A side view of the stage and seating at Ford’s Theatre. On the left is the Presidential Box with an American flag, a framed picture of George Washington and American flag bunting draped over the box.
View from the stage of the President’s Box at Ford’s Theatre. Photo © Maxwell MacKenzie.

Arts Education Teaching Artist

Ford’s Theatre Society is seeking Teaching Artists to help distribute educational programming. These are contract, project-based positions.

Ford’s Theatre Society values and is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and working environment. Ford’s is proud to be an equal opportunity employer where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, family status, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Ford’s Theatre acknowledges, honors and respects the humanity of all people. We are committed to creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment for all artists, staff, contractors, students, educators, scholars, theatre goers, tourists and volunteers visiting or working on our campus and virtually. As a cultural institution and historic landmark, we hope to make lasting and impactful change that prioritizes and highlights inclusivity in our storytelling and in our organization.

Basic Function

Arts Education Teaching Artists deliver Ford’s Theatre programs that:

  • Include student-centered oratory programs, general-audience oratory workshops, student matinee workshops and teacher professional development programs;
  • Use the Ford’s Theatre interpretive plan, the Ford’s Theatre Approach to Teaching Oratory and the Ford’s Theatre mission and values; and
  • Emphasize inclusive teaching practices that respect the identities and experiences of all learners.

Principal Responsibilities

  • Plan and implement one-time workshops, multi-day residencies and/or year-long partnerships. Work may include:
    1. Residency visits for student-centered oratory programs
    2. General audience oratory workshops
    3. Teacher professional development, oratory or theatrical workshops
    4. Student-centered residency visits that model teaching strategies for classroom educators
  • Promptly submit residency visit or workshop reports using a template
  • Build and maintain relationships with classroom teachers on behalf of Ford’s education
  • Participate in orientation, check-in and debrief meetings with Ford’s arts education staff to discuss and reflect upon program progress and to consider mid-course corrections and changes or challenges for the future.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of or willingness to learn performance strategies, writing instruction and public speaking
  • Knowledge of or willingness to learn close-reading strategies
  • Experience writing lesson plans and planning residencies
  • Understanding of basic classroom management strategies
  • Understanding of or willingness to learn child and adolescent development
  • Experience teaching children and adolescents, during in-school or out of school time settings
  • Comfort working in a highly collaborative environment
  • Ability to communicate positively and effectively with peers and adults
  • Commitment to creating welcoming, equitable and inclusive learning environments for all learners
  • Interest in arts education, history or museum education and to creating a more equitable and just society

Special Note:

Ford’s Theatre Society has a mandatory vaccination policy for all employees and independent contractors. The policy is designed to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws.

To apply please send resume to Cynthia Gertsen, [email protected]