Continuing Education, Start Making Comics - Youth In-Person Instructor

CE Overview

RISD Continuing Education functions within the larger context of RISD, an institution with an unparalleled reputation for producing highly-skilled, successful, and internationally renowned creative practitioners. With more than 100 years of expertise nurturing critical making, thinking, and innovation in art and design we facilitate personal and professional development by engaging students in sustained exploration and learning in the creative disciplines. With a commitment to centering inclusivity, diversity and equity in executing key responsibilities, RISD Continuing Education instructors plan, organize, teach, and provide feedback to promote and direct student learning in keeping with the institutional learning-centered values and in a manner that meets essential competencies of artists and designers.

Job Summary

What are we looking for?

RISD Continuing Education is in search of an inspired art educator who is interested in supporting the growth of teens as part of our in-person youth program. The ideal candidate has experience in art education and is prepared to guide students with empathy. Applicants should be prepared to teach in person while delivering courses to a diverse group of students from a range of abilities and experiences. We welcome candidates whose teaching experience addresses historically underrepresented communities.

RISD Continuing Education is seeking a practicing art and design educator interested in supporting the growth of aspiring teen artists interested in exploring future career opportunities. The ideal candidate has art education experience, a history of successful freelance art/design work, and extensive knowledge of potential career paths in art. Applicants should be ready to teach online while delivering a course to a diverse group of students with various abilities and experiences. We welcome candidates whose teaching experience addresses historically underrepresented communities.

How does this role impact our students?

As a youth programs instructor, you will lead teens toward aspiring career paths while problem-solving through art and design. Our program emphasizes design thinking, communicating, and creating, and students will look to you for guidance while navigating daily prompts and assignments. Each class will serve as an opportunity for your students to develop socially and intellectually; by the end of the course, they will have identified new (or hone in on existing) academic and career goals with your help.

What does this position offer you?

At RISD Continuing Education, we are motivated by advancements in education that allow us to reach broader audiences and connect with creatives from around the globe. We regularly maintain and improve our instructor support systems to ensure that you are prepared to intentionally build a course that you are excited to teach. When you work with us, you will receive personalized support from our program manager to enhance your teaching.

What are we teaching?

We are currently seeking an instructor who is available to teach Start Making Comics, in person on the RISD campus in Providence, RI. The successful candidate will have a strong background in deliverables listed in the course description. The current course description is as follows:

Many of today’s superhero blockbuster hits started off as simple pen and ink comics. In somebody’s sketchbook today, the next generation’s cultural phenomena are being born. This course will introduce the very basics comic strips and single page formats. Develop basic characters and settings, then craft a narrative in just a few panels to get to the essentials of the story. Consider creative ways to enhance your story with simple panels structures. Then complete your comics with inking and lettering. Skills in this class can be applied later in long form comics, graphic novels, illustration, and graphic design. This course is open to students illustrating in all styles. 

Learning outcomes:

• Tell a short story in a minimal number of comic panels. 
• Design creative layouts that enhance your storytelling. 
• Design and refine simple characters and settings. 
• Complete final illustrations using pen and ink. 

Knowledge/Skills/Experience Required:

• BS, BFA or Art/Design Major required

• Teaching experience, including the ability to create syllabi and lesson plans, and how to tie those to learning outcomes 

• Teaching experience, including the ability to create syllabi and lesson plans, and how to tie those to learning outcomes 

• Demonstrated expertise in start making comics

• Ability to convey complex art and design concepts to students with varied skills (novice to advanced) in a condensed time frame

• Accept and act upon constructive feedback from course evaluations by students and staff.

• Ability to develop and implement diverse teaching and learning for learners from a variety of educational backgrounds, environments and expectations

• Ability to meet RISD’s technology requirements  

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills

Knowledge/Skills/Experience Preferred

• Experience teaching K-12 in art and design

• Expressed interest in career planning and preparation for teens

• Masters degree

• Teaching certification/certificate

• Knowledge and understanding of early-mid childhood learner principles and respect for students

Documents Needed to Apply:

• Resume, including a URL link for your professional portfolio

• Statement of interest preferred 

Work Schedule:

Classes will be held on Saturdays, 1pm - 4pm on the RISD campus in Providence, RI 

Now hiring for the Fall 2026 semester, with classes beginning 10/10/2026 - 11/14/2026

Union:

No

Work Modality:

In person 

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.

The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.

RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.