Art Teacher

Founded in 1997, Think Together partners with schools to change the odds for kids by providing award-winning programs during and outside the school day. We’re one of California’s largest nonprofits working in school districts from San Diego to San Francisco. Whether you’re interested in early learning, elementary, middle or high school, you can invest in your community by working at a local school or working within our home office providing support!

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Coordinator of Teaching and Learning, Supplemental, the Art Teacher provides specialized expertise in their assigned discipline (Visual Arts, Theatre, Dance, or Music) through the Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Content Standards and Framework for California Public Schools. Supports sequential, standards-based instruction for students, fostering a positive environment for learning, creativity, and personal growth. Builds effective rapport with students, collaborates with staff and families, and helps students develop skills and knowledge that provide a foundation for future participation in the arts.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teach lessons aligned to the California VAPA Content Standards in the assigned discipline (e.g., visual arts, theatre, dance, music).
• Provide sequential instruction using discipline-specific techniques, tools, and practices (e.g., painting, acting, movement, performance, instrumental/vocal music).
• Develop and support partnerships with community organizations to enrich VAPA education.
• Collaborate with staff and administration to plan and organize performances, showcases, or exhibitions.
• Attend staff meetings, parent conferences, and evening school programs, which may include school performances, that require student supervision.
• Instruct students in citizenship, basic communication skills, and other elements of the course of study specified in state law and District Administrative Regulations and procedures.
• Develop lesson plans and instructional materials and provide scaffolded lessons in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each student.
• Translate lesson plans into learning experiences to best utilize the available time for instruction.
• Establish and maintain standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Report progress of students to classroom teachers and parents as needed in accordance with VAPA standards each trimester.
• Communicate with parents through a variety of means.
• Identify student needs and cooperate with other professional staff members in assessing and helping students solve health, attitude, and learning problems.
• Create an effective environment for learning and collaborate with site administration for appropriate storage for program-specific equipment and materials (e.g., art supplies, costumes, instruments).
• Maintains professional competence through participation in service education activities provided by the district, school, and/or in self-selected professional growth activities.
• Perform basic attendance accounting and business services as required.
• Plan and coordinate the work of instructional assistants and other paraprofessionals.
• Perform other duties as required.
  
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Candidates that have 2 years of practical/professional experience in area of arts concentration.
• Successful experience teaching in grades TK-8 is preferred.
  
  
  

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Must pass Live Scan (criminal background check via fingerprinting).
• Provide a clear TB test.
  
  
  

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Recognized expertise in standards-based instruction, curriculum design, effective instructional strategies and techniques, assessment tools and professional development delivery systems specifically in the visual and performing arts disciplines.
• Effective classroom management techniques.
• Social emotional needs of students, along with an understanding of how to support student social emotional development needs.
• Strong knowledge of culturally responsive and culturally relevant teaching.
• Effective strategies for meeting the needs of various learners, to include English language learners.
• Curriculum, instruction, and assessment processes and how they should operate in an effective school.
• Applicable sections of State Education Code and other applicable state publications, such as curriculum frameworks.
• Technology and computer software applications relative to instruction and administration.
• California Standards for the Teaching Profession.
  
  
  

ABILITY TO

• Demonstrate talent for successfully working with students in the Visual Arts.
• Stimulate and motivate students to learn.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with students, school personnel, parents, coworkers, and the public.
• Communicate effectively in the English language, both orally and in writing.
• Disposition to connect with parents who speak another language than English, not allowing language barriers to get in the way of communication.
• Meet schedules and timelines.
• Work independently with appropriate direction.
• Engage in collaborative teamwork in an effort to improve student achievement.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Learn and use technology and computer software applications as appropriate to the everchanging work environment.
• Use tact, patience, and courtesy when dealing with people.
• Use initiative and judgment in discussing problems with the public and district staff, involving office practices and policies.
• Understand and be sensitive to those of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds by being culturally competent.
  
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS ENVIRONMENT

• Indoor/outdoor Classroom and Playground environment.
• Moderate noise (examples typical school noise with children at play).
  
  
  

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• Seeing to monitor student work and read materials.
• Hearing and speaking accurately to exchange information.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate instructional equipment.
• Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students.
• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
• Lifting or moving objects, normally not exceeding thirty (30) pounds.
  
  
  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Must be available for the entire shift schedule.
  
  
  

COMPUTER SKILLS

• Word processing
• Use typical office equipment, E-mail, and Internet software.
• Web browsing and electronic file management.
• Zoom, Google Classroom, and other digital platforms.
  
  
  

Think Together is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, religious creed, physical disability, mental disability, age for individuals age 40 and over, medical condition (as defined by state law (for example, cancer or genetic characteristics or HIV/AIDS), marital status, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.