How to Become a Volunteer Teacher

Volunteer faculty should have a deep appreciation for the arts with at least three years of educational training/ professional experience in his/her artistic field, have a strong desire to share that experience with children, and have a strong commitment to diversity and community.

Volunteer teachers commit approximately one hour per week to teaching each semester during after school hours (starting at 4:00 pm) or on Saturday mornings (starting at 11am). Semesters follow the DC Public School schedule and run for between 14 and 16 weeks.

Preferred qualifications include at least three years of experience in an art form and a strong desire to share those abilities with youth. Prior teaching experience and experience working with children is strongly desirable, but not required. Those new to teaching or new to working with children are welcomed at Sitar Arts Center, as it is a learning place for all. New teachers have many options which include co-teaching and assistant teaching, as well as being the lead instructor in a class. New teachers have the opportunity to attend Sitar teacher workshops and can also request to be matched with a more experienced teacher for advice on teaching issues and curriculum development.

To apply to be a volunteer submit must submit a completed application, including the name, address and phone numbers of three references to A. Lorraine Robinson at lorraine@sitarartscenter.org.

Submit application by application deadline (November 15th for Spring semester; July 15th for Fall semester and April 15th for Summer semester). Note: If the deadline has passed, applications will then be accepted on a rolling basis as needed.

Click here to download the volunteer application form.

Current Volunteer Faculty Positions

Requirements for Volunteers

To become a volunteer, you must:

Complete an Audition/Portfolio Review (one-time).
Authorize Sitar to do a background check (one-time) - Click here for the authorization form.
Schedule an in-person interview with the Director of Faculty/Education (one-time).
Get a TB test (annually) – Click here to find out how to get a TB test.
Attend an volunteer training at the Center (annually).
Submit a course description and syllabus (each semester).

Volunteer faculty are asked to:
• submit a course description each semester, syllabus and list of supply needs for lessons/classes;
• prepare and teach a class once a week in the area of his/her discipline;
• maintain discipline in the classroom and upholds Sitar Arts Center rules;
• monitor and evaluate student progress in class;
• provide positive feedback on the student’s progress and encourage the student’s continued focus on artistic excellence;
• take attendance and report attendance, educational, or behavioral problems to Director of Students or Director of Programs;
• direct students in clean-up/maintenance of their classroom;
• and fulfill all volunteer requirements.

For more information about volunteering, contact A. Lorraine Robinson at lorraine@sitarartscenter.org or at (202) 797-2145 ext. 107.