What are the responsibilities and job description for the Visual Arts Teacher position at Newton Country Day School?
Newton Country Day School is an independent, college preparatory school for girls in grades 5 through 12, rooted in the Sacred Heart tradition. Located in Newton, Massachusetts, Newton Country Day has been empowering girls to develop courage and confidence since 1880. Committed to whole-person education and guided by the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Schools, our highly intentional program centers on faith, intellect, social awareness, community building, and personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom.
Position Summary
Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart seeks a full-time Visual Arts teacher. The Visual Arts teacher will be responsible for creating a dynamic and engaging classroom environment that fosters creativity, artistic expression, and enthusiasm for the arts among the entire school community. This role requires a commitment to meeting the individual needs, interests, and abilities of each student while supporting the school’s mission and the Goals of Sacred Heart education. The Visual Arts teacher will plan and implement a comprehensive and rigorous program of study that helps each student discover their creative voice and potential. This position requires a versatile instructor capable of teaching students in grades 5-12, with a commitment to supporting diverse learning needs and serving in a highly relational learning environment. The successful candidate will be proficient in a diverse set of visual art techniques, possess strong interpersonal skills, and work effectively in a mission-driven environment.
Position Requirements
- Facilitate skill development and achievement in the visual arts program for students in grades 5-12
- Create a dynamic and engaging classroom environment that fosters creativity and artistic expression
- Tailor instruction to meet the individual needs, interests, and abilities of each student while adhering to the school’s mission and Goals
- Maintain a safe and positive learning environment
- Plan and implement a comprehensive curriculum that aligns with grade-level goals and objectives
- Prepare written lesson plans and develop curriculum using various instructional techniques and mediums
- Regularly assess student progress, prepare grade reports each term, and ensure all coursework is mapped effectively
- Set student-centered learning objectives and organize presentations to achieve these objectives
- Collaborate with colleagues across departments and school divisions
- Exhibit a commitment to lifelong learning by actively engaging in ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance teaching practice
- Attend all scheduled department and division meetings, contributing to the overall success of the school community
- Create a classroom environment that fosters belonging and inclusion
- Organize and maintain art supplies for assigned classrooms
- Participate actively in the life of the wider school community by serving as an advisor, a moderator for a grade level, and a moderator for a co-curricular student activity; participating in weekly community time; attending occasional evening and weekend events; and other duties as assigned
- Faculty are encouraged to serve as athletic team coaches. Full-time faculty receive a stipend for coaching.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Art Education or Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art
- 2-3 years of experience teaching visual art in a formal classroom setting
- Strong ability to organize student work for public exhibitions, print publications, and adjudications/contests
- Proven collaboration skills with a genuine interest in developing cross-curricular projects
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to engage and effectively communicate with students, colleagues, and parents/caregivers
- Self-directed, organized, motivated, and committed to ongoing professional development
- Proficient in a wide range of artistic mediums, including but not limited to illustration, acrylic, watercolor, oil paint, and mixed media
- Commitment to inclusive, student-centered learning approaches
- Alignment with the Sacred Heart educational mission to educate the whole child
- Additional highly desirable qualifications include:
- Master's degree in Art Education or a related field
- Expertise in 3D installation design, sculpture, ceramics
- Proficiency in graphic design and digital art tools such as Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Procreate
- Experience in animation, comic book illustration, fashion design, or photography
Physical Requirements
This position requires the ability to move about the classroom and campus, including standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 25 pounds. Teachers must be able to supervise students in both indoor and outdoor settings, operate standard classroom technology, and engage in active instruction throughout the school day. Visual and auditory acuity are essential for communication, classroom management, and student safety.
Send resume and cover letter to Ellen Levine: elevine@newtonSH.org
https://www.newtoncountryday.org/about/jobopportunities