Kennedy Heights Arts Center

Winter/Spring 2026 After School Art Instructor – Kennedy Heights Arts Center
Cincinnati, OH
Position Type: Contractor (Temporary, Seasonal)
Application Deadline: Sunday December 14th, 2025 at 11:59pm
Application Link: https://forms.gle/MKVoYeBPRaa32iLF6

Job Description: Afterschool Visual and Performing Teaching Artists

Position Overview: Kennedy Heights Art Center in partnership with Co Stars is seeking dynamic and creative Teaching Artists to join our LEAP Afterschool program in one of our Cincinnati Public Schools partnership locations. This contract position will engage students in grades K-6 in arts learning experiences including visual arts, dance, music, and theatre. The Teaching Artists will inspire young minds, foster creativity, and contribute to the artistic and social development of children in an after-school school setting.

Responsibilities:
● Lesson planning to prepare and organize materials and resources needed for each session.
● Plan and teach week-long art camps tailored to specific age groups:
○ 5-7
○ 8-10
○ 11-13
● Plan and facilitate engaging art curriculum and activities in accordance with the LEAP After school program outcome goals.
● Teach students fundamental techniques and concepts related to visual arts, dance, music or theatre, depending on specialization.
● Create a positive and inclusive classroom environment that encourages creativity and self-expression.
● Collaborate with other Teaching Artists and program staff to integrate interdisciplinary arts education approaches.
● Provide constructive feedback and encouragement to students to help them develop their artistic skills and confidence.
● Attend regular meetings with program staff for planning, evaluation, and professional development.
● Communicate effectively with parents/guardians, program staff, and school personnel.

Qualifications:
● Experience working with children in an educational or arts-based setting, particularly grades K-6.
● Proficiency and demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following art forms: visual arts, music, dance, or theatre.
● Strong organizational and time management skills to plan and execute lessons effectively within a limited timeframe.
● Ability to adapt teaching strategies to accommodate different learning styles and abilities.
● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
● Commitment to fostering creativity, cultural appreciation, and positive youth development through the arts.

Schedule:
● Program dates: Mondays-Thursdays, January 6, 2026 to May 21, 2026 (excluding holidays and school breaks)
● Program hours: Teaching Artists must be available to consistently and reliably work from 2:40-4:40 two days per week for a minimum of one semester.
● Some evenings or weekends may be required for special program events.

Location: Programs will take place on-site at John P. Parker School located at 5051 Anderson Place Cincinnati, OH 45225.

Compensation: $50 per teaching session. (Teaching artists bill via invoice monthly)

Qualifications:
Required:
● At least 3 years of experience teaching art in a classroom or similar setting.
● Proven ability to create engaging and age-appropriate lesson plans and projects.
● Ability to foster a fun and respectful environment for students.

Preferred:
● Bachelor’s degree in Art Education, Fine Arts, or a related field.
● BFA with equivalent experience across various art disciplines.
Additional Requirements:
● Background check (required for all KHAC instructors, employees, and volunteers).
● Submission of a W-9 at the time of hire.

Application Process:
Interested applicants should complete this Google Form application and upload the following:
● Resume and Cover Letter: Highlighting relevant experience.
● Summer Camp Proposal Template: One for each week of camp you wish to be considered
for.
● Sample Lesson Plan: This can be a previous plan, or one created using our template.

Contact:
Have questions or ideas?
Reach out to: Shawndale Thomas
Email: shawndale@kennedyarts.org
Office Phone: 513-631-4278