Continuing Education Online Visual Arts Instructor - Teen Work Readiness

CE Overview

RISD Continuing Education functions within the larger context of RISD, an institution with an unparalleled reputation for producing highly-skilled, successful, and internationally renowned creative practitioners. With more than 100 years of expertise nurturing critical making, thinking, and innovation in art and design we facilitate personal and professional development by engaging students in sustained exploration and learning in the creative disciplines. With a commitment to centering inclusivity, diversity and equity in executing key responsibilities, RISD Continuing Education instructors plan, organize, teach, and provide feedback to promote and direct student learning in keeping with the institutional learning-centered values and in a manner that meets essential competencies of artists and designers.

CE Overview

RISD Continuing Education functions within the larger context of RISD, an institution with an unparalleled reputation for producing highly skilled, successful, and internationally renowned creative practitioners. With more than 100 years of expertise nurturing critical making, thinking, and innovation in art and design, we facilitate personal and professional development by engaging students in sustained exploration and learning in the creative disciplines. With a commitment to centering inclusivity, diversity, and equity in executing key responsibilities, RISD Continuing Education instructors plan, organize, teach, and provide feedback to promote and direct student learning in keeping with the institutional learning-centered values and in a manner that meets essential competencies of artists and designers.

Job Summary

Who are we looking for?

RISD Continuing Education is seeking a practicing art and design educator interested in supporting the growth of aspiring teen artists who are exploring future career opportunities. The ideal candidate has art education experience, successful freelance art/design work, and extensive knowledge of potential career paths in art. Applicants should be ready to teach online while delivering a course to a diverse group of students with various abilities and experiences. We welcome candidates whose teaching experience addresses historically underrepresented communities.

Learn more about teen work readiness courses by visiting our website.

How does this role impact our students?

As an Instructor, you will lead and support high school students as they engage in simulations designed to mimic real-world projects and applications. Teen work readiness courses teach essential workplace skills through multi-week assignments and in-class work with emphasis on collaboration and communication. The Instructor plays a critical role in facilitating class discussion, critique, and guest speaker visits. Students who complete the course will be able to make informed decisions about their careers and educational pursuits.

What does this position offer you?

At RISD Continuing Education, we are motivated by advancements in education that allow us to reach broader audiences and connect with creatives from around the globe. We regularly maintain and improve our instructor support systems to ensure that you are prepared to deliver course content you are excited to teach. When you work with us, you will receive personalized support from our program manager to enhance your teaching.

What are we teaching?

We are currently seeking an Instructor to teach Visual Arts: From Sketchbook to Studio during the 2026 Fall term (see Course Schedule below). The successful candidate for this role should be prepared to teach a mix of both synchronous live meetings and asynchronous course delivery online. For more information about this course, please review the course catalog page here: Visual Arts: From Sketchbook to Studio. The Instructor for this course is also expected to coordinate two guest speakers for virtual class visits during the term.

*Please indicate how your professional work experience relates to this course in your statement of interest.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience Required:

• Bachelor's degree 

• Teaching experience in a collegiate and/or high school setting

• Demonstrated expertise in 2D visual arts, like those described in the course description

• Experience developing courses that challenge students creatively and intellectually while maintaining age-appropriate pedagogy

• Demonstrated ability to generate high-caliber student work

• Accept and act upon constructive feedback from course evaluations by students and staff

• Experience leading classes and critiques that model constructive, inclusive discussions in an environment of diverse learners

• Ability to tailor instruction to meet the needs of students with a wide range of pre-existing skills

• Ability to meet RISD’s technology requirements 

Knowledge/Skills/Experience Preferred

• Master of Fine Arts or equivalent in established professional practice in the area of study

• Teaching certification/certificate

• Ability to contribute to RISD’s strategic priorities of just societies, sustainability, and creating new knowledge

• Experience developing inclusive curriculum that centers artists of historically underrepresented backgrounds

• Interest in collaborative curriculum planning

• Proficiency with online collaborative tools such as Google Suite

• Proficiency with learning management systems such as Canvas

Documents Needed to Apply:

• Resume, including a URL link for your professional portfolio

• Student work samples preferred

• Statement of interest preferred 

Work Schedule:

This Instructor is expected to update and deliver a course consisting of pre-built modules and course content. This position teaches the course through the Canvas Learning Management System. This course will meet via Zoom during the following schedule:

• October 3 to December 5, 2026, 10 am to noon ET, Saturdays

Union:

No

Work Modality:

Combination of asynchronous with live zoom meeting times

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.

The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.

RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.