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

What are we looking for?

RISD Continuing Education is in search of a practiced art and design educator interested in joining RISD's Advanced Program Online (APO) to support the growth of aspiring artists seeking a college-level learning experience. The ideal candidate has experience in art education and is prepared to guide students with empathy. Applicants should be prepared to teach online while delivering courses to a diverse group of students from a range of abilities and experiences. We welcome candidates whose teaching experience addresses historically underrepresented communities.

Learn more about APO by visiting our website.

How does this role impact our students?

As an APO Instructor, you will lead and prepare high school students interested in pursuing art and design in college. APO emphasizes design thinking, communicating, and creating, and students will look to you for guidance while navigating daily prompts and assignments. Furthermore, this program focuses on making by hand and, with few exceptions, does not use computer programs or tablets for the completion of artwork. Each class will serve as an opportunity for your students to develop socially and intellectually; by the end of the course, they will have identified new (or hone in on existing) academic and career goals with your help.

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 intentionally build a course that 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 who is available to teach two sections of Visual and Critical Language during the second summer session (see Course Schedule below). For more information about this course, please visit our course registration page here.

The available sections of Visual and Critical Language coincide with Concentrations in Graphic Design and Animation. The instructor will prepare teaching materials to strengthen students' visual, written, and oral presentation skills as well as their research and observation skills.

This role frequently requires collaboration with a paired instructor for each Concentration.

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 art history, research, and writing

• 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

Knowledge/Skills/Experience Preferred

• Master of Fine Arts or equivalent in established professional practice in 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

Union:

No

Work Modality:

Remote: the instructor will meet with the Concentration live at least once each week (either Monday or Thursday) during the following schedule:

• Animation section: July 13 to August 10, 2025, 9am to 12pm ET, Mondays and Thursdays

• Graphic design section: July 13 to August 10, 2025, 1-4pm ET, Mondays and Thursdays

Documents Needed to Apply:

• Resume

• Link to your professional portfolio and student work samples

• Statement of interest, including information about why you would like to teach for a pre-collegiate program

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.