JOB OPENING AT 826MICHIGAN

Position: Teaching Artist

Independent Contractor: 

 (September – May)

Location: Washtenaw County

Target Start Date: September 2026

Teaching Artist

Mission + Vision

826michigan imagines a future where all students readily access their creative voice and confidently stand in the power of their stories. For more than 20 years, we have provided free high-quality writing programs to students ages 6-18 in Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Ypsilanti. Our mission is to inspire students to write with skill and confidence, in collaboration with volunteers in their communities. We began in 2005 as a small literary arts project, and have since grown to provide critical literacy support to thousands of students every year. Since our founding, we have delivered free youth writing programs to over 15,000 students across southeastern Michigan.

We believe every student, especially those whose voices have been historically marginalized, deserves to write their truths and to be heard. Our creative writing and literacy programs focus on restoring humanity to educational practices with young people by actively creating anti-racist and trauma-informed programs and spaces.

We actively work to create and maintain a third space that radically heals and uplifts Black youth and students of color. Support from our community allows students in our region to receive critical literacy support free-of-charge. For more information about our programs, please visit www.826michigan.org.

Invitation to Candidates

826michigan is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are interested in receiving candidates from a broad spectrum, including queer and non-binary folx, folx with disabilities, and Black and Indigenous and other persons of color. Application instructions and compensation information is included at the end of this posting. We can’t wait to get to know you!

Culture & Working Environment 

826michigan is part of 826 National, the country’s largest network of youth writing centers, co-founded by author Dave Eggers (A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, McSweeney’s). In addition to being a member of the 826 National network, 826michigan is also a vital part of the local community. The Ann Arbor Book Festival honored 826michigan as a “Leader in the Literary Arts” in 2012; Crain’s Detroit Business named 826michigan one of its Best-Managed Nonprofits in 2013; and 826 National was named in GOOD Magazine’s “30 Places We Want to Work.”

826michigan is a creative organization that highly values collaboration and innovative thinking. We encourage a culture of learning and personal development; our organization uses a network-wide competency model, a framework for equitable and transparent professional growth and advancement. Staff are encouraged to pursue relevant learning opportunities both within our national network and beyond. Staff members work both independently and as part of a team. 

We strive to be supportive and accommodating to employee needs for scheduling and work styles. We also aim to create a humanizing work environment and prioritize work/life balance.

Commitment to Inclusion

As an organization committed to encouraging youth in their creative expression, personal growth, and academic success, 826michigan recognizes the importance of diversity at all levels and in all aspects of our work. In order for us to serve students in a manner that is respectful, culturally sensitive, and effective, we must collectively and intentionally invest in building a diverse and inclusive organization where all are safe and welcomed. 826michigan prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, marital status, English fluency, parental status, citizenship, military service, or disability of any person employed by or seeking employment with 826michigan. 826michigan is an equal opportunity employer.

About the Position

Teaching Artists (TAs) facilitate program sessions and contribute to lesson planning, playing a vital role in inspiring students through writing and creative expression. In this role, TAs design and deliver engaging, student-centered lessons while fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment. They work closely with both students and team members to encourage creativity, build confidence, and promote meaningful learning experiences. With supervision from the Washtenaw County Senior Program Manager, duties include but are not limited to:

Programs Facilitation (approximately 50-60 hours between September – December and January – May).

Serve as Program Lead for assigned 826michigan’s programs in Washtenaw County:

• Support and/or facilitate sessions of Young Authors’ Book Project (multi-week creative writing project with a single class or grade band at a single school culminating in a professionally-produced publication), in- school writing lab, or other programs
• Contribute to lesson planning and program plans
• Coordinate and communicate with program volunteers, including pre-huddle and debrief planning and execution
• Manage the tracking of students in programs through our internal data systems (Salesforce and Data Hub). Track volunteers.
• Meet bi-weekly with Washtenaw County Senior Program Manager for supervision and program support, and with other Washtenaw County program team members to collaborate on plans
• Participate in other professional development opportunities throughout the year (ex. First aid/CPR) and quarterly staff meetings

Candidate Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be excited to lead and support teams at 826 via a positive, enthusiastic attitude and a desire to learn. They will wish to be part of a highly-collaborative team that works hard but also likes to laugh a lot and always puts the student experience (whoever is defined as a student in that moment) first. Candidates with teaching experience will be prioritized. The following are required competencies for this position:

• Communication: The ability to communicate transparently and effectively across mediums with an emphasis on interpersonal and business communication. 
• Organization: The ability to keep yourself and others organized. Develop a smooth system that works for all stakeholders in task completion.
• Resource Management: The ability to optimize human resources while keeping within core values and program scope and mission.

Additional Qualifications

• Teaching artists should be active within their given field (literary arts, visual arts, etc. demonstrable through publication, education, exhibitions, portfolio, or performance)
• A flexible, creative spirit and a demonstrated passion for the mission, vision, and values of 826michigan
• Knowledge of and passion for the city of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, including knowledge of the education environment
• Demonstrated skill working with students of all ages from diverse backgrounds
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including experience communicating with a variety of audiences
• Proven organizational and project management skills, including a strong ability to multi-task, with a focus on being proactive and results-oriented
• Enthusiasm for writing and an ability to share that with students

Compensation & Benefits

• This is a contract position from September 2026 to May 2027; schedule will be set between the Washtenaw County Senior Program Manager and hire.
• The pay for this position is $20/hour for prep hours and $35/hour for facilitation ($40/hour if you’re a certified teacher).
• Independent contractors are not eligible for medical and dental insurance with 826michigan.

HOW TO APPLY

Please complete our application form, including uploading the following materials. Priority application deadline is July 26. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, and the posting will remain open until the position is filled. 

• Application (only applications submitted via our website at 826michigan.org will be reviewed)
• Resume
• Cover letter answering the following questions:
  • What in particular about 826michigan interests you?
  • What special skills do you possess that would help you in this job?
  • Tell us one thing about you that we can’t learn from your resume.