Summer Teaching Intern–Summer Camp 2025

Position Summary

The Studio Arts Teaching Internship provides an educational opportunity for students exploring a career in studio art, design, art education, or education-related field of study. This internship is for applicants looking to start their career paths in teaching or studio art-related work, and enjoys working with children. The Des Moines Art Center will coordinate with colleges & universities about fulfilling internship credits.

Through the Art Center's Studio Education Internship Program, the intern will be introduced to methods of developing and teaching quality, hands on, age-appropriate studio art education classes for ages 5 to 15. Alongside experienced Des Moines Art Center staff, the Studio Art Teaching Intern will teach the fundamentals of art and a variety of techniques and mediums while fostering creativity and enthusiasm for art-making. The intern will be assigned studio classes to teach during the defined period of the internship and will participate in development activities and all aspects of the studio education department for broad exposure to the department's role in museum operations.

A learning component will be incorporated into the course of this internship; interns will be given the opportunity to job-shadow and learn from department staff throughout their employment.

Reporting Relationship

This position reports to the Youth Program Lead and interacts frequently with teaching artists, classroom assistants, and students of all ages & their parents, among other Art Center departments & colleagues.

Essential Functions

• Teaches studio art camps independently as assigned.
• Works closely with the Studio Education staff and contributes to the development of learning objectives for studio art camps and classes
• Creates unique and welcoming experiences for all students
• Job shadows and assists Art Center staff and instructors to gain an understanding of the department, museum operations, policies, and goals related to studio education.
• Prepares and cleans up studio space and supplies before and after class.
• Attends faculty meetings and trainings

Other Responsibilities

Acts in ways that reflect favorably on the Art Center and maintains professional standards in the quality of performance and demonstration of concern for the Art Center's collection, programs, and facilities. Adheres to Des Moines Art Center Code of Ethics, Employee Handbook, and other organizational policies.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of art history and art movements
• Approachability, patience and kindness are required
• Ability to work effectively with children and teens
• Must like interacting positively with children
• Working knowledge of a variety of art materials and techniques

Decision Making

Exercises best judgement and discretion in matters related to classroom management. Participates in day-to-day operational decision making under the guidance of the Studio Arts Manager & Youth Program Lead.

Special Considerations (Work Environment, Schedule, Physical Factors, Required Travel, etc.)

• The course of this internship will run from May 25, 2025, through August 15, 2025. To be considered, applicants must be able to work all weeks of Summer Camp. There are no camps the week of June 30-July 4, 2025, during which time there may be other education opportunities available to teaching interns.
• Most work is performed in art studios or museum galleries. Camps occasionally take place outdoors, sometimes in mild heat or cold.
• Camps are generally scheduled or weekday mornings and/or afternoons in the summer during June, July and August; work availability must correspond to scheduled classes.
• Work is mostly sedentary or light work; however, the ability to lift or move 5-45 pounds is occasionally required to rearrange studio equipment and move supplies
• The ability to handle and grasp objects is required to demonstrate techniques and assist students
• Must be able to kneel and crouch to assist small children
• Must be able to stand and walk for sustained periods of time

Equipment Used

• Art supplies & paper cutter
• Simple tools (hammer, screwdriver, etc.)

Recruitment

• This job listing will remain open until 2/28/2025.
• Our interview process will be administered in March and April, where we plan to make offers during the last week of April. Internship credits can be coordinated with college/university programs.
• The first day of this internship will begin on Tuesday, May 27.