DesignPhiladelphia is seeking a part-time Adjunct Design Instructor to teach middle school students design education in partnership with their classroom teacher. DesignPhiladelphia is a non-profit organization that focuses on engaging, educating, and exciting the public about the built environment and design and its impact on all of us.

About this position: We are seeking an individual to teach 3 classes a semester (roughly early October through late November – 6 sessions in each class).  The majority of the time this position would work in the classroom and remotely, with some scheduled time with the rest of the DesignPhiladelphia team in the office.

Responsibilities

Curriculum Development

• Develop lesson plans for 3 classrooms per semester focusing on design thinking process. Utilize existing lesson plans and relevant Common Core standards, along with program outcome goals as foundation for curriculum development.
• Develop curriculum for one-day annual Teacher Retreat/Workshop in partnership with Director of Design Education and Design Education Manager.
• Partner with classroom teacher to align design education elements with existing school curriculum.
• Review curriculum with Design Education Manager and Director to ensure program goal alignment.
• Training & Program Development Support
• Attend the Onboarding sessions, twice a year.
• Attend the one-day Teacher Input Retreat/Workshop.
• Support Design Education Manager and Director on volunteer trainings.
• Attend Staff Monthly Luncheons & Annual Staff Retreat.

Instruction/In-Classroom

• Teach 3 classrooms a semester. Each classroom hosts our program for 60-90 minutes for 6 weeks.
• Distribute and collect pre- and post-surveys, as well as document observations from the classroom utilizing DesignPhiladelphia’s Evaluation Plan.
• Organize and prepare necessary supplies and bring to classrooms.
• Ability to travel between schools, either through personal transportation or SEPTA.
• Documentation Complete documentation which includes:
• Lesson plan
• Supplies used
• Observations
• Handouts/presentations
• Evaluation – how many pre-surveys, post-surveys, teachers’ evaluations

Experience and Skills

• Teaching in an elementary and/or secondary school setting, whether full time or as a volunteer in our K-12 program or similar programs is strongly encouraged and preferred.
• Professional design experience preferred – any discipline welcome.
• Organized and efficient at managing multiple tasks via online tools like Google Workplace, MS Teams, MS Outlook, and Asana.
• Passion for igniting creativity in young people through the design process.
• Great communication skills and ability to work independently and as a team member.

Compensation and hours: We are looking for an Adjunct Design Instructor for 3 classrooms a semester. The first semester we anticipate working with the Design Education Team and school teachers to create a lesson plan that can be replicated each subsequent semester. The compensation is $7,500 stipend per semester

To apply: Please submit your proposal and names/contact information for two (2) references to Rebecca Johnson, Executive Director at rebecca@designphiladelphia.org.

Inclusion: In accordance with Federal law, AIA Philadelphia and the DesignPhiladelphia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. AIA/DP is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. We encourage applicants from underrepresented identities.