Arts: Middle School Visual Arts Educator

La Jolla Country Day School is seeking a creative, student-centered, and collaborative Middle School Visual Arts Educator to join our community with the start of the 2026-2027 academic year. They will inspire and guide students in grades 5–8 as they develop their artistic voice, technical skills, and confidence. This position is part of a dynamic and robust Arts department comprised of passionate educators who are practicing artists and who believe deeply that all people are artists.

This role focuses on delivering engaging, developmentally responsive visual arts instruction across a wide range of 2D and 3D media, while fostering a studio environment grounded in curiosity, experimentation, and joyful collaboration.

Why Join La Jolla Country Day School?

We are a mission-driven educational community that values creativity, dignity, equity, and belonging. Our Arts department believes in meeting students where they are, encouraging thoughtful risk-taking, and nurturing steady growth over time. If you are motivated by teaching young artists, building confidence through process and practice, and contributing to a collaborative artistic community, we would love to meet you.

Our Arts Department Beliefs

All Torreys are Artists. Beginning at age 3, LJCDS students are empowered to discover and develop their unique creative voice through meaningful practice and joyful collaboration.

Lead with Creativity. Students own their artistic journey, inspiring and guiding others as leaders and mentors across grade levels.

Think Boldly, Grow Fearlessly. LJCDS nurtures curiosity, risk-taking, and imagination, teaching students to view challenges as opportunities and failure as fuel for creative growth.

 What You’ll Do

• Teaching & Curriculum
  • Teach two sections of 5th grade visual art and two sections of 6th grade visual art.
  • Teach one combined 7th/8th grade visual arts elective.
  • Design and deliver developmentally responsive lessons that build artistic skill, voice, and confidence.
  • Engage both beginning and experienced artists through thoughtful instruction, strong technique, and meaningful creative choice.
  • Incorporate a wide range of media, including drawing, painting (oil, watercolor, acrylic), printmaking, fiber arts, and ceramics.
• Studio Culture & Student Support
  • Establish and maintain clear expectations for student behavior and studio culture.
  • Model a high standard of care for materials, tools, and shared spaces.
  • Confer with students individually and in groups to support learning and artistic growth.
  • Supervise students during assigned out-of-class activities as needed.
• Community Engagement & Collaboration
  • Communicate regularly with parents/guardians, including formal written reports several times per year.
  • Participate actively in departmental curriculum development, assessment, and arts engagement initiatives.
  • Attend faculty, department, grade-level, and school meetings as required.
  • Participate in at least one Outdoor Education Program with students.
  • Use social media and other platforms to promote student work and build community around the arts.

Who You Are

• Student-Centered Educator: You believe all students are artists and are committed to meeting learners where they are.
• Creative & Skilled Practitioner: You bring a broad studio art background and value experimentation, critique, and exhibition.
• Strong Communicator: You build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues through clear, empathetic communication.
• Collaborative Team Member: You enjoy contributing to a department and school community that values shared purpose and growth.
• Adaptable & Engaged: You approach your work with curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to grow.

 Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in visual art or a related field (or equivalent professional experience) required.
• Prior teaching experience required; independent school experience preferred.
• Broad studio art background, including experience with portfolio development, critique, and student exhibition.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work diplomatically with students, colleagues, and families.
• Comfort using social media and digital platforms to promote arts programming.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and/or weekends.

Work Environment & Expectations

• Full-time, in-person, campus-based teaching role.
• Typical school setting with variable noise levels, particularly during events.
• Active role requiring standing, movement, and hands-on work with art materials.
• Participation in school programs and activities beyond the classroom, including Outdoor Education.

 To Be Considered, please submit:

• Your current resume or CV,
• A cover letter describing your teaching philosophy, artistic background, and interest in joining the LJCDS community, and
• A sample lesson plan