Watercolor Studio Instructor – Adult Arts and Enrichment

Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) is Madison’s public recreation provider. MSCR offers a wide variety of athletic, recreational, arts and enrichment activities and classes for all ages in an accessible, inclusive setting. Programs include swimming instruction, MSCR on the Move, arts & enrichment classes, youth summer camps, sports camps & clinics, adult & 50+ fitness, adult sport leagues including pickleball, softball and tennis, and a wide variety of outdoor pursuits including paddling sports, pontoon trips, camping, orienteering and challenge courses. 
As a department of the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD), MSCR also provides afterschool enrichment activities, clubs and sports as well as summer programming in Madison elementary, middle and high schools, Allied Learning Center and Meadowood Neighborhood Center. Afterschool clubs and sports include: arts & enrichment, homework/academic clubs, drama, dance, skiing, soccer, basketball, volleyball, cross country and much more!

Start Date: January 2027

Location: MSCR West

Work Hours: Once to twice a week, mornings and afternoons

Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) is Madison’s public recreation provider. MSCR offers a wide variety of athletic, recreational, arts and enrichment activities and classes for all ages in an accessible, inclusive setting. Programs include swimming instruction, MSCR on the Move, arts & enrichment classes, youth summer camps, sports camps & clinics, adult & 50+ fitness, adult sport leagues including pickleball, softball and tennis, and a wide variety of outdoor pursuits including paddling sports, pontoon trips, camping, orienteering and challenge courses. 
As a department of the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD), MSCR also provides afterschool enrichment activities, clubs and sports as well as summer programming in Madison elementary, middle and high schools, Allied Learning Center and Meadowood Neighborhood Center. Afterschool clubs and sports include: arts & enrichment, homework/academic clubs, drama, dance, skiing, soccer, basketball, volleyball, cross country and much more!

Program Description: 

We are seeking an engaging and enthusiastic Watercolor Painting Instructor to lead weekly classes for adults in a recreational setting. Our Adult Arts & Enrichment programs are designed to provide lifelong learning opportunities that are accessible, social, and low-pressure. These 8-week courses help participants build practical art skills while fostering community connections and art appreciation.

Job Description & Duties: 

The Painting Instructor will lead interactive, weekly group classes for continuing learners through a weekly watercolor painting studio class starting in January 2027. The ideal candidate is passionate about watercolor painting styles and techniques, making the learning process approachable and fun through projects. Participants bring their own projects to class to work in community with one another while the Studio Instructor provides demonstrations, feedback, and troubleshoots with participants. There will be opportunities to teach beginning and continuing classes starting in Summer 2027. You will encourage participants of all backgrounds to build confidence in their painting abilities and build community with others participating in the class.
• Lead safe, engaging, and inclusive watercolor classes
• Create weekly lesson plans that cover basic painting skills, techniques, and exploration of the medium.
• Adapt teaching methods to support a variety of learning styles and levels
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where participants feel successful and comfortable developing their painting skills.
• Arrive prepared and on time for all scheduled 8-week sessions.
• Effectively communicate with class participants and motivate them to reach their personal art goals.
• Serve as a positive representative of MSCR and follow all policies and procedures in the Employee Handbook.
• Maintain organized records of attendance and class progress.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Must be able to teach Watercolor Studio on Tuesdays from 12:30 – 3:00 PM from 1/19/2027-3/9/2027 AND 3/30/2027-5/18/2027
• Proficiency in painting watercolor
• Previous experience teaching, tutoring, or leading group instruction.
• Ability to design easy-to-follow, engaging lesson plans for adult learners.
• Knowledge of various painting styles and techniques to share with the class.
• Reliable transportation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for helping adults stay active, curious, and connected to fine arts.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience delivering educational programs to participants with diverse backgrounds and goals.
• Ability to teach multiple types of painting classes and/or other art media like drawing, mixed media, fiber arts, etc.
• Academic degree in Fine Arts, Education, or a related field.
• Experience in curriculum development for recreational or non-formal education.
• First Aid certification.

You MUST be able to teach the Tuesday classes. You will have the opportunity to take on other painting classes in Summer 2027, as well as teaching the Studio class.

Questions? Please reach out to Andie Kobrick, Adult Arts and Enrichment Specialist, at amkobrick@madison.k12.wi.us