Job Identification:

Title: 3D Junior Elective Instructor

Department: Visual Arts Conservatory

Classification: Part-time instructor

General Summary:

The Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts ®) develops the next generation of artistically gifted, diverse scholar artists through intensive pre-professional training in the arts, combined with a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. The school approaches the development of students through a whole-student approach and through a continuous learning environment for all staff to continuously develop their understanding of our scholar-artists. We strive to build upon and improve our practices to make sure we are always serving all of our students to the best of our abilities.

The Chicago High School for the Arts seeks an instructor for the 3D Junior Elective course for Semester 1 of the 2024-2025 school year in the Visual Arts department.

The 3D Junior Elective instructor supports the mission of the school by fostering a safe, healthy, and inspiring learning community for students and teachers. The 3D Junior Elective course is a semester-long, 3-hour studio class that takes place on Fridays from 2 pm - 5 pm.

The 3D Junior Elective dedicates time for students to explore various themes, topics, and approaches in the sculpture studio. Students will explore a variety of conventional and unconventional media with a special emphasis on developing a strong conceptual understanding and sensitive use of craft. Aided by raw material exploration, research, selected readings, and critical discussions, students will begin to polish and refine an approach to mixed media that will set the stage for more critical and dynamic use of materials. Candidates will propose a class based on a specific theme, material, and technique.

Job responsibilities:

Classroom and professional duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Embrace and promote the ChiArts vision, mission, educational approach, goals, and core values.

• Prepare structured lessons that encourage and foster skill development, critical thinking, applications, and ethics.

• Instruct conservatory-level courses, serving students with various learning styles, abilities, and needs.

• Employ outstanding classroom management skills and implement the school code of conduct.

• Regularly assess student achievement, skill mastery, and career development skills.

• Submit unit plans on a timely basis.

• Manage classroom administration and record keeping including grades, attendance records, student progress, and documentation of student work.

• Manage studio material inventory and equipment: ordering and upkeep.

• Manage studio setup and breakdown of equipment and furniture.

• Document student work for digital portfolio files.

• Regularly communicate with students, parents, and other ChiArts staff to share artistic progress, encourage positive behavior, and resolve behavioral and artistic issues.

• Attend and participate in faculty and administrative meetings, parent conferences, open houses, other school functions, and in-service professional development sessions.

• Collaborate with the staff to develop “best practices” tailored to the unique philosophy and instructional approach of ChiArts and to the needs of its student population.

• Collaborate with other ChiArts artistic and academic faculty and the larger arts community.

• Perform other duties as the needs of the school and the needs of the students may demand (e.g., competitions, exhibits.)

• Work with academic staff to ensure student’s overall success at ChiArts.

knowledge, Skills, and Abilities/Attributes:

• Minimum (7) years of professional experience in the visual arts field.

• Minimum (4) years of previous teaching experience at a pre-professional or professional level, experience working with high school students is preferred, but not required.

• MFA and Illinois State Teacher Certification is preferred but not required.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Excellent classroom management skills.

• Experience in lesson planning.

• Comfort working in a high-accountability school culture.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Proven organizational skills.

• Proven ability to work with a diverse population.

• High regard for student potential and an ability to provide opportunities for students to develop and succeed.

• Willingness to be bold and creative in pursuit of what is best for students.

• Able to adapt and improve in changing situations.

Working Conditions:

Job Hazards: This position requires a fingerprint and background check conducted by Chicago Public Schools.

Job Tasks: Must be able to lift up to 35 lbs.

Travel Requirements: This position does not require travel as part of the job responsibilities; however, travel may be required to attend professional development/conferences.

Salary and Benefits:

Part-time position.

Pay will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Application Process

Qualified applicants should apply online at www.chiarts.org and upload the following documents:

• Cover Letter

• Resume

• Contact Information for 3-5 Professional References; do not include letters of recommendation.

Applicants who do not follow the submission directions will not be considered. Please be aware that every item listed on a resume is subject to verification and that any offer of employment is contingent on a successful background check.

ChiArts has a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency. Our aim is to maintain an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace in order to most effectively achieve our mission and secure the best possible outcomes for our students.

Please visit www.chiarts.org for more information.