"Continuing Education Photography Instructor, Youth In-Person"

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 an inspired art educator who is interested in supporting the growth of teens as part of our in-person youth program. The ideal candidate has experience in art education and is prepared to guide students with empathy. Applicants should be prepared to teach in person 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.

How does this role impact our students?

As a youth programs instructor, you will lead teens toward aspiring career paths while problem-solving through art and design. Our program emphasizes design thinking, communicating, and creating, and students will look to you for guidance while navigating daily prompts and assignments. 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 Start Taking Photographs, in person on the RISD campus in Providence, RI. The successful candidate will have a strong background in deliverables listed in the course description. The current course description is as follows:

What makes a good image? Part of it is technical, part of it is how the image is arranged and part of it is the meaning behind it. Gain control of your camera by learning the primary controls. Explore your surroundings through the lens and capture their essence with photography. Use bracketing, shutter speed and aperture to control light and depth and to capture motion. Make thoughtful decisions about composition and subject matter to make photographs that leave an impression. The skills taught in this course will prepare you for any camera you may use, whether you're working with an iPhone, DSLR or mirrorless camera. This course teaches students how to take good photographs without needing to edit them using software. Photoshop will be used for basic digital image processing for printing.

*A limited number of cameras will be available. If you own a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual controls, we encourage you to bring your own.*

Knowledge/Skills/Experience Required:

• BS, BFA or Art/Design Major required
• Demonstrated expertise in photography
• Ability to convey complex art and design concepts to students with varied skills (novice to advanced) in a condensed time frame
• Accept and act upon constructive feedback from course evaluations by students and staff
• Ability to develop and implement diverse teaching and learning for learners from a variety of educational backgrounds, environments and expectations
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills

Documents Needed to Apply:

• Resume, including a URL link for your professional portfolio
• Statement of interest preferred

Work Schedule:

Classes will be held one day a week for 5 weeks, (day of class TBD, tentatively a weekday evening) on the RISD campus in Providence, RI

Now hiring for the Spring 2026 semester, with classes beginning 4/18/2026- 5/23/2026

Union:

No

Work Modality:

In person

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.