

Compensation:

• $75 per session
• One-time $100 prep fee per workshop
• Travel reimbursement
• Paid professional development throughout the year

Please send a cover letter, a resume detailing your teaching experience and a sample lesson plan you’ve written that you might teach in a correctional facility to: employment@rta-arts.org. Teaching Artist auditions will be held in early December. Please send applications by November 26th.