Educator - ASL Fluent (Part-time)

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Walker Art Center

Educator - ASL Fluent (Part-time)

Minneapolis, MN
Part Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    The Walker Art Center empowers people to experience the transformative possibilities of the art and ideas of our time and to imagine the world in new ways. In our over 125-year history, we have become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country and we are known for our innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts.

    Walker Art Center Educators provide a welcoming and flexible approach to engaging a diverse range of visitors and guests with the programming and content of the museum through tours, workshops, public programs, offsite programming, and other learning events. Through an intensive training that will be provided by the Walker Art Center, Educators will be able to facilitate inclusive conversations and programs about Walker collections, exhibitions, moving image screenings, performances, and other programs. Educators are required to work both as individuals and as a team with the Public Engagement, Learning & Impact (PELI) department to prepare educational activities, resources, and materials, and to design and deliver programs that shape people’s understanding of art with a focus on learner-centered, inquiry-based methods rooted in the principles of universal design for learning. Educators come from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds including practicing artists, educators, and support staff.

    The Part-time Educator, Accessibility Programs will design, facilitate, and support programming for visitors of all ages, with a focus on programs for visitors with disabilities.

    The Walker Art Center was awarded a three-year grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to launch “Accessibility at the Center,” an initiative that increases accessibility for d/Deaf and disabled visitors by developing new accessible interpretive tools and resources and updating and relaunching the Walker’s Accessibility Programs. The museum will engage d/Deaf and disabled artists and community members as well as organizations that are rooted in and serve the disability community as key partners in this work.

    This role is a 36-month fixed-term position that will report to the Associate Director of Learning and Accessibility, with the possibility of extension at the end of the grant period. This initiative will undergird the Walker’s ability to provide an accessible and inclusive visitor experience now and into the future.

    WHAT WE NEED IN YOU

    Program Delivery

    • Deliver facilitated explorations of art in the Walker galleries, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, and offsite or via video conference for audiences of all ages (PreK-12 and adult) with a focus on programs for people with disabilities. Accessibility Programs for people with disabilities include ASL tours, tours for visitors who are blind or partially-sighted, Sensory Friendly Sunday, etc.
    • Prepare resources and materials to teach and deliver program activities, as well as pack up, clean, organize, and store resources and materials.
    • Design and assist in the delivery of art-making sessions, workshops, and other activities in the Walker’s Art Lab and at community partners’ offsite locations.
    • Conduct program and event evaluation through surveying and other accessible evaluation methods.
    • Contribute to research and writing of interpretive educational materials, including resources for disabled visitors such as social narratives, sensory maps, descriptions of artworks, etc.
    • Report on programs including attendance, participant feedback, and observational notes on curriculum and program structures.
    • Welcome and greet visitors to the museum and provide information and assistance where required.
    • Attend and help facilitate additional PELI and Walker events including Evenings for Educators, professional development sessions for teachers, Teen Programs, Free First Saturday, public programs, programs for members and donors, and offsite events with community partners.

    Training and continuing education

    • Attend exhibition trainings, monthly Educator meetings, and other training sessions as required.
    • Research and become familiar with the exhibitions on view at the Walker.

    Skills

    • 2+ years of experience working with audiences of all ages in an educational setting.
    • Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL).
    • Experience working with people with physical and/or cognitive disabilities in personal and/or professional settings is required.
    • Experience applying the principles of universal design for learning and culturally-competent teaching techniques to the development and facilitation of learning experiences.
    • Familiarity with assistive technology, adaptive tools, etc.
    • Strong interest in education, contemporary arts, and culture.
    • Familiarity with art materials and art-making techniques.
    • Excellent communication skills, flexibility, and poise.
    • Proven ability to welcome, encourage, and engage with people of all ages, abilities, attitudes, and cultural backgrounds.
    • Flexibility to work a range of days and hours as required by programming.
    • Must be available second Sunday morning of every month (7—11:30am).
    • Availability to attend Educator trainings scheduled Monday-Friday.
    • Proactive and independent attitude, ability to problem-solve and adapt to a range of situations in the moment.
    • A commitment to cultivating an inclusive learning environment for all audiences.

    PREFERRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

    • Deep knowledge and intimate cultural contextualization within Deaf communities.
    • Education in disability studies, fine or media arts, design or architecture, art history, art education, or education.
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop and/or InDesign.

    Physical Requirements:

    • Must be comfortable navigating the Walker campus and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, occasionally ascending or descending up to 5 steps.
    • Must be comfortable with periodic computer use.
    • Ability to direct and assist with setup of programs, moving up to 15lbs on occasion.

    Job Specifications

    • Must be ASL fluent
    • This position is considered part-time, up to 19 hours per week, non-exempt. As a non-exempt position, it is eligible for overtime pay.
    • The compensation for this role is $21.75 per hour. The Walker offers a wide range of benefits for both part-time and full-time employees.
    • This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
    • All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

    Walker’s DEI commitment

    The Walker is committed to being an employer with a staff who, at all job levels, reflects the rich diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to ensuring inclusion and equity in all our employment practices. We deeply value and welcome all the unique lived experiences in our applicants and encourage anyone meeting the minimum requirements to apply.

    Recruitment Timeline: All positions are open until filled.