Getting Started as a Teaching Artist
excerpted from Teaching Artists Journal
You want to teach! Now what do you do? Thisshort document lists some resources, strategies, andinformational sources you will want to think about andinvestigate.
What Do I Need to Know to Become a TeachingArtist?
A list of competencies and capacities follows. This listis broken down into three categories: 1. Understandingyour art form; 2. Understanding the classroomenvironment; pedagogy, human development; and 3.Understanding the collaborative process; working in aneducational environment. Use this list to assessyour abilities. Are there gaps in your abilities? What are your strong points?
HowCan I Get My First Teaching Job?
If you do not have teaching experience, you may want tobegin in a less formal setting such as working in acommunity center or summer camp. After-schoolprograms also provide a good place to begin. Ifyou can, volunteer first in one of these areas. This isa great way to gain experience, to determine yourinterest, and it can be listed on your resume. Working as an intern will also help you gain experienceand understanding of working as an artist in education. Volunteerism and internships are great ways to try itout and see if you really want to work as a TeachingArtist. Contact your local Arts in EducationRoundtable or arts council to identify appropriateorganizations and for assistance in identifyingneighborhood cultural providers.
HowDo I Find Out About Opportunities?
There are a number of sources of information to check. Click here for more information from Teaching Artist Journal.