Teaching Opportunities

CALL FOR TEACHING ARTISTS: Prison Arts Project

Teach With Us

The William James Association is seeking passionate, professional, and visionary Teaching Artists to lead weekly arts classes in two of our core programs:

  • The Prison Arts Project, which operates in correctional institutions across California

  • The Community Youth Arts Project (CYAP), which serves youth in alternative education and community settings

If you have strong technical skills, a compelling artistic voice, and a commitment to social engagement through the arts, we encourage you to apply.

Teaching Artist Job Description HERE.

Current Openings

Poetry Teacher – Louden Nelson Center, Community Youth Arts Project (CYAP)
Part-time position

About Our Programs

Prison Arts Project

The Prison Arts Project brings exceptional artists into California State Prisons to lead hands-on workshops in the visual, literary, and performing arts. We believe art heals, unites, and transforms lives. This work is part of Arts in Corrections, a program of the California Arts Council, with funding from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). We currently contract with over 80 artists across 14 state prisons.

Community Youth Arts Project (CYAP)

The CYAP program connects Teaching Artists with youth in alternative education and community settings, with a focus on creativity, self-expression, and empowerment. Classes are offered at various locations throughout the Greater Santa Cruz region, including community centers and continuation schools.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking artists who are:

  • Versatile and resilient

  • Committed to equity and social impact

  • Comfortable working in non-traditional environments (such as prisons or alternative schools)

  • Experienced in teaching, preferably with youth and/or adults

Desirable qualifications:

  • Visual Artists – At least 2 exhibitions with reviews in the past 3 years

  • Literary Artists – Published regularly over the past 3 years

  • Performing Artists – Consistent public performances and reviews over the past 3 years

We welcome diverse backgrounds and professional experiences that reflect a strong commitment to arts education and community engagement.

Compensation

We offer competitive pay and provide paid training and ongoing support for working in institutional and community settings.

How to Apply

 

  • Complete the Artist Application Form on this page. Click the Apply Here button below to access our online application.
  • Submit required materials (resume, portfolio/work samples, teaching description, etc.).
  • We’ll review your application and notify you via email.
  • If selected, we’ll invite you for an interview with our program staff.

 

Our Commitment

 

At the William James Association, we are dedicated to fostering equity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of our work. We recognize and actively work to dismantle systemic barriers that limit access to the arts. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds—across race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, citizenship status, and lived experience.

We believe that a diverse community of artists strengthens our programs and deepens the impact of our work.

Questions?

Contact:
Joey Reyes
Prison Arts Program Director
Joey@williamjamesassociation.org

Apply Here