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Write. Share. Inspire.

 

24_TR Second Story_Photo by Molly Haley.jpg
 

CURRENT OPENINGS


Teaching Artist

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours/week 
Salary: $45,700.20
Supervisory Responsibility: No 
Reports to: Education Manager
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
Location: Portland area, periodic travel within Maine

Position Overview

The Teaching Artist has enthusiasm and skill in teaching writing, is committed to collaboration, and is flexible in their approach to working with individuals and teams. This position is an integral part of the program team and will work both collaboratively and individually to teach writing programs for young people with a wide range of backgrounds in grades 1-12, both in schools and at The Telling Room.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Teaching

  • Develop, revise, and prep curriculum relevant to programs, schools, and students; maintain high-quality programs and stay on theme

  • Lead teach or co-teach at least one residency per semester resulting in a chapbook publication; coordinate with families and school staff as needed; coordinate culmination readings/events

  • Lead afterschool programs as needed

  • Lead teach field trips as needed 

  • Lead teach 2-3 summer camps per year; coordinate with families as needed; coordinate culmination readings/events

  • Collaborate with volunteers, interns, and contracted guest artists; provide feedback as needed to maintain high-quality programs

  • Participate in ongoing teaching artist trainings and professional development for teachers

Qualifications - Required

Experience

  • 1 year of relevant experience in a related field, such as Arts Education, Writing

  • 1 year of experience working with youth in an educational setting

Computer Skills

  • Proficient in Google Suite and Microsoft Word

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

  • Demonstrated ability in practicing and teaching creative writing

  • Demonstrated ability to manage long-term, complex projects

Qualifications - Preferred

Experience

  • 1 year of relevant experience that includes supervisory and administrative experience

  • 1 year of experience working with volunteers

  • 1 year of experience in publishing field, as an author, editor, or contest judge/reader

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

  • Demonstrated success in youth program management

  • Demonstrated understanding of best practices for youth development

  • Demonstrated ability to plan and execute events

  • Experience and familiarity with copy editing and proofreading, with knowledge of The Chicago Manual of Style

Working Conditions

  • A Telling Room Teaching Artist will work in office and classroom environments. The mission of the organization takes them to non-standard workplaces including the outdoors/indoors for camps, residencies, and field trips.

  • A Telling Room Teaching Artist will work a 35-hour workweek but may be required to work some evenings and weekends to monitor program activities or participate in organization-hosted events.

  • A Telling Room Teaching Artist may schedule their 35-hour week in accordance with The Telling Room’s Flex-Time Policy.

  • Access to car required and clean driving record as per employee handbook

  • Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination required

  • Must be able to lift 25 pounds

Benefits and Compensation

  • The salary for this position is $45,700.20

  • To support our staff, we offer benefits that include health and dental insurance, a Simple IRA plan with 2% employer contribution, life insurance, generous paid vacation and holidays (including two week-long office closures), and sick time off

  • Mileage reimbursement at the federal rate

How to Apply

To apply, please complete this form. In lieu of a cover letter, please answer the questions provided. You will be prompted to upload your resume and a list of three references at the end of the form. Please email writers@tellingroom.org with questions. No phone calls, please.

APPLY

Application Deadline: We will review applications submitted through May 15th, 2026 or until the position is filled.

We thank you for your interest and encourage you to sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about any future opportunities.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We prioritize the leadership of people of color and LGBTQ individuals, and we strongly encourage people of all historically marginalized identities to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any category protected by local, state, or federal laws.