Continuing Education Portrait Painting Instructor - Youth In-Person

CE Overview

RISD Continuing Education functions within the larger context of RISD, an institution with an unparalleled reputation for producing highly-skilled, successful, and internationally renowned creative practitioners. With more than 100 years of expertise nurturing critical making, thinking, and innovation in art and design we facilitate personal and professional development by engaging students in sustained exploration and learning in the creative disciplines. With a commitment to centering inclusivity, diversity and equity in executing key responsibilities, RISD Continuing Education instructors plan, organize, teach, and provide feedback to promote and direct student learning in keeping with the institutional learning-centered values and in a manner that meets essential competencies of artists and designers.

Job Summary

What are we looking for?

RISD Continuing Education is in search of an inspired art educator who is interested in supporting the growth of teens as part of our in-person youth program. The ideal candidate has experience in art education and is prepared to guide students with empathy. Applicants should be prepared to teach in person while delivering courses to a diverse group of students from a range of abilities and experiences. We welcome candidates whose teaching experience addresses historically underrepresented communities.

How does this role impact our students?

As a youth programs instructor, you will lead teens toward aspiring career paths while problem-solving through art and design. Our program emphasizes design thinking, communicating, and creating, and students will look to you for guidance while navigating daily prompts and assignments. Each class will serve as an opportunity for your students to develop socially and intellectually; by the end of the course, they will have identified new (or hone in on existing) academic and career goals with your help.

What does this position offer you?

At RISD Continuing Education, we are motivated by advancements in education that allow us to reach broader audiences and connect with creatives from around the globe. We regularly maintain and improve our instructor support systems to ensure that you are prepared to intentionally build a course that you are excited to teach. When you work with us, you will receive personalized support from our program manager to enhance your teaching.

What are we teaching?

We are currently seeking an instructor who is available to teach two one-week sections of Portrait Painting in July and August 2025 (see Course Schedule below). For more information about this course, please visit our course registration page here .

Please indicate how your professional work experience relates to this course in your statement of interest.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience Required:

• BS, BFA or Art/Design Major required
  
  
• Demonstrated expertise in portrait painting
  
  
• Ability to convey complex art and design concepts to students with varied skills (novice to advanced) in a condensed time frame.
  
  
• Accept and act upon constructive feedback from course evaluations by students and staff.
  
  
• Ability to develop and implement diverse teaching and learning for learners from a variety of educational backgrounds, environments and expectations.
  
  
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
  
  

Knowledge/Skills/Experience Preferred

• Experience teaching K-12 in art and design
  
  
• Interest in career planning and preparation for teens
  
  
• Masters degree
  
  
• Teaching certification/certificate
  
  
• Knowledge and understanding of early-mid childhood learner principles and respect for students
  
  

Work Modality

In person

Union:

No

Course Schedule:

• July 21-25, 2025, 1-4pm ET, Monday-Friday
  
  
• August 4-8, 2025, 1-4pm ET, Monday-Friday
  
  

Documents Needed to Apply:

• Resume, including a URL link for your professional portfolio
  
  
• Statement of interest, including information about why you would like to teach portrait painting
  
  

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.

The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.

RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

For internal use only - Job Family:

CE Instructor