Title: TEACHING ARTIST ASSISTANT – Los Angeles, CA
Expected Start Date: August 22, 2022
Reports to: Dee Campos, Pablove Shutterbugs Program Manager & Local Teaching Artist - Los Angeles

The TA Assistant position is a paid part-time, non-exempt position. This is a semester-long position from August – December 2023 which may or may not be extended based on the needs of the foundation. Weekly hours may vary depending on workload, but cannot exceed 5 hours per week. The position includes all responsibilities incorporated and outlined in this position description.

The Pablove Foundation partners with community and health organizations in locations across the United States to bring children living with cancer the joy of artistic expression through the art of photography. Each program is designed to meet the needs of children living with cancer and provides opportunities for students to learn concepts in photography, participate in a shared community, and to help them develop their creative voice. As a TA Assistant, you will support the work with students in our advanced photography program by facilitating the learning process and encouraging their artistic development with the goal of having students explore visual storytelling and advocacy through the adolescent cancer experience. The TA Assistant supports the Lead Local Teaching Artist to facilitate and teach students according to the Pablove curriculum guidelines. In addition, this position will work closely with Shutterbugs students and their families, and volunteers.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The primary role of the TA Assistant is to support and be an extension of the Local Teaching Artist in a multitude of ways, including but not limited to:

  • Class Preparation
    • Participate in teaching artist training (facilitated by Pablove staff)
    • Support student recruitment efforts by maintaining communication with student applicants prior to, during, and immediately after the program
    • Work with staff to determine any adjustments that need to be made to the program and curriculum
    • Co-host a welcome orientation for parents and families
  • Class Execution
    • Effectively co-lead instruction and facilitate successful program implementation and lead students through a creative, interactive, student-centered process
    • Oversee classroom engagement including student progress and attendance
    • Execute weekly class logistics, and communicate needs to prepare shipments, correspondence, arrangements, etc. with guidance from the Local Teaching Artist
    • Download, examine, and select photos appropriate for the Foundation’s use in marketing, digital media, and gallery show purposes
    • Guide volunteers in executing class activities to reflect a welcoming, creative and age-appropriate experience for various student age groups
  • Overall Program and Logistics
    • Assist in project planning, implementation, and program and participant evaluations
    • Collaborate with Local Teaching Artist and Pablove staff to determine the needs and structure of student graduation and gallery show(s)
    • Remain flexible and responsive to changes in the scope of the program model
    • Contribute to continuous improvement work on curriculum and overall program
    • Other tasks as assigned

EXPERIENCE NEEDED:

  • Mastery of manual and digital photography techniques, relative computer programs and applications, printing, image editing, lighting and composition, and portfolio development
  • Strong teaching and motivation skills working with children, including classroom or photography workshop teaching experience
  • Candidate must be able to commit to the orientation and all ten consecutive classes (Saturdays: September 16 - December 2)
  • Efficiency with Microsoft Office/Google Suites or similar product suite
  • Access to reliable transportation
  • Successful candidates must pass a criminal background check

EXPERIENCE DESIRED:

  • Previous working experience with youth in arts education a plus
  • Strong project management skills (i.e. organized, detail-oriented, etc.)
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Bilingual skills (Spanish) a plus
  • Love of details to substantiate impactful story telling
  • Passion and belief in the mission of The Pablove Foundation
The Pablove Foundation Values
We approach our work with love​, warmth and connection
We set an ambitious path of transformational growth​ for our community and ourselves
To become more effective, we pursue knowledge​ – as we get smarter, we get stronger
Art, creativity, and aesthetics​ guides our outlook and attitudes toward life
We have a relentless focus on quality​ by being inspired and extraordinary
Diversity and inclusion​ guide our decision making
We take a fun​ approach to our serious work

HOW TO APPLY

  • To apply, submit your resume/website/portfolio samples to shutterbugs@pablove.org
  • Complete the following short answer statement:
    • Why do you believe you are a good fit for the program?
    • When working with students, please describe strategies that you might employ to creatively engage them in learning photography.
    • How might you approach the issue of working with kids of differing ages learning in the same classroom?

For more information, contact shutterbugs@pablove.org