Continuing Education Teaching Assistant for Summer Youth and Teen Programs

Description

Term: June 11–August 4, 2026

Salary: $16.37 per hour (This is a short term, non-benefits eligible position)

Hours: Rotating work schedule may include some evenings or weekends.

Average hours 20-30 per week, maximum of 35 hours.

Reports to: CE Instructors; Youth and Teen Programs Coordinator; Assistant Director/CE

QUALIFIED CANDIDATES

Will have experience assisting instructors in the classroom and working with children; be energetic, organized, and reliable; have excellent communication skills; be able to foster positive and appropriate relationships with students and guardians.

SUMMARY

The Minneapolis College of Art and Design seeks applicants for part-time, temporary teaching assistant positions in our Continuing Education Summer Youth Programs. A variety of positions are available to work with elementary and high school students. This position is ideal for college students seeking a temporary summer position to gain experience in the classroom and learning teaching skills from accomplished art educators.

• The elementary art program introduces students to the world of art and ideas through week-long sessions that combine creative themes with fun and challenging art projects. Approximately 20-30 hours per week.
  
• The middle school art program introduces students to a variety of art techniques, mediums, processes, materials, and ideas. Teens will develop technical skills and learn how to translate their ideas into visual form. Approximately 20 hours per week.
  
• The high school art program provides students the chance to complete rigorous coursework while exploring Animation, Character Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Painting and Drawing. Approximately 30 hours per week.
  

Qualified individuals are invited to submit a resume and cover letter by April 15, 2026 (priority deadline is April 1, 2026).

RESPONSIBILITIES

Teaching Assistant (TA) duties include but are not limited to:

• Provide support and assistance to the instructor and the classroom, including student and supply needs.
• Assist the Instructor in delivering curriculum.
• Assist the Instructor in teaching students technical skills.
• Discuss class content, offer hands-on assistance, and explain project options to students.
• Be a sounding board for the students’ ideas and encourage inventiveness and imagination.
• Maintain good communication with instructors and staff.
• Foster a positive and professional relationship with students.
• Manage administrative duties such as: attendance; communication with families; maintain a clean classroom; determine supplies; printing; distributing course evaluations; assemble student art shows; and supporting equipment and tech needs.
• Supervise younger students during their lunch/recess break and engage them in fun, inclusive activities.
• Endeavor to form positive relationships with students and foster a creative and supportive learning environment.

Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Be on time, and model good student behavior for the students, stay focused on the material being taught in the class. Follow the same behavior rules as the students when on duty, required. Devote full attention to the students when working, required.
• Must be adaptable, patient, self-motivated, communicative, and able to multitask and prioritize, required.
• Must read, understand, and agree to follow MCAD’s policies: sexual violence and sexual harassment; minors on campus, required.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Experience working with youth (elementary age and/or high school students), preferred.
• Experience assisting in the classroom and art making with children, especially elementary-age, preferred.
• Experience in art making and skills in Animation, Comic Art, Character Design, Drawing, Illustration, or Painting, preferred.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, preferred.

ENVIRONMENT

This position operates in a classroom environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee may also supervise students outdoors during daily lunch breaks. Upon request, reasonable accommodation will be provided to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Must be able to move around the classroom to support students at tables, desks and floor. There may be extended periods of standing.
• Must be able to move quickly to monitor students and ensure their safety while supervising.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand, as well as being receptive to others’ perspectives.
• The ability to observe details.
• The ability to move boxes and supplies around campus, weighing up to 25 pounds.

BENEFITS

MCAD’s community of staff and faculty enjoy a dynamic, creative, and inclusive work environment. MCAD employees will accrue Earned Sick and Safe time as mandated by State of Minnesota and the City of Minneapolis.

BACKGROUND

Founded in 1886, Minneapolis College of Art and Design is located in the rich creative community of the Twin Cities. Recognized nationally and internationally for its innovative approaches to art and design education, MCAD is home to approximately 800 students from 45 states and 15 countries. The college offers bachelor’s degrees in fourteen disciplines including arts entrepreneurship, design, fine arts, and media arts; one MFA; three online master’s degrees; and continuing education classes for all ages. Through the core curriculum, students focus on their careers and craft by learning technical and professional skills while developing their creative leadership capabilities.

MCAD is especially interested in candidates from under-represented groups as well as individuals who have experience with diverse populations who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the MCAD community. MCAD welcomes diversity of identity, experience, and thought. Members of marginalized communities are encouraged to apply.