Teaching Artist - Summer 2026

Title: Teaching Artist

Compensation: Beginning at $25-$45/hour based on experience.

Location: 1419 Columbia Road, NW, WDC

Time Frame: Summer: 6-weeks - June 29 -August 7, 2026. (Tues, Wed, Thurs 9:30-3:30pm)

Latin American Youth Center's 2nd Nature summer program works with 30 youth from 14-18 years old for six weeks. The youth select a creative track to hone social emotional skills while learning and exploring the focus of their creative track within Art + Media. The program strives to strengthen young peoples’ chances of becoming engaged learners and community members through inquiry and project-based learning.

There are weekly field trips related to their creative track to inspire and spark new conversations among our young people. At the end of the program, a public exhibition is held to demonstrate the culmination of the work developed throughout the summer. We are looking for dynamic, engaging individuals to support our summer program from late June to early August.

Art + Media Track program goals:

To develop young people’s creative abilities in Visual Art (drawing, painting, or mixed media) and Digital Media photography, graphic design, music production, or radio production), or Performance (theatre, spoken word) while exploring a shared community theme. Youth create work that reflects what they learned about the topics and issues they chose. A final public installation and performance is held at the conclusion of the program.

Available Positions: Two Teaching Artist positions available in any medium – Visual art, digital media or performance.

Program Dates: June 23 & 25 (Staff Orientation & Planning); June 29-August 7 (Program).

Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 9:30am – 3:30pm

Location: 1419 Columbia Rd NW, Washington D.C 20009

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

General Program Responsibility & Facilitation:

• Create a welcoming environment for youth to engage and build community.
• Lead interactive lessons that promote creativity, technical skills, and personal expression while ensuring a positive learning environment.
• Facilitate hands-on activities and provide a structure for youth to fully participate in the program.
• Be responsible for the safety and well-being of students and equipment.
• Develop 6-week syllabi for assigned class.
• Develop a pre-post survey for class based on topic.
• Assess the progress of participants throughout the course and keep staff informed of progress.
• Help students develop and complete projects to contribute to the final exhibition at the end of the session presentation.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• One year of experience is the medium or topic you want to teach.
• Previous experience working with youth is a plus.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Complete criminal and child abuse/neglect clearances.
• Flexible, energetic, positive individual with commitment to youth development in a high quality, respectful environment.
• Ability to work well and communicate with culturally diverse populations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This is an active position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 20 lbs.

LAYC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing opportunities without regard to age, race, color, pregnancy, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or status within any other protected group.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

JOIN US AND SUPPORT YOUTH TO LIVE, WORK, AND STUDY WITH DIGNITY, HOPE, AND JOY!

The LAYC Teen Center is a dynamic environment that provides a broad array of after-school activities and programs for middle & high school youth, with an emphasis on art, media and leadership programming.

LAYC is an organization that makes a difference in our community. Our mission is to empower a diverse population of youth to achieve a successful transition to adulthood, through multicultural, comprehensive, and innovative programs that address youths' social, academic, and career needs. To achieve that mission, LAYC/MMYC provides services and opportunities to approximately 5,000 individuals annually to support academic achievement, promote healthy behaviors, and guide youth toward successful adulthood. LAYC/MMYC also conducts advocacy and public policy work to broaden opportunities for youth.

TO APPLY

Please send a resume and work sample to teencenter@layc-dc.org

Please include ‘Teaching Artist’ in the email subject line.

Pay: $25.00 - $45.00 per hour

Work Location: In person