Restorative Practices Youth Lead Teaching Artist

Overview

The City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program’s Art Education Department serves more than 2,000 youth annually through free out-of-school-time art education programs in neighborhoods across Philadelphia. Our programs provide creative opportunities and supportive spaces for some of the city’s most vulnerable young people.

Mural Arts is committed to building safe, affirming spaces with and for the youth we serve. Our students’ work reflects their ability to think critically, create fearlessly, and engage meaningfully with their communities. Serving youth ages 10 to 22, our year-round programs offer a comprehensive course of study in the visual arts that equips students with the technical and creative foundations needed to imagine, design, and produce a wide range of individual and public artworks.

Whether students are creating murals or developing foundational artistic skills, lessons are designed with both short- and long-term goals in mind. Curriculum integrates artistic and social history alongside traditional and emerging art practices. At every stage, students are encouraged to reflect on their identities, experiences, and communities while using art as a tool for personal and social transformation.

The Art Education Department is seeking a Lead Teaching Artist for our Restorative Practices Youth Program during the summer session, tentatively running from July 13 through August 21 at the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center. Successful completion of the summer session may lead to conditional hiring opportunities for the 2026–27 school year.

The Restorative Practices Youth Program provides year-round, high-quality arts education to students impacted by the juvenile justice system and young people involved in the child welfare system. Through art and healing-centered engagement, students are encouraged to express themselves in an environment grounded in curiosity, innovation, and safety. Classes are designed to heal, connect, and inspire, empowering students to discover and strengthen their unique creative voices.

To best serve the diverse needs of our students, the Mural Arts Program’s Art Education Department seeks passionate and creative art educators who are committed to working in partnership with young people. We are looking for individuals who are excited about mentoring youth, eager to collaborate with fellow artists, and prepared to thrive in a dynamic environment that requires flexibility, dedication, innovation, and enthusiasm.

Mural Arts’ Restorative Practices Youth Program is distinguished by its collaborative approach to artmaking, fostering youth social and emotional development through experiences that encourage collaboration, teamwork, leadership, and mentorship.

Responsibilities

The Restorative Practices Youth Lead Teaching Artist works closely with Art Education staff to develop and implement art-based curriculum. They inspire and guide students in creating individual works of art, designing murals, experimenting with a variety of media, and collaborating with professional artists on large-scale public art projects.

The curriculum is centered around one-off projects that reflect the transitory nature of the student population while drawing from youth experiences, culturally and historically relevant subjects, and themes of aspiration and empowerment. Lead Teaching Artists must demonstrate creativity and resourcefulness in adapting materials and teaching methods within institutional environments that may limit access to traditional art supplies.

In addition to supporting student recruitment and maintaining attendance records required by Mural Arts and its funders, Lead Teaching Artists mentor Assistant Teaching Artists and contribute to a positive and collaborative learning environment. This position is 25 hours per week and requires consistent attendance at program sites, participation in regularly scheduled meetings and professional development sessions, and access to reliable transportation. Mural-making experience is preferred.

Required Skills & Technical Proficiency

• Knowledge of art history and art-making techniques
• Ability to manage a classroom of 10-15 students
• Significant experience working with Philadelphia youth in middle and/or high school who have been justice impacted
• Ability to work in multiple settings with respect and humility, ie: Non-English dominant spaces, Queer and LGBTQ spaces, cultural and spiritual spaces and navigating gender assigned spaces
• Ability to engage youth with multiple learning styles and varying artistic abilities
• Ability to conduct research, create lesson plans, organize projects, and facilitate annual student exhibition Exceptional written and oral communication skills necessary for managing paperwork and ongoing communications between program sites and Mural Arts staff
• Willingness to work collaboratively and in partnership with parents, program managers, student advocates, and artists
• Access to reliable transportation
• Familiarity with Google suite and digital media is a plus
• Up-to-date PA Child Abuse Report, PA Criminal Background Check, and FBI Check upon interview. PREA training required prior to program start

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Art, Education, or a related field or equivalent experience
• 3-5 years teaching experience
• 2-3 years experience with Trauma Informed Care and or Restorative Practices

Organizational Background

For more than 40 years, Mural Arts Philadelphia has been at the forefront of community-engaged public art, producing over 4,000 works that have earned Philadelphia worldwide recognition as the “Mural Capital of the World.” As the nation’s largest public art program, Mural Arts demonstrates how collaborative artmaking can revitalize neighborhoods, strengthen civic identity, and spark meaningful social change.

Through participatory public art, advocacy, education, and employment opportunities, Mural Arts provides transformative experiences, fosters critical dialogue, and stimulates economic growth for the City of Philadelphia. Core program areas—Art Education, Community Murals, Porch Light, and Restorative Justice—offer unique, project-based learning opportunities for thousands of youth and adults each year. Mural Arts’ popular tours attract visitors from around the world, offering a firsthand look at the inspiring stories behind its iconic collection and affirming Philadelphia’s reputation as the largest outdoor art gallery.

Compensation and Benefits

Hourly Rate: $27.00 for 25 hours a week.

Equal Opportunity

Mural Arts Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented communities to apply. If you meet some of the requirements but not all, we encourage you to submit your application to be considered. More information

Visit muralarts.org and follow us on social media:

LinkedIn: Mural Arts Philadelphia

Instagram & Threads: @muralarts

Facebook: MuralArtsPhiladelphia

YouTube: phillymuralarts