About Our Organization
TOSS is a visual art studio in Morganton, NC. We are a program of The Industrial Commons.
Mission
Our mission is to foster and share our values around the future of work, environmental sustainability, and civic engagement. Harnessing the power of art and community organizing, we work toward personal and institutional transformation for and with working class families.
Vision
We envision a homegrown network of emerging artists and students connected to the resources they need to reach their full potential. These practitioners are the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives revitalizing and sustaining the rural South.
Job Summary
Overview: Are you passionate about creating dynamic, educational experiences to strengthen community through the arts? The Old School Studio (TOSS) seeks an arts educator to bring our mission and values to life. This full-time, on-site, non-exempt hourly role is essential to the success of our in-school workshops, summer camps, and public offerings.
About TOSS and The Industrial Commons: The Old School Studio (TOSS) is a program of The Industrial Commons (TIC), a nonprofit in rural North Carolina dedicated to building an equitable working class by supporting frontline workers through employee-owned social enterprises and cooperatives. TOSS promotes and enhances TIC's mission through art education, creating public art, and building a resilient creative community.
We are hiring two skilled art instructors starting mid February, 2025. Each position will have unique hours and responsibilities, adapted to support various TOSS programs. The TOSS team will include a Director, Studio Manager, and two Art Instructors who will collaborate through shared resources, mutual aid, and strategic planning.
TIC is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Our Educational Approach - TOSSworks and Summer Camps: In our TOSSworks program, we provide students with a baseline of technical experiences in visual art and build their cultural competencies by introducing them to contemporary artists. Our curriculum explores interdisciplinary themes, bringing STEAM connections, English language learning, and social studies into play. Each school year, we cross pollinate the curriculum with our three main themes - civic engagement, environmental stewardship, and the future of work. During Summer Camps, we explore 5 mediums of art while leaving room for play, facilitating centers and free-play to allow innate interests to blossom. Our programs are inspired by TAB, Popular Education (developed by Paulo Freire), anti-racism, The Reggio Emilia approach, Room 13, and Studio Habits of Mind.
Responsibilities
Primary Function:
The TOSSworks Instructor will lead the planning and implementation of our TOSSworks workshop series, co-lead summer camps, and collaborate with the team to provide community offerings such as arts-based events and workshops. Responsibilities include curriculum design, art instruction for K-8, student transportation, space setup, stakeholder communication, asset management, evaluations, exhibitions, and partnerships to foster a thriving art education environment and promote community engagement.
Essential Functions:
TOSSworks Program Management:
- Set up and break down teaching spaces in schools, including organizing supplies and arranging tables and chairs.
- Design and teach the TOSSworks curriculum, integrating arts literacy with themes like civic engagement and sustainability. Plan projects with appropriate developmental scaffolding and provide resources where possible.
- Identify and implement resources to improve programming.
- Maintain consistent communication with school administrators, parents, volunteers, and students regarding scheduling, programming, and other themes.
- Manage program assets, including but not limited to: budgeting of materials and supplies strategically and inventory maintenance.
- Keep studio and adjunct areas organized and clean.
- Track all needed documentation for the program, including but not limited to: attendance, maintain evaluations, document workshops, and prepare art for end-of-semester shows.
- Assist with transporting students to and from the studio for programming as needed.
Summer Program Management:
- Serve as Co-Leader of all TOSS Summer Programming in collaboration with the TOSSafter Instructor and other members of the team.
- Design and deliver engaging, age-appropriate activities that align with the camp’s mission and themes, ensuring a balance of educational, recreational, and creative programming.
- Collaborate with Studio Manager on logistics, including transportation and supply procurement.
- Delegate preparation and instructional tasks to Camp counselors, instructors, and volunteers.
- Adhere to regulations and emergency protocols, keeping participant health and safety as a priority, fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for all campers.
- Act as a point of contact for parents/guardians, addressing questions, feedback, and concerns.
- Provide updates on budgets, attendance, and program outcomes to Studio Manager or TOSS Director.
- Participate in appropriate maintenance of all resources, including facilities, equipment, and supplies.
- Collaborate with the TOSS team to enhance offerings by collecting feedback from campers, parents, and volunteers, and staying informed on best practices.
Workshops, Development, and Community Engagement
- Plan, oversee, and implement workshop series and birthday parties and periodic, ensuring all materials are well-organized and within budget.
- Participate in ongoing professional development, meetings, and strategic planning alongside the TOSS Team and TIC Ecosystem as a whole.
- Represent the organization at public events, funder meetings, and other community-facing activities.
Job Qualifications & Requirements
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
- Degree in Visual Arts Education or equivalent (3+ years teaching experience in K-8 visual art)
- Valid Driver’s License and ability to pass a background check.
- Bilingual communication abilities: (English + Spanish) preferred.
- Art Education Expertise: Must display In-depth understanding of visual art techniques for grades K-8, with the ability to design engaging, age-appropriate curriculum for TOSSworks and community offerings.
- Classroom and Workshop Management: Ability to manage large groups and rotation systems, leading classes of 45-60 students, maintaining a positive learning environment.
- Community Engagement and Communication: Great interpersonal skills for diverse stakeholder engagement to build rapport with teachers, schools, students, and community partners.
- Logistical Coordination: Must display organizational skills for asset and schedule management in order to coordinate transportation, space setup, and event logistics.
- Collaboration and Partnership Building: Ability to work as a team and resulting in strong relationships with schools, community organizations, and internal teams.
- Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity: Excellent grasp of culturally responsive teaching practices, appropriately adapting methods to diverse backgrounds and ensuring inclusivity.
- Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Flexibility in dynamic environments, adjusting to changes and addressing real-time challenges.
- Evaluation and Continuous Improvement: Ability to receive and provide assessment and conduct self-evaluation to monitor progress and incorporate feedback.
Additional Details
Hours, Physical Demands, and Work Environment:
Other Information
Hourly salary range of $23-$25/hour depending on experience.
How to Apply
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references via email to HR@theindustrialcommons.org
*First Round Interviews will start the week of January 13th*