Lower School Art Teacher

Objective
To foster a dynamic and creative learning environment that engages students in the art curriculum and concepts through student-centered, differentiated instruction. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare engaging, age appropriate lessons that reflect extensive knowledge of the fine arts curriculum and student development and abilities.
• Implement lessons that foster creativity while teaching fundamental art skills and concepts to students in 1st through 4th grades. 
• Introduce students to various art forms, techniques, and materials (i.e. painting, sculpting, mixed media, sketching, drawing).
• Utilize a variety of teaching methods to meet the needs of students with diverse backgrounds and learning styles.
• Develop student interest and appreciation for creative expression.
• Develop the individual talents of students in the field of art.
• Manage the Lower School art gallery spaces and plan and present art displays to exhibit students’ and guest artists’ work.
• Instruct students in the proper care and use of tools and equipment.
• Organize, inventory, and monitor the use of materials, tools, and equipment.  
• Manage the Lower School visual art department budget. Order materials, tools, and equipment, as needed.
• Demonstrate strong classroom management 
• Work with the performing arts program in the creation of stage sets and other needs.
• Monitor students’ progress, strengths, and weaknesses, and communicate these when necessary to parents/guardians and administrators.
• Use a variety of assessment methods including observation, portfolios, and projects. 
• Guide students in the creation of robust portfolios that document their creations and collaborate with the arts department to find creative ways to celebrate and showcase student talent.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the lower school to integrate art into other subject areas. 
• Attend and contribute in full, divisional, departmental, and team faculty meetings.
• Serve on the Lower School May Day committee and oversee the design of the May Day t-shirts. 
• Take an active role in professional activities and attend relevant professional meetings and conferences.
• Stay abreast of the latest advances in art education.

Work Environment
This job operates in a professional school environment.  

Position Type
This is a full-time position with teaching responsibilities from August – May.  As with any independent school, faculty should be ready to chaperone class trips, perform typical day-to-day duties such as lunch and carpool duties, and engage fully in all school events that develop the student.

• Bachelor’s degree in art, art education, or related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of three years teaching experience preferred.  
• Demonstrate extensive knowledge of lower school art and pedagogy.
• Ability to demonstrate and apply elements of design and modern principles of art.
• Proficiency in a variety of art techniques and materials. 
• Represent the school in the larger community in a positive manner that reflects the values of the school.
• Ability to interface and maintain effective relationships with students, faculty, administrators, and parents/guardians.
• High degree of cultural competency and demonstrated commitment to working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Maintain a passion for art and teaching with a commitment to providing a positive learning experience for students. 
• Professional written and verbal communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Google Suite required.