Co-Teaching Artist with By Discovery, Art Enrichment Program By Discovery, LLC $
Chicago Artists Coalition, Oak Park, IL, United States
The Co-Teaching Artist position is a wonderful opportunity for those who are passionate about their art practice and enjoy working with children, grades K-5. Preferred applicants have teaching or teaching assistant experience for 1 or more years and an undergraduate degree in art or art education. Preferred applicants will also excel in 3 of the following studio arts: drawing, painting, printmaking, collage/mixed media, ceramics, sculpture and fiber arts. Additionally, the ideal candidate will be both caring and comfortable helping children problem solve, in relation to a project or by encouraging prosocial behavior when children experience disagreements. Promoting kindness and safety, in the studio and at play (indoors or on the playground), is especially important.
Position Requirements
Work independently and as part of a team to develop and document (via Google docs/sheets/slides) engaging, skill building, process-based art projects with Co-Teaching Artists and the Program Director via weekly meetings (2 per week, 2 hours each, typically on Mon/Fri. For the additional “Wednesday only” position at Lincoln, meetings are more flexible, 1-2 times per month)
Create and share age appropriate lesson plans and slide presentations per By Discovery’s established format to introduce students to artists, artwork, concepts, techniques and to facilitate discussions
Create art project samples to motivate students and to create a benchmark for project goals
Clearly demonstrate techniques, supply usage, and project clean‑up steps for each lesson presented
Submit project supply lists for approval and purchase by the Program Director
Communicate closely with Program Director and with By Discovery families via email to share information about special project needs, scheduling changes such as field trips, special exhibition opportunities, changes in the child pick‑up location, and other topics that arise, including behavior management strategies if needed
Supervise and support the Teaching Assistant/Volunteers/Substitutes in their responsibilities (project preparations, project assistance, student clean‑up, supervision of snack, outdoor play, etc.)
Take student attendance daily and verify absences with parents/caregivers or the school administration if needed
Complete an accident report on the date of occurrence should there be a student injury and share with the Program Director, who will share with the School Principal
Complete an incident report for behavioral concerns/actions on the date of occurrence and share it with the Program Director, who will share with the School Principal
Document student artwork and share with the Program Director to post on social media
Be a mentor and promote kindness and safety in the studio and on the playground
Encourage prosocial behavior and redirect students who lose focus
Complete weekly timesheets (via Google spreadsheets) for payroll
Be willing to engage in other capacities that will facilitate the safe and efficient delivery of the program
Candidates must submit to a background check and complete Red Cross First Aid Training and Mandated Reporter Training.
Must be willing to make a commitment for the 2026/27 school year, through June 9, 2027. Summer for 2026 and 2027 is optional, yet preferred, for 2 or more weeks, TBD. There is also a current position at Lincoln elementary available, with a May 4th start date.
For candidates interested in the 2026/27 school year positions, training begins prior to the start of the school year, potentially as early as the week of Aug 3rd.
Additional Qualifications
BA or BFA degree in visual art or education OR can demonstrate ability in one or more of these areas
Strong work ethic (punctual, dedicated, engaged, focused)
Excellent rapport with children (enthusiastic, patient, nurturing, attentive)
Strong interpersonal skills (flexible, empathetic, strong listener, positive demeanor and can manage conflict)
Ability to climb 2 flights of stairs, with frequency, during child pick‑up
School Year Open Positions & Locations
M-F: Lincoln Elementary School: 1111 S. Grove, Oak Park, IL 60304 through the end of this school year and for the 2026/27 school year, with optional summer opportunities
W only: Lincoln Elementary School: 1111 S. Grove, Oak Park, IL 60304 through the end of this school year and for the 2026/27 school year
M-F: Beye Elementary School: 230 N. Cuyler, Oak Park, IL 60302 for the 2026/27 school year with optional summer opportunities
T+ F: (T: Studio: 44 Lake St, Oak Park, 60302 + F: Beye School: 230 N. Cuyler, Oak Park, IL 60302 through the end of this current school year with option to continue into summer and M-F at Beye)
2026/27 School Year Open Positions & Location
The School Year position requires on-site work at the studio/school, on-site work for weekly studio staff meetings, and work from home, including communication with program director/staff on some weekends (texts/emails), should a timely matter require a clarification (this is rare).
School Days and Times: Everyday, M-F, Part-time
Monday and Friday: 12pm – 6:15/6:45pm (6.5 to 6.75 hours per day, includes our meeting time)
Tuesday and Thursday: 2:45 – 6:15/6:45pm (3.5 to 4 hours per day)
Wednesday: 2:15 – 6:15pm (4-4.5 hours)
Project Prep
Projects require prep prior to the start of the session (organizing supplies for each table to have ready to go; precutting materials to size or other alterations) and post project prep (photographing or displaying artwork, organizing drying racks, cleaning and organizing materials. This is factored into the times above. Students depart by 6pm each day, allowing Co‑Teachers 15 to 45 minutes for end of day cleaning and project prep for the following day. This may vary widely, depending on the project.
Departure Time Note
Occasionally, if there is a student injury or behavior incident that needs to be communicated to parents at child pick‑up, the accident/incident report must be written prior to staff departure that day, and this may impact a staff member’s departure time.
Weekly Studio Staff Meetings: SCHOOL YEAR
Lesson Planning/Project Samples: Monday afternoons, 12pm-2:30pm (2 hours per week)
Lesson Planning/Project Samples: Friday afternoons, 12pm-2:30pm (2 hours per week)
Please note
There are a number of Monday holidays that require our staff meeting date to fall on a Tuesday or other day of the week, as determined by the collective availability of our staff.
Work From Home
Lesson plans are typically written outside of meeting times and some samples are created or completed at home: (estimate of 1-4 hours per week)
Estimated Total Weekly Hours
M-F School Year Position: 22-26 hours
Summer Position: 28.5 hours
Summer 2026: 44 Lake Street Studio – 10 Weekly Sessions
June 8 – Aug 14 (Staff select either morning or afternoon session, not both)
Morning session (7:30am to 1pm) or (8:00am to 1pm)
Afternoon Session (12:00pm to 4:30/5:00 pm)
For ALL positions, staff are hired as W-2 employees, and this is a part time position, with compensation starting at $20 per hour.
Paid Time Off
Employees receive up to 40 hours of paid leave, 1 hour per every 40 hours worked, under the Paid Leave for All Workers Act.
Retirement Savings Plan
Employees can participate in the Illinois Secure Choice Retirement Saving Plan. Contributions (5% of wages) are made by the employee, not the employer, and are deducted from the employee’s paycheck.
2026/2027 Work Calendar Notes
By Discovery follows the Oak Park District 97 School Calendar Aug 26, 2026 to June 9, 2027. Some holidays, school breaks and no‑school attendance days are non‑work days and compensation is not offered, unless there are scheduled lesson planning days that are mutually agreed upon by the Teaching Artists and Program Director. Staff may apply their earned, paid PTO during school breaks or other non‐school attendance days.
The summer schedule may have flexibility, depending on the collective preferences of our staff. Ideally staff schedules will be confirmed mid‑May 2026 for the summer term. Summer camp programming is offered for 10 weeks, June 8 to August 14.
Other Information
Oak Park is accessible via the CTA green and blue lines.
Please visit our website at https://www.bydiscovery.org/ to learn more about our organization.
To Apply
Interested individuals may send an email with a resume and cover letter that specifically addresses the ways in which they meet the position requirements and qualifications to Jocelyne Adkins, Program Director, at jocelyne@bydiscovery.org. Please be aware of the specific time commitments indicated above and have an understanding of your commute prior to applying for this position.
Position Preference
1. M-F: Lincoln Elementary School: 1111 S. Grove, Oak Park, IL 60304 through the end of this school year and for the 2026/27 school year, with optional summer opportunities
2. W only: Lincoln Elementary School: 1111 S. Grove, Oak Park, IL 60304 through the end of this school year and for the 2026/27 school year
3. M-F: Beye Elementary School: 230 N. Cuyler, Oak Park, IL 60302 for the 2026/27 school year with optional summer opportunities
4. T+ F: (T: Studio: 44 Lake St, Oak Park, 60302 + F: Beye School: 230 N. Cuyler, Oak Park, IL 60302 through the end of this current school year with option to continue into summer and M-F at Beye)
Based upon the quality of the responses and the qualifications of the applicant, individuals will be selected to interview. Thank you for your interest!
By Discovery is a program of By Discovery, LLC that offers children opportunities for growth and exploration through engaging creative project‑based learning in art.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position Requirements
Work independently and as part of a team to develop and document (via Google docs/sheets/slides) engaging, skill building, process-based art projects with Co-Teaching Artists and the Program Director via weekly meetings (2 per week, 2 hours each, typically on Mon/Fri. For the additional “Wednesday only” position at Lincoln, meetings are more flexible, 1-2 times per month)
Create and share age appropriate lesson plans and slide presentations per By Discovery’s established format to introduce students to artists, artwork, concepts, techniques and to facilitate discussions
Create art project samples to motivate students and to create a benchmark for project goals
Clearly demonstrate techniques, supply usage, and project clean‑up steps for each lesson presented
Submit project supply lists for approval and purchase by the Program Director
Communicate closely with Program Director and with By Discovery families via email to share information about special project needs, scheduling changes such as field trips, special exhibition opportunities, changes in the child pick‑up location, and other topics that arise, including behavior management strategies if needed
Supervise and support the Teaching Assistant/Volunteers/Substitutes in their responsibilities (project preparations, project assistance, student clean‑up, supervision of snack, outdoor play, etc.)
Take student attendance daily and verify absences with parents/caregivers or the school administration if needed
Complete an accident report on the date of occurrence should there be a student injury and share with the Program Director, who will share with the School Principal
Complete an incident report for behavioral concerns/actions on the date of occurrence and share it with the Program Director, who will share with the School Principal
Document student artwork and share with the Program Director to post on social media
Be a mentor and promote kindness and safety in the studio and on the playground
Encourage prosocial behavior and redirect students who lose focus
Complete weekly timesheets (via Google spreadsheets) for payroll
Be willing to engage in other capacities that will facilitate the safe and efficient delivery of the program
Candidates must submit to a background check and complete Red Cross First Aid Training and Mandated Reporter Training.
Must be willing to make a commitment for the 2026/27 school year, through June 9, 2027. Summer for 2026 and 2027 is optional, yet preferred, for 2 or more weeks, TBD. There is also a current position at Lincoln elementary available, with a May 4th start date.
For candidates interested in the 2026/27 school year positions, training begins prior to the start of the school year, potentially as early as the week of Aug 3rd.
Additional Qualifications
BA or BFA degree in visual art or education OR can demonstrate ability in one or more of these areas
Strong work ethic (punctual, dedicated, engaged, focused)
Excellent rapport with children (enthusiastic, patient, nurturing, attentive)
Strong interpersonal skills (flexible, empathetic, strong listener, positive demeanor and can manage conflict)
Ability to climb 2 flights of stairs, with frequency, during child pick‑up
School Year Open Positions & Locations
M-F: Lincoln Elementary School: 1111 S. Grove, Oak Park, IL 60304 through the end of this school year and for the 2026/27 school year, with optional summer opportunities
W only: Lincoln Elementary School: 1111 S. Grove, Oak Park, IL 60304 through the end of this school year and for the 2026/27 school year
M-F: Beye Elementary School: 230 N. Cuyler, Oak Park, IL 60302 for the 2026/27 school year with optional summer opportunities
T+ F: (T: Studio: 44 Lake St, Oak Park, 60302 + F: Beye School: 230 N. Cuyler, Oak Park, IL 60302 through the end of this current school year with option to continue into summer and M-F at Beye)
2026/27 School Year Open Positions & Location
The School Year position requires on-site work at the studio/school, on-site work for weekly studio staff meetings, and work from home, including communication with program director/staff on some weekends (texts/emails), should a timely matter require a clarification (this is rare).
School Days and Times: Everyday, M-F, Part-time
Monday and Friday: 12pm – 6:15/6:45pm (6.5 to 6.75 hours per day, includes our meeting time)
Tuesday and Thursday: 2:45 – 6:15/6:45pm (3.5 to 4 hours per day)
Wednesday: 2:15 – 6:15pm (4-4.5 hours)
Project Prep
Projects require prep prior to the start of the session (organizing supplies for each table to have ready to go; precutting materials to size or other alterations) and post project prep (photographing or displaying artwork, organizing drying racks, cleaning and organizing materials. This is factored into the times above. Students depart by 6pm each day, allowing Co‑Teachers 15 to 45 minutes for end of day cleaning and project prep for the following day. This may vary widely, depending on the project.
Departure Time Note
Occasionally, if there is a student injury or behavior incident that needs to be communicated to parents at child pick‑up, the accident/incident report must be written prior to staff departure that day, and this may impact a staff member’s departure time.
Weekly Studio Staff Meetings: SCHOOL YEAR
Lesson Planning/Project Samples: Monday afternoons, 12pm-2:30pm (2 hours per week)
Lesson Planning/Project Samples: Friday afternoons, 12pm-2:30pm (2 hours per week)
Please note
There are a number of Monday holidays that require our staff meeting date to fall on a Tuesday or other day of the week, as determined by the collective availability of our staff.
Work From Home
Lesson plans are typically written outside of meeting times and some samples are created or completed at home: (estimate of 1-4 hours per week)
Estimated Total Weekly Hours
M-F School Year Position: 22-26 hours
Summer Position: 28.5 hours
Summer 2026: 44 Lake Street Studio – 10 Weekly Sessions
June 8 – Aug 14 (Staff select either morning or afternoon session, not both)
Morning session (7:30am to 1pm) or (8:00am to 1pm)
Afternoon Session (12:00pm to 4:30/5:00 pm)
For ALL positions, staff are hired as W-2 employees, and this is a part time position, with compensation starting at $20 per hour.
Paid Time Off
Employees receive up to 40 hours of paid leave, 1 hour per every 40 hours worked, under the Paid Leave for All Workers Act.
Retirement Savings Plan
Employees can participate in the Illinois Secure Choice Retirement Saving Plan. Contributions (5% of wages) are made by the employee, not the employer, and are deducted from the employee’s paycheck.
2026/2027 Work Calendar Notes
By Discovery follows the Oak Park District 97 School Calendar Aug 26, 2026 to June 9, 2027. Some holidays, school breaks and no‑school attendance days are non‑work days and compensation is not offered, unless there are scheduled lesson planning days that are mutually agreed upon by the Teaching Artists and Program Director. Staff may apply their earned, paid PTO during school breaks or other non‐school attendance days.
The summer schedule may have flexibility, depending on the collective preferences of our staff. Ideally staff schedules will be confirmed mid‑May 2026 for the summer term. Summer camp programming is offered for 10 weeks, June 8 to August 14.
Other Information
Oak Park is accessible via the CTA green and blue lines.
Please visit our website at https://www.bydiscovery.org/ to learn more about our organization.
To Apply
Interested individuals may send an email with a resume and cover letter that specifically addresses the ways in which they meet the position requirements and qualifications to Jocelyne Adkins, Program Director, at jocelyne@bydiscovery.org. Please be aware of the specific time commitments indicated above and have an understanding of your commute prior to applying for this position.
Position Preference
1. M-F: Lincoln Elementary School: 1111 S. Grove, Oak Park, IL 60304 through the end of this school year and for the 2026/27 school year, with optional summer opportunities
2. W only: Lincoln Elementary School: 1111 S. Grove, Oak Park, IL 60304 through the end of this school year and for the 2026/27 school year
3. M-F: Beye Elementary School: 230 N. Cuyler, Oak Park, IL 60302 for the 2026/27 school year with optional summer opportunities
4. T+ F: (T: Studio: 44 Lake St, Oak Park, 60302 + F: Beye School: 230 N. Cuyler, Oak Park, IL 60302 through the end of this current school year with option to continue into summer and M-F at Beye)
Based upon the quality of the responses and the qualifications of the applicant, individuals will be selected to interview. Thank you for your interest!
By Discovery is a program of By Discovery, LLC that offers children opportunities for growth and exploration through engaging creative project‑based learning in art.
#J-18808-Ljbffr