Work with Us

Teaching Artist

Position Reports To: Ceramics Studio Manager
Status: Part-Time Casual

Purpose: Union Project is seeking to grow its roster of passionate, community-minded Teaching Artists for a variety of custom ceramics group programming for youth and adults, including in-school, after-school, camp, private party, and other year-round settings.

Union Project Teaching Artists should value diversity, inclusion, community, and creating learning experiences that are student-centered, exploratory, and promote collaborative learning.

Rate: $20/hour

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Plan and teach custom programs, camps, school programs, residencies, and private workshops with community partners, both at UP and off-site
  • Help develop and document curricula and lessons for ceramics programs
  • Transport supplies and ceramics work to and from program sites and Union Project
  • Maintain a clean environment and perform any necessary set-up and cleanup on- and off-site

Qualifications, Requirements, and Skills:

  • Experience/degree in ceramics and/or arts education
  • Experience working with children in a variety of learning environments, such as classroom, after-school, out-of-school, and camp settings
  • Positive attitude and ability to adapt to changing environments
  • Experience planning, running, and evaluation of educational programs
  • Background/experience working with diverse communities
  • Commitment to anti-oppression work and attention to culturally relevant pedagogy and restorative justice methods
  • Additional experience in other art forms beyond ceramics a plus
  • Ability to work independently and cooperatively with UP staff and community
  • Flexible schedule with ability to work on evenings and weekends (as needed for classes, workshops, and outreach)
  • Access to a vehicle is preferred, but access to alternative transportation will be considered
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds
  • Need to possess or obtain PA Child Abuse History Clearance, PA State Police Criminal Record Check, and FBI Criminal Background Check

Inclusion Statement
It is important to Union Project’s mission that our programs and events are fully inclusive, and that our team is representative of the communities we work within. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented populations to apply.

It is the Union Project’s intent to provide equal opportunity for all persons. It is the Union Project’s policy that all qualified applicants for employment will be recruited, hired, and assigned on the basis of merit without regard to race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or disability. UP employment policies and diversity plan have been, and will continue, to ensure that all qualified individuals are treated equally with no discrimination in compensation, opportunities for
advancement (including promotions and transfers), training and discipline based on race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or disability.

About Union Project
Union Project is a non-profit organization that uses the arts to bridge gaps between communities.

Located in a historic building at the intersection of diverse neighborhoods, we enrich lives and strengthen the stability of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods and residents. Since 2001, Union Project has empowered community members and leveraged the arts to create positive social change.

In FY19, Union Project will provide 26,000 experiences through community offerings, ranging from arts classes for people of all ages and skill levels, to professional development services for artists, to events that bring us all together.

To curate community programming, Union Project cultivates partnerships with artists, small businesses, nonprofits, and individuals – resulting in diverse and enriching public programming, and building community wealth together.

We value community, inclusivity, art and artists, collaboration, and joy. We envision a future where through the arts, everyone is able to transform their lives and communities.