Teaching Artist Intern

Position Summary

This position provides close exposure to the skills and teaching philosophy employed by Penland’s Teaching Artist Initiative (TAI). This is a learning position that includes working with material preparation, classroom setup and maintenance, teaching assistance, and administrative support. Program activities take place in Penland’s teaching studio at Ridgeway, and in five partner schools. Hands-on activities include a variety of bookmaking and painting processes, working with over 500 students over the course of the semester.

There are two Teaching Artist internship positions available. One runs from early August to mid-December, and the other is from mid-March to mid-May. Each position is full time (minimum of 35 hours/week). Please indicate in your letter of interest whether you prefer fall or spring, or would like to be considered for either position.

Responsibilities

Assist Penland’s Teaching Artist with the following:
Materials preparation, including cutting book boards, paper, processing materials orders

Hands-on classroom activities and teaching

Program documentation, including photography, notetaking, scheduling

Classroom preparation, maintenance and cleanup

Program promotion, including preparing and submitting press releases related to program activities (working with TAI

Program Manager and Publications Manager)

Other duties relevant to TAI programming

Qualifications

Have strong interest in education incorporating the arts, and a desire to work closely with an exceptional teaching artist

Have some teaching experience, or equivalent education

Be self-motivated

Possess outstanding written and verbal communications

Possess strong organizational skills

Have the ability to pay close attention to detail

Have the ability to successfully manage multiple projects at one time

Have the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse work environment

Have an interest in exploring the natural world

Be comfortable living in a rural environment

Be diplomatic

Have Windows, web software experience

Be flexible with schedule

Physical Demands

This position requires the applicant walk unaided up and down hills and over uneven terrain, bend, stoop, reach above their head, have use of fine and gross motor skills, and work in close quarters. The applicant must have normal visual acuity at near and far distance with correction and hear the spoken word with correction. The applicant must be fluent in English. The position demands frequent exposure to inclement weather. While performing the duties of this job, the applicant is regularly required to sit and to work at a computer. The applicant is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls and to talk fluently. The applicant must occasionally lift and/or move heavy objects weighing up to 75 pounds.

Compensation

All housing and meals will be provided to the intern for the duration of the internship period. (When the dining hall is not open, a meal stipend of $75/week will be provided in lieu of prepared meals).

To Apply

The internship will remain open until filled, however the initial review of applications will consist of applications received by March 1, 2012. Send resume and cover letter addressing relevant experience and interest in the internship, personal contact information and email contact information for at least 3 references by mail to Stacey Lane, Penland School of Crafts, P.O. Box 37 Penland, NC 28765 or email to

staceylane@penland.org

Penland School of Crafts is a national center for craft education offering residential workshops, residencies, community education programs, and exhibitions. Located on 420 acres in the NC Mountains, Penland has 15 teaching studios and 56 historic and contemporary buildings. Penland School of Crafts is an equal opportunity employer with a staff of 63. Penland is a non-profit organization conducting its business with an annual operating budget of $5 million and a 35 member board of trustees.