Apply to Become a Teaching Artist

Lincoln Center Institute teaching artists work in all five boroughs of New York City; this includes NYC public schools, private schools, parochial schools, and yeshivas, as well as institutions of higher education. They also visit schools within a 30-mile radius of Lincoln Center, including schools in Long Island, Westchester, and New Jersey. Teaching artists are expected to visit any participating school as assigned, for which their travel from LCI is reimbursed. They are also trained to prepare and conduct professional development workshops as needed.

Instructional units in schools follow the local school calendar (weekdays, approximately 8 am to 3 pm). Some after-school programs, planning sessions, meetings, and work in higher education sites occur in the late-afternoon or early-evening hours.

Professional development sessions may take place evenings, on weekends, or during school vacations, notably during the summer months, when LCI’s annual Summer Season for educators takes place.

Application Procedures

Lincoln Center Institute is currently accepting applications for teaching artists in the fields of dance, music, theater, and visual arts. LCI is looking for accomplished artists who have made a commitment to bringing the arts into educational settings as part of their professional careers.

Artists interested in applying should review information about LCI on this website and familiarize themselves with the Institute's philosophy and approach to arts in education and its concept of imaginative learning.

Along with a cover letter, resumé submissions should include artistic accomplishments as well as teaching or other work experience and educational background. The cover letter should include a statement commenting on the candidate’s desire to work both for Lincoln Center Institute and in the field of arts and education, and a reflection on ways in which the candidate’s personal philosophy of teaching in the arts aligns with his or her understanding of LCI’s approach.

Submit applications via email to Melissa Gawlowski at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or via U.S. mail at Lincoln Center Institute, 70 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023.

Criteria used for selection include: a substantial body of professional experience in an artistic discipline, teaching experience with youth and adults, ability to provide leadership and to communicate clearly, and a strong commitment to working with educators and young people, as well as a curiosity in exploring the Institute’s imaginative learning method.

In order to fulfill requirements set forth by the NYC Department of Education, all Lincoln Center Institute teaching artists must have a working visa or United States citizenship and must have current proof of fingerprinting clearance through the NYC and NY State DOE.

After an interview, selected candidates are invited to attend training and orientation, which includes: participation in LCI’s annual Summer Season, a rigorous training process, and filed observations. Candidates are then selected to conduct a trial unit in a partnering Institute school. After an observation, consultation, and assessment, successful candidates are invited to become employees of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. as active LCI teaching artists.

Benefits of Joining Lincoln Center Institute
LCI teaching artists enjoy a flexible schedule within an organization that supports and encourages their art-making. They receive competitive pay, high-quality ongoing professional development, and focused individual attention and support by administrative staff (examples of professional development topics include: challenging classroom environments, adult learners, and imagination and inquiry in the classroom). They have the opportunity to travel to arts and educational organizations throughout the world. Teaching artists also have the opportunity to grow within the Institute, which is the model for arts organizations on four continents and continues to be at the forefront of international dialogue surrounding the arts in education.

Lincoln Center Institute is an equal-opportunity employer that fosters diversity and welcomes the candidacy of underrepresented groups.

Lincoln Center Institute teaching artists are represented by the United Federation of Teachers, Lincoln Center Teaching Artists Chapter.