We know that diverse teams make the strongest teams, and we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.

 

TEACHING ARTIST FELLOW

 

EMPLOYMENT TERM: Seasonal, Part Time, Benefits eligible

 

SALARY: $30,000 - $32,000

 

DATES: August 1st 2025-June 1st 2026

 

SCHEDULE: Primarily between the hours of 8:00 am-5:00 pm, Monday thru Friday.

 

OVERVIEW:

What if Puppets seeks a highly-qualified emerging professional in the field of Theater for Young Audiences for a 10 month Teaching Artist Fellowship, working an average of 25-35 hours per week. The “Teaching Artist Fellow” will work alongside a team of experienced and innovative theater, puppetry, and teaching artists professionals to facilitate social-emotional learning through educational programming in the greater Kansas City Metro and beyond. The fellow’s primary role will be to serve as a lead facilitator of school-year residencies for 0-8 year olds. A background in puppetry is not required. Teaching artists will receive training from our Director of Puppetry Arts in basic puppetry skills that will support elements of puppetry used in residencies and other education programming. 

 

DUTIES:

• Potentially facilitate What iF Puppets curriculum for residencies for three age groups:

  • Early Elementary classrooms (5-8 year olds) 

  • Preschool classrooms (3-5 year olds)

  • Infant and Toddler classrooms (0-2 year olds)

• Assist in the research and writing of resource guides to support productions and education programs

• Support facilitation of Professional Developments, Family Engagements, and other programming in collaboration with Education Director

• Identify teaching and administrative goals, and engage in regular reflection with Education team

• Attend WiP staff meetings, education meetings, and professional development workshops

• Nurture positive relationships with school teachers, principals, and site administrators

• Other duties as assigned that support the health of the organization and education department

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A strong background in teaching artistry or arts education through academic or practical experience

• Experience and passion for working with 0-8 year olds 

• Interest in deepening ability to use puppetry as a teaching tool

• Strong understanding of Creative Drama theory and strategies

• Knowledge of youth development and social emotional learning

• Solid classroom management skills and strategies

• Strong organization and administrative skills

• Access to reliable transportation as this role drives to schools within 25 miles of city center

• Ability to lift 35 lbs

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience in Conscious Discipline or similar classroom management theories and programs

Experience with neurodivergent students, or willingness to learn

 

BENEFITS:

Simple IRA - match up to 3% of employee contribution

0.55 per mile - Mileage reimbursement between locations after first 5 miles

 

HOLIDAYS:

• Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day (organization is dark)

• Martin Luther King Day

• Memorial Day

• Thanksgiving Day

• Friday after Thanksgiving

• Juneteenth

• President’s Day 

• Labor Day 

• 4th of July 

• Martin Luther King Jr Day 

• Birthday

 

PERSONAL TIME:

6 days

 

LOCATION:

25 mile radius from the Kansas City Metro Area

 

REPORTS TO:

Education Director

 

HOW TO APPLY:

Email cover letter,  resume, and sample lesson plan to Education Director Alex Espy at alex@whatifpuppets.org 

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