Get involved

Side x Side Teaching Artists and Visiting Experts
Side x Side’s teaching artists come from the worlds of both visual and performance arts. Each is a practicing artist in painting and drawing, dance, theater, photography, or music, or a visiting expert who comes from our vast community of working professionals in southern Maine. We have collaborated with architects, scientists, writers, mathematicians, and contractors! Each has a passion for his or her field of study and a desire to give back to the community.  Local artists and experts with an interest in urban education are encouraged to meet with Side x Side staff to explore the rewards of sharing their knowledge. In our pilot year, more than a two dozen teaching artists, experts, and art education interns were involved with our Side x Side programs. For more information, contact info@sidexsideme.com.

Student Interns
Student teachers are involved in Side x Side programs at each school in fulfillment of their state requirements for a K-12 teaching license, and also as a way to further the work of arts integration by partnering with mentor teachers to learn the benefits of infusing the arts into the classroom. Interns attend professional development training provided to the project teachers, help write and teach arts-based lessons, and help document the work for future use and as part of their professional teaching digital portfolios. This model recognizes the importance of “learning communities” in supporting long-term sustainability in our schools, as current and upcoming teachers work together to incorporate arts into their lesson plans and adopt innovative teaching methodologies. Contact us about Intern opportunities.

Volunteers
Volunteering is a great way to give back and it’s a wonderful way to help out a non-profit in need of a few extra hands! Side x Side accepts applications for volunteers and interns throughout the year. Positions offer opportunities to learn aspects of small non-profit management, arts education integration, curating and installing youth art shows, fundraising, special event coordination, and public relations. Responsibilities range from assisting with arts integration projects, compiling press materials, and organizing unique arts events. We are seeking individuals who are considering a future, or have had experience in the past, in the business and or creative worlds. Successful candidates may have experience and general knowledge of non-profits and visual arts, will be motivated to work in a changing environment, and will want to be part of a team contributing to arts education and integration.

Interested in an internship? Please send a letter of inquiry, resume, availability, and three references to Side x Side, Volunteer Positions, 636 B Congress Street, Portland ME 04102