Pre-College Animation Instructor at Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Posting Number:
0601193

Position Title:
Pre-College Animation Instructor

FLSA:
Exempt

Job Type:
Temporary

Staff Term:


Staff Work Schedule (hours/dates):
Tuesday through Friday, 9am - 12pm

Academic Year Schedule (dates):
July 8 - August 1, 2025

Faculty Term:


Position Type:
Faculty

Department:
President's Office

Job Summary/Basic Function:
Wheaton College’s Pre-College Program is seeking a qualified, enthusiastic, and experienced Animation Instructor for the summer 2025 term to teach the course Animation Essentials: From Sketch to Screen. This is a one-term, studio-based course aimed at students of all skill levels. The course introduces the fundamentals of hand-drawn, 2D animation, focusing on the principles of movement, storytelling, and “drawn acting,” with an emphasis on the creative process. Students will explore animation principles, character design, and learn the basics of using Adobe Photoshop.

The ideal candidate will have experience in 2D animation, a passion for teaching, and the ability to guide students in developing their animation reels. This position offers an opportunity to teach college-bound high school students and foster the next generation of animators in a creative and supportive environment.

Course Description: Animation Essentials: From Sketch to Screen
In this studio-based class, students will explore the core techniques of hand-drawn 2D animation, focusing on timing, movement, exaggeration, and storytelling through drawn acting. The course emphasizes the importance of process and offers a combination of demonstrations, film analysis, and hands-on assignments. Students will gain familiarity with animation principles, drawing techniques, and Adobe Photoshop. By the end of the course, students will have developed their own animation reel, which can be used for college applications or future career opportunities.
Key Responsibilities:

• Develop syllabus and teach all course content, including animation fundamentals, storytelling, character design, and the use of Adobe Photoshop for animation.
• Provide hands-on instruction in a studio setting, guiding students through practical assignments and exercises.
• Lead discussions on animation techniques, industry standards, and career opportunities in animation.
• Provide individualized feedback on student projects, encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and technical skill development.
• Manage and facilitate class activities, ensuring a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
• Offer support for students’ final projects, assisting in the creation of their animation reels.
• Maintain communication with the Pre-College Program staff and contribute to the overall success of the students and course.
• Provide documentation of student progress and grading
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Masters degree (or professional equivalent) in Animation, Film, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, or related field.
• Experience: Experience in teaching or mentoring students at the high school or undergraduate levels in visual arts and/or animation.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and hand-drawn animation techniques. Familiarity with other open-access animation tools is also a plus.
• Teaching Ability: Experience working with youth in a classroom or studio setting. Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and adapt to the needs of students with varying levels of experience.
• Additional Skills: Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and provide constructive feedback. Ability to work independently and collaborate with other instructors and staff.
• Desirable: A background or interest in game design, motion graphics, or other creative fields where animation principles are applied.

Preferred Qualifications:


Compensation and Benefits:
To attract and retain the most talented individuals, Wheaton College maintains a flexible and competitive staff compensation and benefits program.

When determining and establishing hiring rates or recruitment ranges for a position, the College considers a number of factors including the budget for the position, the range of the grade, the external market for the position or similar positions, level and scope of responsibilities, required education, skills and relevant experience as well as internal equity. All salary offers must have the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.


The Salary for this position is contingent on student enrollments in the following structure:

6 – 10 Students | $8,000
11 – 15 Students | $9,000
15 – 20 Students | $10,000
21+ Students | $10,000*
*For courses that have enrollments above 21, salary is negotiated.





Physical Demands:


ADA Statement:

Individuals must possess these knowledges, skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

Eeo Statement:
Wheaton College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability. In a continuing effort to maintain and enrich an intellectually diverse learning environment, the Department and the College actively encourages applications from women and members of underrepresented groups. Wheaton’s core belief is that valuing diversity is pivotal to personal development, intellectual expansion, and societal equity. Our community is united by a shared dedication to equity and access that is essential to providing a transformative education in the Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Posting Date:
03/20/2025

Closing Date:


Open Until Filled:
Yes

Contact(s):
Office of Human Resources

Contact Phone/Extension:
508-286-8206

Contact Email:
careers@wheatoncollege.edu

Contact Fax:


Special Instructions to Candidates:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, cv, and a website (or portfolio including digital samples of 2D animation work, including student work samples if available) through the Wheaton College HR portal. Applicants are encouraged to include a statement of teaching philosophy and experience working with students. Please visit the Wheaton Pre-College program website to learn more about the program. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The federal government and the state of Massachusetts have made the decision to end the COVID-19 public health emergency. Effective June 1, 2023, the college will no longer require COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for members of our community. Rather, we strongly recommend that everyone stay up to date on their vaccinations, including boosters, as recommended by their health care provider. While we will no longer require COVID-19 vaccinations, we strongly encourage members of our campus community to adhere to public health recommendations for vaccination to protect against COVID-19, as well as influenza and other diseases.

References:


Supplemental Questions:

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Optional & Required Documents:
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. List of References

Optional Documents

1. Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness
2. Teaching Philosophy
3. Teaching Materials
4. Additional Documents 3
5. Additional Documents 4
6. Additional Documents 5
7. Media Link
8. Media Link 2

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI266060894

Apply Now