Gallery Teacher for K-12 Groups – Contract Position

The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston strives to share the pleasures of reflection, inspiration, provocation, and imagination that contemporary art offers through public access to art, artists, and the creative process.

During guided visits, K-12 groups explore how contemporary artists question and make sense of the world. Through thoughtfully crafted gallery lessons that offer opportunities for reflection, close looking, and critical thinking, K-12 guided visits nurture student agency, honor student curiosity, and embrace the diversity of thought and experience that students bring to the ICA. The Education Department seeks applicants for Gallery Teachers for K-12 Groups to lead guided visits for school-aged groups during the 2024-2025 school year. Gallery Teachers collaborate with Education staff to develop and teach thematic, multimodal gallery lessons based on ICA exhibitions that incorporate guided discussion and activities. This part-time position runs October 2024 to June 2025.

The Gallery Teacher for K-12 Groups position requires onsite presence.

Scope of Work

• Work with ICA Education staff and the Gallery Teacher team to plan and implement guided visits for K-12 groups, with an emphasis on grades 8-12
• Develop gallery lessons
• Lead guided visits for K-12 groups on site at the ICA and ICA Watershed
• Attend virtual and in-person planning and debrief meetings with ICA Education staff and the Gallery Teacher team
• Participate in post-visit debriefs and assessment

Qualifications

• Background or experience in studio art, art education, art history, or museum education
• K-12 teaching experience in a classroom, museum, or community program setting; Experience with gallery teaching or lesson plan development, a plus
• Equity-minded, with a demonstrated commitment to culturally responsive, inclusive, and anti-bias teaching practices
• Ability to adjust communication styles to accommodate audiences of diverse backgrounds, ages, and abilities
• Ability to work collaboratively, meet deadlines, communicate clearly and in a timely manner, and be punctual for all teaching assignments and meetings
• Additional language proficiency other than English a plus; proficiency in Spanish and/or Haitian Creole highly desired 
• Must pass a CORI screening as required for this position

Physical Requirements

• Possess mobility to move about throughout the museum
• Prolonged periods of standing and/or moving about while teaching
• Ability to see, listen and talk for extended periods in person
• Ability to understand printed materials
• Must be able to exchange accurate information with visitors, staff, departments, and vendors
• Travel to Watershed via water taxi requires traveling down a dock ramp and transferring to the boat (boarding boat requires stepping over/on and three steps down)

Compensation: $55 per hour

Engagement Period

This is a part-time, contract position with an average of up to 15 hours/month. Teaching takes place onsite at the ICA and seasonally at the ICA Watershed (East Boston). Guided Visits for K-12 groups are scheduled Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings during the school year. Wednesday mornings are added during the busy spring field trip season, April–June. The teaching schedule varies week-to-week based on group demand and the Gallery Teacher’s availability. Virtual team meetings take place monthly on Tuesdays, 1–2 PM. Additional meetings, both virtual and onsite, are scheduled throughout the contract period. Prep work is also required.

To apply

Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, resume or CV, a brief statement on your teaching philosophy, and the contact information for 3 references to Amy Briggs Kemeza at abriggskemeza@icaboston.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Priority deadline for review is September 15.