Founded in 1961, Sandy Spring Friends School is a progressive, coed, academically-rigorous day and boarding school serving approximately 700 students from age three through 12th grade. The campus is located on 140 acres in the historic Sandy Spring area of Montgomery County, Maryland, and the School is approved by the Maryland State Board of Education and accredited by the Association of Independent Maryland Schools.

Our school’s culture, rooted in the idea that collaboration engenders achievement, can be traced to our Quaker heritage and abiding belief in the Quaker values of simplicity, equality, integrity, stewardship of the environment, and peaceful resolution of conflict.

Summary: The Lower School Art Teacher provides integral specialty area content for students across the spectrum of age groups within the division. This position reports directly to the Head of the Lower School.

Responsibilities:

• Teaches two sections of Lower School Art for each level, Preschool 3 through 3rd Grade

• Collaborates with teachers across content areas to make visible the art in everything

• Develops, documents, and implements a scope & sequence in early childhood and elementary art (PK-3) that is research-informed and standards-aligned

• Implements accommodations and modifies instructional processes to address and support learner variability, in collaboration with the student resource team

• Monitors and evaluates student outcomes through qualitative and quantitative assessment and student portfolios

• Maintains regular reporting to parents through direct communications, parent conferences, parent conference notes, and progress reports

• Integrates social-emotional learning routines and practices aligned with Quaker education and Responsive Classroom® practices for the development of self regulation in a communal learning environment

• Assists with Admissions responsibilities, which may include Open Houses, tours

• Participates in community events including OPOP and community day, and arts integration beyond the classroom

• Engaging fully in all professional development opportunities provided by SSFS

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in an art-related discipline, elementary education, or similar field

• Demonstrated classroom teaching experience working with early elementary-aged children; including experience teaching art

• Technology proficiency with Google Suite

• Thoughtful and professional communicator skilled in fostering partnerships with adults and children

• A passionate educator and lifelong learner with an understanding of child development through a whole-child lens

Please note that the School has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, which requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination, which includes a bivalent dose of the vaccine given on or after 9/1/2022.

Physical Requirements: The ability to navigate stairs as part of daily routines; mobility around a large campus with uneven pavement; bending and squatting as required to participate in activities; sitting and standing for long periods of time during the school day; lifting/carrying boxes up to 25 pounds; and the ability to maneuver as necessary within a regular classroom and office setting.

Commitment to Diversity: Sandy Spring Friends School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or a person's status as a qualified candidate with a disability in administration of its educational program, admission policies, financial aid program, staff hiring, and other school-administered programs.