Part-Time Letterpress Teaching Artist

What We Are Looking For
Armory Center for the Arts based in Pasadena, California, is seeking a part-time Teaching Artist to lead letterpress studio classes for teens and adults.

The ideal candidate is:
An experienced teaching artist with three years leading letterpress art classes/ workshops in a cultural organization or educational setting.
Is comfortable and flexible with working in a shared letterpress studio space with other letterpress approved instructors.
Proven experience in letterpress printing, including proficiency with hand setting type, operating a Vandercook press, and other letterpress equipment.
Knowledge of paper types, ink properties, registration, and impression control.
Knowledgeable of the history, techniques, and artistry of letterpress printing.
Audience focused, experience supporting individuals and groups of varying skill levels and learning styles.
Passionate about traditional printmaking and a commitment to teaching others.
Able to clearly explain complex techniques and concepts to students in an accessible and encouraging manner.
Knowledgeable of studio and letterpress safety procedures and a commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
Experience with other printmaking techniques (relief printing, intaglio, lithography, collagraph, etc) preferred but not required.
Experience teaching from original works of art with a deep interest in socially relevant contemporary art.
Experience teaching teens, adults, and older adults.
Someone who can effectively engage with diverse personality types while maintaining a calm and composed demeanor with both staff and students.
Demonstrates social maturity and strong problem solving skills.
Comfortable with collaboration and giving direction. A team player.
Responsible, flexible, punctual, and able to work well under pressure.
Positive attitude.
Responsive, intuitive and flexible to the program needs.
Bachelor of Fine Arts or equivalent experience and a current studio practice.
Comfortable teaching and experimenting with a diversity of art mediums.
Able to speak, hear, see, reach, bend, sit, stand, and lift 25 pounds.
Fluency in Spanish or a language other than English is a plus.
Familiarity with the San Gabriel Valley is a plus but not required.

General Duties, Responsibilities, Essential Functions
Develop and teach letterpress classes and workshops for students of varying skill levels, sometimes offered as a 10 week session.
Curriculum planning, in-class instruction, prep and clean-up for each session (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer).
Maintain and operate a variety of letterpress equipment, including cylinder presses.
Provide classroom management in an open space studio environment where multiple classes occur simultaneously.
Submit supply lists on time that are within the budget of the program and age appropriate for the students.
Prepare instructional materials, demonstrations, and hands-on learning experiences.
Ensure proper care and safety of studio tools and equipment.
Instruct students in typesetting, press operation, paper handling, inking, and printing techniques.
Stand for extended periods while operating presses.
Lift and move type cases, paper reams, and press components (up to 40lbs).
Demonstrate manual dexterity for typesetting and press adjustments.
Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
Attends teaching staff meetings, training sessions, and gallery walk throughs.
Maintain on-going communication with the VP of Programs and Directors about program issues, student concerns and needed support.
Notify VP of programs and Directors about scheduling issues and substitute requests.
Follow strict COVID-19 safety protocols as directed by the Armory.

Perform any other duties as may reasonably be required.

Salary: This is a part time position. Pay starts at $37 an hour for teaching hours. This position will occasionally be required to cover other shifts depending on needs of the organization. The schedule is subject to change.

Benefits: Benefits include paid sick time, opportunities for professional development, and free Armory studio art classes.

Education requirements: High School diploma

Deadline to apply: June 2, 2025

Documents required to apply: Resume, cover letter

How to apply: To apply, send a resume and cover letter to emplyoment@armoryarts.org. In the subject line of the email, write “Letterpress Teaching Artist”. Applications are due by Monday, June 2, 2025 at 5 p.m to be considered for Fall 2025 studio programming. Applications submitted after this deadline will be considered for future sessions beyond Fall 2025.