Special Artist Assistant Teaching Position

Lexington MA

13 July, 2021

11:28 AM

Description

Special Needs Arts Programs, Inc., is looking for a classroom assistant for our Special Artists classes. Special Artists brings together individuals with disabilities to learn about art, learn new skills and create artwork. The classroom assistant should be friendly, compassionate, knowledgable about art, have the ability to take the initiative and be responsible. “The ideal candidate would have experience creating art, working with people who have special needs and able to lead the class in case of the Art Director’s absence." Qualifications: 1) Experience with one of the following populations as a caretaker, teacher, or advocate: Elderly persons in residential or nursing home environment, home care for a child or adult with a disability or chronic illness. Working in a classroom as an assistant teacher or aide. Assisting in the care of a family member in the previous categories. Experience with a summer camp or a recreational program would be helpful even if it’s with non disabled children or senior population.2) Some interest or experience with art or crafts and the ability to demonstrate craft or art materials.3) Patience and flexibility to be able to change direction or plans when a student is unable to do something or is having behavioral issues. Often this requires not having expectations of the student and "going with the flow."4) Ability to supervise and direct volunteers. Experience with supervising others in some way, such as being a parent is great.5) A sense of humor and not taking things too seriously is a must.6) Good record keeping and organizational skills even when there is some chaos.7) Work as part of a team but also comfortable making decisions when needed.Be familiar with session projects and the materials used and how project is to be done. Be able to demonstrate how to do the project to students if necessary. SNAP Art Director will provide project info and confer with assistantDo set up for class and cleanup and direct volunteers on setup and cleanupDirect student volunteers as to specific needs of class participants and what assistance is neededBe able to monitor materials during class and re-supply students as needed and direct volunteers to do the sameEnsure that all student projects are labeled with their names. And when necessary are stored to dry in the appropriate placeBe familiar with the materials in the art closet, hall cabinets and basement storage area while maintaining organization in said placesMake sure to distribute fliers (when appropriate) and projects at the end of classAssistant will have all the necessary contact info on the students and volunteers and have this with her in classThe assistant should also be able to substitute teach a class should the Art Director Responsibilities: is unable to attend and teach the class Saturdays: Fall 2021 to Summer 2022 Classes take place at the Lexington Community Center Start 9/11 to 7/30/2022 4 & 8 week Saturday Sessions. Payment is $20 per hour. Contact Information: Heidi O’Mara or Erin at PO Box 598, Lexington, MA 02420.