Notice of Vacancy

POSITION:

Elementary .6 Art Teacher

LOCATION: KH Alpine Elementary

START DATE/CALENDAR: August 1, 2026

SALARY/BENEFITS: As outlined in the KHEA Master Agreement

SUMMARY

Kenowa Hills Public Schools is seeking a creative, collaborative, and student-centered educator to serve as a .6 Elementary Art Teacher at Alpine Elementary. The ideal candidate will create engaging and developmentally appropriate art experiences that foster creativity, self-expression, problem-solving, and artistic confidence while supporting the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth of all learners.

Successful candidates will demonstrate strong classroom management, relationship-building skills, and the ability to create safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environments that encourage student voice, creativity, and exploration through the visual arts.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED)

• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with an Art Education endorsement, or ability to obtain one prior to employment
• Bachelor’s degree in Art Education, Fine Arts, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated knowledge of Michigan Visual Arts Standards and grade-level benchmarks
• Experience with elementary-aged students through student teaching, practicum, or prior employment
• Ability to design and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons across multiple grade levels (K–5)
• Strong classroom management skills that promote creativity, inclusion, safety, and student engagement
• Commitment to equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive instructional practices
• Willingness to participate in district-provided training opportunities, including CPI, CPR/First Aid, and district instructional initiatives
• Experience with or willingness to support Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), small group instruction, and differentiated learning environments

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Art Education, Fine Arts, Education, or related field preferred
• Experience integrating art with other core content areas, including STEAM, literacy, mathematics, and social studies
• Proficiency with a variety of media and techniques, including 2D, 3D, digital art, ceramics, painting, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media
• Experience curating student artwork for school or community exhibitions
• Familiarity with Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH), Responsive Classroom, or similar relationship-centered practices
• Experience working with diverse learners and supporting inclusion for students with disabilities or special needs
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with classroom teachers, families, and administrators

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Passionate about helping students express themselves creatively and develop confidence through the arts
• Flexible, resourceful, and organized in managing materials, schedules, and multiple grade levels
• Positive, collaborative, and eager to contribute to a supportive school culture
• Strong relationship-builder who values creativity, student voice, and inclusive learning environments

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver engaging, standards-aligned visual arts instruction across multiple elementary grade levels
• Design and facilitate hands-on learning experiences that promote creativity, artistic exploration, critical thinking, and problem-solving
• Promote a personalized approach to education, including student voice, choice, project-based learning, portfolio development, and authentic artistic experiences
• Prepare course objectives and instructional plans aligned with district curriculum and Michigan Visual Arts Standards
• Utilize differentiated instructional practices and a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework to meet varying student needs
• Facilitate instruction through whole group, small group, and individualized learning opportunities
• Establish and maintain classroom routines, expectations, and procedures consistent with district and building practices
• Support and implement the tenets of Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) and relationship-centered classroom practices
• Observe and evaluate student performance, behavior, social development, and engagement and communicate progress with families and staff as needed
• Prepare materials, organize classroom spaces, and maintain safe and orderly studio environments
• Utilize a variety of media, instructional tools, and technology resources to maximize student engagement and creativity
• Collaborate with classroom teachers and support staff to enhance instruction and support interdisciplinary learning opportunities
• Implement IEPs, 504 Plans, intervention strategies, and instructional accommodations with fidelity
• Support students with varying academic, behavioral, social-emotional, sensory, and regulatory needs, including students who may demonstrate disruptive, dysregulated, unsafe, or escalated behaviors
• Implement classroom management, de-escalation, and student support strategies aligned with district practices and training
• Maintain safe and organized art learning environments, including appropriate supervision and use of art materials, tools, equipment, and technology
• Facilitate hands-on, project-based learning experiences while maintaining appropriate safety procedures and classroom expectations
• Maintain attendance and academic records as required by the district
• Participate in professional learning and continuous improvement aligned with district initiatives and instructional practices

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. This is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position requires the ability to:

• Stand, walk, and move throughout classrooms and art learning environments for extended periods of time
• Bend, kneel, crouch, squat, reach, and work at student level during instruction and hands-on activities
• Lift, carry, move, and organize classroom materials, art supplies, storage containers, drying racks, and instructional resources (up to 50 pounds)
• Use hands and arms to safely operate instructional technology, art tools, equipment, and classroom resources
• Communicate effectively with students, staff, and families

The work environment may include:

• Frequent movement, transitions, collaborative group work, and moderate to occasionally high noise levels
• Hands-on instruction involving paint, clay, art tools, mixed media materials, and project-based learning activities
• Exposure to art-related materials, cleaning supplies, and varying classroom conditions
• Supporting students with varying academic, behavioral, social-emotional, sensory, and regulatory needs

This role also requires:

• The ability to maintain a safe, structured, engaging, and organized learning environment
• The ability to supervise students during active, collaborative, and project-based learning experiences
• The ability to respond calmly and appropriately to student needs and classroom situations in real time
• The ability to implement instructional strategies, interventions, and behavior supports with consistency and fidelity
• Collaboration with colleagues and support staff in a fast-paced educational environment

WORK LOCATION REQUIREMENT

This position is an in-person role requiring regular, on-site attendance. The essential functions of this position cannot be performed remotely.

DEADLINE DATE

Until Filled

NOTE TO APPLICANTS

Pursuant to PA 131, the selected candidate must receive clearance from the Michigan State Police Department prior to employment. The candidate is responsible for the background check fee.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

Kenowa Hills Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), age, disability, height, weight, marital status, genetic information, military status, or any other legally protected status in its programs, services, activities, or employment opportunities.

Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies should be directed to:

Director of Human Resources
Kenowa Hills Public Schools
2325 Four Mile Road NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49544
Phone: 616-784-2511

Applicants who require accommodation to participate in the application or interview process are encouraged to contact Human Resources.