Embracing Our Differences is seeking engaging and enthusiastic Teaching Artists / Tour Facilitators to lead student and community groups through the 2027 St. Petersburg exhibition during February and March 2027.
Teaching Artists will facilitate interactive, dialogue-based tours that encourage participants to look closely, share perspectives, think critically, and explore the ideas presented through the exhibition’s artwork and quotations.
All Teaching Artists will be trained in Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), an inquiry-based facilitation method that uses art to build observation, critical thinking, communication, and collaborative discussion skills.
Key Responsibilities
-Facilitate engaging, dialogue-based tours of the Embracing Our Differences exhibition at The St. Pete Pier.
-Lead Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) discussions using selected exhibition artworks.
-Facilitate conversations around themes of kindness, respect, inclusion, belonging, identity, and community.
-Create a welcoming environment where participants feel comfortable sharing their observations and perspectives.
-Adapt facilitation techniques for different ages and audiences, including K–12 students and adult/community groups.
-Manage group movement and engagement within an outdoor, public exhibition setting.
-Arrive on time and prepared for all scheduled tours.
-Communicate promptly with EOD staff regarding scheduling, availability, or tour needs.
-Participate in required paid training and preparation prior to facilitating tours.
Tour Schedule & Commitment
Tours will take place throughout February and March 2027 at The St. Pete Pier.
School Field Trips – Primarily weekday mornings, approximately 45 minutes per tour. Groups may include students from elementary through high school.
Adult & Community Tours – Primarily Saturdays and select weekday evenings, approximately 45–60 minutes per tour. Groups may include community organizations, businesses, educators, families, and other adult audiences.
Teaching Artists will provide their availability in advance and will be scheduled based on tour reservations and program needs.
Compensation
Teaching Artists will be compensated $50 per completed tour.
This is a seasonal, contract-based opportunity. The number of tours assigned will vary based on availability and tour demand.
Training
Selected Teaching Artists will participate in required training (paid) prior to the exhibition opening.
Training will include:
-Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) methodology and facilitation practice
-Embracing Our Differences’ mission and educational approach
2027 exhibition artwork and quotations
-Strategies for facilitating conversations with students and adults
-Tour procedures, expectations, and St. Pete Pier logistics
-Previous VTS experience is welcomed but not required.
Qualifications
Ideal candidates may include practicing artists, teaching artists, classroom educators, museum educators, arts administrators, performers, community facilitators, or others with experience engaging groups through art and conversation.
Successful candidates should have:
-Strong communication and group facilitation skills
-Comfort speaking and facilitating conversations with groups
-Experience working with children, adults, or community groups
-An interest in arts-based and dialogue-centered learning
-The ability to engage respectfully with a wide range of perspectives and experiences
-Reliability and the ability to work independently within established program guidelines
-Comfort working outdoors and moving throughout The St. Pete Pier exhibition site
-Prior teaching or museum experience is helpful but not required.
Background Screening
Because Teaching Artists will work directly with school-aged students, all selected Teaching Artists are required to complete and maintain a Level II background screening as a condition of participation.
Additional information regarding the screening process and requirements will be provided to selected candidates. Embracing Our Differences will cover the cost of fingerprinting for the Level II background screening.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following materials to VP of Learning and Engagement, Patrick Arthur Jackson ([email protected]):
-A brief statement describing their interest in the Teaching Artist role
-A resume or summary of relevant artistic, educational, facilitation, or community engagement experience
-General availability during February and March 2027
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
