This position is open until filled with an initial application review to take place after March 3, 2025.

The rate of pay for this position is $20 - $25 per hour, 10 - 12 hours per week.

Incumbent must be located in the Fresno area at the time of hire. 

Prison Arts Collective (PAC) is the only university-based Arts in Corrections program in the state and offers high-quality instruction in visual arts, creative writing, and music with the dual goals of facilitating the development of creative and technical skills in art, alongside the development of interpersonal and intrapersonal skills (confidence, communication, patience, relaxation, and decision-making). PAC also leads Arts Facilitator Training for incarcerated participants to learn to facilitate their own classes and provides ongoing mentorship for peer facilitators.

Prison Arts Collective (PAC) is seeking a teaching assistant to support programming in the Fresno region. This is an entry-level position that provides a learning experience and the opportunity to assist and support the PAC project. PAC provides varied opportunities to work with experienced PAC teachers, as well as university faculty and professional advisors. Teaching Assistants receive support in the form of mentorship as well as team meetings to review curriculum and materials. Teaching assistants provide support both in the field and remotely and may mentor incarcerated peer leaders under the supervision of and with support from Teaching Artists.

The Teaching Assistant is responsible for but not limited to:

Teaching Assistant 95%

• Assist PAC Teaching Artist in teaching at Avenal State Prison, three mentor visits per month.
• Help Teaching Artist keep track of participation and organize and monitor the use of arts materials
• Support participants in actively engaging in the course content and assist the teaching artist in establishing an inclusive space for creative practice
• May provide support to staff and teaching team in PAC projects, such as: Guest Artist series, Distance Learning, and exhibitions 
• Assist in curriculum development, creating/editing and packet production

Other Duties as Assigned 5%

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older
• Must be located or willing to relocate to the Fresno area.
• Must successfully complete the California Department of Corrections Background Investigation 

Preferred Qualifications and Special Skills

• Bachelor's degree or current enrollment in an undergraduate program in Studio Art, Art Education, or Art History.
• Experience with creative practice and/or teaching is preferred
• Candidates with lived experience with the justice system will be carefully considered.
• Experience with art or art making is preferred

Duration and Location

The teaching assistant position is one 15-week term with the possibility of continuing for a second term based on interest and performance. The position will be based in  the Fresno area with the expectation of supporting programming in that region. The position may also require travel to main PAC meetings and may include program visits and teaching at distant sites.  

To Apply: 

In addition to completing the application, please upload your resume along with a cover letter addressing the following questions (500 words max):

1. Why do you want to be a Teaching Assistant with the Prison Arts Collective and how will you apply your experience to supporting the Teaching Artist in facilitating classes to individuals who are incarcerated?
2. What unique background or skills do you bring to both teaching and program development, and in what areas do you hope to learn and grow? 

Additional Applicant Information

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.