Lead Instructor

WHO WE ARE | The Saugatuck Center for the Arts is a community-based art center transforming lives through innovative education, bold entertainment, and unexpected engagement.  We are a community asset, a collaborative partner, and are deeply committed to building a stronger, more vibrant regional arts & cultural landscape. 

WHAT WE DO | The SCA Education Team provides time and space for imaginative creativity for all ages We believe that students benefit from our project-based, hands-on programs. We facilitate experimentation, play, and working alongside professional artists/creatives. We celebrate process over product so we aren’t afraid to make a mess, try something new, and glean new perspectives. 

The educational structure of the SCA is twofold: we aim to provide students with the utmost valuable creative touchpoints by hiring exceptional instructors, while simultaneously giving our instructors life-changing professional experiences as members of the “Joy Squad” (this is the term we use affectionately in reference to our summer team of instructors, assistant instructors, and interns). 

The edu(creators) who form the Joy Squad may come from a variety of backgrounds and levels of experience: some are biology majors, spanish teachers, art students, or year-round art educators.  We believe that these varied perspectives enrich the ways we teach students to approach creativity with curiosity and excitement.  Members of the Joy Squad will gain life-long professional experience when they teach with the SCA as they grow in their own leadership skills and teaching styles by leading youth through new discoveries, fresh observations, artistic growth, and personal successes.

This summer, the SCA is offering a variety of camps: 4-day camps, 2-day camps, and our Mini Makers series. We offer programs for ages 3 to 12. Many of our camps offer opportunities to travel off-site to locations in Saugatuck, Douglas, and Holland. Camps typically run in the mornings through early afternoons. 

THIS POSITION | JOY SQUAD: LEAD INSTRUCTOR

The SCA Education Team is seeking Lead Instructors to join the Joy Squad in facilitating Summer Camps and Outreach Programs. Lead Instructors will work closely with the Arts Outreach Educator and Guest Artists to promote accessible and creative learning.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Collaborate with Guest Artists to plan and lead camps
• Write daily lesson plans and develop daily activities 
• Lead and implement classroom management and expectations 
• Create supply lists and prep/transport materials to off-site locations as needed
• Travel to off-site locations as scheduled to lead programming
• Lead mindfulness and movement activities
• Assist with parent communications
• Assist with the set-up and clean up of camp (arrive 1 hour early to each camp taught)

WHAT SKILLS YOU’LL NEED TO SHINE IN THIS POSITION

• Ability to take direction, work unsupervised, and take initiative 
• Ability to multitask and handle many responsibilities at once
• Work both independently and collaboratively 
• Flourish in a team-teaching environment 
• Show exemplary interpersonal skills 
• Have an outgoing, engaging personality 
• Meet deadlines on time and have exceptional attention to detail
• Think creatively and resourcefully and share ideas 
• Must have completed at least 3 years at university or college or have at least 5 years of equivalent experience
• Must have a minimum of 12 months experience working with children
• Preferred majors include: Education, Art Education, Early Childhood, Art History, Fine Art

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN

• Valuable non-traditional classroom teaching experience with a range of ages and skill levels 
• Experience researching, developing and implementing thoughtful curriculum 
• Experience writing multidisciplinary lesson plans 
• Connections to local creatives and educators 
• Experience working alongside professional artists 
• The opportunity to interact with other professionals in the local business, community, academic and nonprofit sectors 
• Paid professional development and training

POSITION IS SUPERVISED BY | Arts Outreach Educator

COMMITMENT | This is a part-time seasonal position, approximately 9  –  25 hours a week through the months of June, July, and August depending on commitment. There are opportunities to teach one camp or multiple camps, as well as opportunities to participate in outreach programming, depending on your skill set, interest, and availability.

COMPENSATION* | $20-$30 hourly based on experience, paid bi-weekly through summer. 

*Education credit for a University or College is also available. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange for college credit at their school. We are happy to assist by completing requested evaluations, reports, or other documentation. 

TO APPLY | Please submit a resume, cover letter and (4) examples of your personal artwork or (1) lesson you have written. All pieces are mandatory to be considered for an interview.