Candidates must submit both a cover letter, highlighting relevant experience and interest in this position, and a cv/resume. Only submissions with both documents will be considered.

The Stamps Pre-College Program is seeking artists, designers and educators to join our staff this spring as Instructors.

Successful candidates will have experience teaching high school and/or college students in a comparable artistic discipline. Expertise in the course material is essential to the success of our program. Applicants should indicate their ability to instruct a specific class in a cover letter.

This year, Stamps Pre-College programs will offer both virtual and in-person programs. If applicants have a preferred modality, they should indicate this preference in a cover letter.

Program Descriptions

We are looking for Instructors to teach both virtual and in-person programs. We are looking for an Instructor for each of our 2026 Spring programs.

In-Person

• Ceramic Fundamentals (in-person) is an in-person program in which students will explore various methods of creating with clay to produce functional and expressive forms. Students will receive an introduction to creative works and technical processes as they relate to contemporary art. This program will focus on hand-building techniques including coiling, slab-building, surface application with slip and glaze.
• Drawing for Artists and Designers (in-person) is an in-person program in which students will learn drawing concepts fundamental to contemporary art and design practice. Our participants will gain knowledge and experience in a variety of approaches, ranging from observational to experimental drawing.
• Weekend Workshop: Alternative Photographic Processes (in-person) is an in-person program in which students will explore a range of methods artists use to create photographic prints. While some of these
  alternative processes apply new technology, most have been well known for over 100 years. Students will use these techniques to create non-traditional photographic artworks.
• Weekend Workshop: Drawing Fundamentals (in-person) is an in-person program in which students will learn drawing concepts fundamental to contemporary art and design practice. Students will gain knowledge and experience in a variety of approaches, ranging from observational to experimental drawing.
• Weekend Workshop: Experiments in Print (in-person) is an in-person program that introduces media and methods associated with relief printmaking. Class demonstrations introduce making and printing images in color from a variety of relief surfaces and cover a range of single and multi-plate methods. Through hands-on projects, students engage print concepts such as multiplicity, serialization and sequence.
• Weekend Workshop: Palette to Canvas (in-person) is an in-person program in which students will learn the essentials of painting on canvas using non-toxic paints. Students will learn how to work with these unique materials to create complete artistic compositions.
• Weekend Workshop: Sculpture Studio (in-person) is an in-person program that surveys the elements of 3D design and introduces students to the rigor of a college-level course in 3D Design and/or sculpture. Students will learn the fundamentals of working with form and space by exploring materials and processes used to create three-dimensional works of art and design.
• Weekend Workshop: Watercolor Painting (in-person) is an in-person program in which students will learn concepts and techniques fundamental to watercolor painting. Students will gain experience using this material to explore composition, color and working from direct observation.

Virtual

• 3D Modeling Basics (virtual) is an online class introducing students to the fundamental aspects of 3D modeling. 3D modeling has versatile applications and is used for visualization, simulation, animation, and even for creating physical objects through 3D printing.
• Digital Photography (virtual) is an online class introducing students to technical and aesthetic components of digital photography. Students gain a basic understanding of the history and evolution of photography. Students will become familiar with both contemporary and traditional methods of photographic expression and will engage creatively with photography as a method for problem-solving.
• Drawing for Artists and Designers (virtual) is an online class in which students will learn drawing concepts fundamental to contemporary art and design practice. Our participants will gain knowledge and experience in a variety of approaches, ranging from observational to experimental drawing.
• Graphic Design Essentials (virtual) is an online class introducing students to the fundamental aspects of graphic design. Students will gain a foundational understanding of the elements and principles of design. This program introduces students to topics such as typography, visual identities, print publication layouts and the use of signs and symbols in visual communication.
• Illustration Techniques (virtual) is an online class introducing students to fundamental visualization skills used by artists and designers when working creatively in two dimensions. Students will gain familiarity and hands-on experience with a variety of two-dimensional practices and media.
• Stop Motion Animation (virtual) is an online class introducing students to techniques used by artists and designers when working creatively with the fourth dimension, time. Students will learn the fundamentals of working with time by exploring basic audio, video and animation techniques that can easily be used at home to make creative work.

Program Schedules

Ceramic Fundamentals (In-Person Studio / 10 Sessions)
May 5 - June 4, 2026 / Tuesday & Thursdays, 4:00-6:30 pm ET

Drawing for Artists & Designers (In-Person Studio / 9 Sessions)
May 4 - June 3, 2026 / Monday & Wednesdays, 4:00-6:30 pm ET

Weekend Workshop: Alternative Photographic Processes (In-Person Studio / 4 Sessions)
May 9 - June 6, 2026 / Saturdays, 1:00-3:30 pm ET

Weekend Workshop: Drawing Fundamentals (In-Person Studio / 4 Sessions)
May 9 - June 6, 2026 / Saturdays, 9:30 am-12:00 pm ET

Weekend Workshop: Experiments in Print (In-Person Studio / 4 Sessions)
May 9 - June 6, 2026 / Saturdays, 1:00-3:30 pm ET

Weekend Workshop: Palette to Canvas (In-Person Studio / 4 Sessions)
May 9 - June 6, 2026 / Saturdays, 9:30 am-12:00 pm ET

Weekend Workshop: Sculpture Studio (In-Person Studio / 4 Sessions)
May 9 - June 6, 2026 / Saturdays, 1:00-3:30 pm ET

Weekend Workshop: Watercolor Painting (In-Person Studio / 4 Sessions)
May 9 - June 6, 2026 / Saturdays, 9:30 am-12:00 pm ET

3D Modeling Basics (Virtual Studio / 9 Sessions)
May 4 - June 3, 2026 / Monday & Wednesdays, 5:30-6:55 pm ET

Drawing for Artists & Designers (Virtual Studio / 10 Sessions)
May 5 - June 4, 2026 / Tuesday & Thursdays, 5:30-6:55 pm ET

Digital Photography (Virtual Studio / 9 Sessions)
May 4 - June 3, 2026 / Monday & Wednesdays, 4:00-5:25 pm ET

Graphic Design Essentials (Virtual Studio / 9 Sessions)
May 4 - June 3, 2026 / Monday & Wednesdays, 5:30-6:55 pm ET

Illustration Techniques (Virtual Studio / 10 Sessions)
May 5 - June 4, 2026 / Tuesday & Thursdays, 4:00-5:25 pm ET

Stop Motion Animation (Virtual Studio / 10 Sessions)
May 5 - June 4, 2026 / Tuesday & Thursdays, 5:30-6:55 pm ET

Learn more about the Stamps Pre-College programs HERE.

Instructors play a critical role in the success of the Stamps Pre-College Program. Instructors help develop a curriculum for each class and introduce college-level art and design content to high school students. Instructors introduce participants to the rigor of studio art/design and engage with all students through demonstrations, group critique and personal guidance. Lectures, demonstrations, handouts, and slides will enhance covered material.

Instructors are responsible for the health and safety of all participants and work in concert with the Pre-College team to cultivate a supportive and creative learning environment. Instructors administer University of Michigan policy, Stamps Pre-College policy and observe the Stamps Pre-College schedule.

• MA/MFA degree (completed or in progress)
• High school/college teaching experience
• Engagement with contemporary art/design through creative practice
• Respect for diversity and a willingness to learn about other cultures

• Fluency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere
• Familiarity with the Stamps School of Art & Design and the University of Michigan
• Excellent communication, time management and organizational skills
• Maturity and integrity
• A positive and caring personal attitude

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Instructors new to the Stamps Pre-College team will be paid $32.50 per hour. Instructors returning to the Stamps Pre-College team will be paid $35.00 per hour.

This is a temporary position that is contingent upon completion of required criminal background screening, as specified in SPG 601.34 (Policy on Minors Involved in University-Sponsored Programs or Programs Held in University Facilities).

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.