ETS, Visual Arts Teacher, DVUS /CRLS, Updated: 09/08/26

Position:  Extended Term Substitute (ETS), Visual Arts Teacher 

              Available September 2026 through October 2026

              Visual & Performing Arts Department/CRLS/DVUS

Overview of Cambridge Public Schools:

Cambridge is a vibrant, diverse city as well as a central hub of the nation’s innovative economy. Educating approximately 7,000 students PreK–12 , the Cambridge Public Schools consists of diverse and dedicated faculty, cutting-edge technology, and innovative programs. While each of the CPS school communities is unique, they are joined in a shared vision of rigorous, joyful, and culturally responsive learning. Over 30% of CPS students speak a language other than English at home, and more than 70 languages are represented across the district. Our schools proudly embrace this linguistic and cultural diversity while striving to establish high expectations for all students

Teaching Locations:

This Visual Arts Teacher position is both to teach visual arts at Darby Vassal Upper School (.8), and adaptive visual arts for the Autism Spectrum program (SCALE)  at Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School (.2) 

SCALE Program:

SCALE stands for Social, Communication, Academic, and Life Skills Education. It is an eleven-month substantially separate program for scholars who require intensive, specially designed instruction in any or all of these areas in a specialized classroom setting. A majority of our scholars are on the Autism Spectrum; however, we provide services to students with a range of disabilities. We serve students throughout elementary, middle, and high school and also have a Post Graduate Program for young adults aged 18-22 who continue to qualify for special education services.

The Opportunity:

Darby Vassal Upper School, in partnership with the Visual and Performing Arts Department, seeks a confident, creative, social-justice oriented, and compassionate teaching artist to lead and enhance the vision for an already vibrant arts program. The Visual Arts Teacher will teach grades 6-8 Art classes and report both to the principal and the Director of the Visual and Performing Arts Department (VPA).  Please note that this position is shared at two schools. The teacher will also teach visual arts for the SCALE program at the high school.  .8 time will be at DVUS, and .2 in the scale program at CRLS for a full-time substitute role.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Teach visual arts classes to grades 6-8 at Darby Vassal
• Teach visual arts classes in the SCALE program at the high school CRLS 
• Implement a rigorous and balanced standards-based art curriculum, including drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, and printmaking
• Demonstrate artistic skill using a wide variety of 2D and 3D media
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners
• Demonstrate flexibility and compassion, while maintaining high expectations for student achievement
• Demonstrate strong classroom management skills
• Employ instructional methods that motivate students to continue to pursue study in the visual arts community
• Collaborate with school faculty to develop an interdisciplinary curriculum and work with challenging students
• Organize and participate in exhibitions of student work on and off campus
• Contribute to departmental and school-wide curriculum projects and other initiatives
• Steward the careful use of supplies, equipment, and teaching resources
• Work closely with the other full-time upper school visual arts teacher to align the curriculum    

Your Skill Set:

As the incoming Visual Arts Teacher Substitute, you will possess many, though perhaps not all, of the following characteristics and qualifications:

• You have 2 years’ experience leading visual arts instruction in an urban, multicultural setting in 6-8.
• You are a culturally responsive educator with a strong sense of social justice and equity.
• You have experience and practice working with diverse learners, including students with special needs. Please have experience/knowledge of working with students with special needs and autism in high school.
• You possess a high degree of comfort working with colleagues to build and refine engaging, standards-based learning experiences that are responsive to the needs and interests of the communities you serve.  
• You bring a collaborative disposition, eager to partner with classroom teachers, VPA staff, and other team members in the district on behalf of our students and families. 
• You possess excellent classroom management skills and use appropriate, authentic assessment strategies to monitor student progress.
• You are able to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners and adjust practice to meet the needs of all students.
• You possess strong organizational skills, setting up structures that allow you to manage your own work effectively and position colleagues for success. 
• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.
• Massachusetts Licensure for Elementary Art is required.

How to Join Our Team: 

Apply online at www.cpsd.us. Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this opportunity.

At the Cambridge Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, we welcome and encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves when considering employment opportunities within our school district.