6-8 Visual Arts Teacher

Head-Royce School is seeking a culturally responsive, flexible, enthusiastic, and innovative Visual Arts teacher to teach Studio Art and Ceramics. We seek to develop artists by establishing an appropriate and engaging learning environment and offering varied learning activities. Our faculty create classrooms that encourage students to participate in experiential learning, take risks, view the world through multiple lenses, utilize innovative tools, and demonstrate proficiencies through a range of assessments that include real-world problems and performances.

The Visual & Performing Arts Department at Head-Royce endeavors to create a student-centered program that teaches the skills and language of the arts through meaningful, experiential, project-based learning. Across the visual and performing arts, students are engaged in creative pursuits with an emphasis on process, connection to our community, and student choice and ownership. Since the Arts both actively shape and reflect the cultural expression of a community, we strive to advance a plurality of diverse perspectives, fostering an environment of inclusivity that promotes mutual respect and empathy.

Head-Royce teachers serve as advisors, club sponsors and participate in the life of the community. We seek applicants who have a strong academic background, experience in anti-racist pedagogy, an awareness of ecological literacy, an understanding of adolescents, and a genuine fondness for working with students at this specific age level.

Job Responsibilities-The primary responsibility will be to plan, instruct, and assess a project-based Media Arts course for 6th through 8th-grade students, integrating the following:

Design and deliver lessons in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, and other art forms.

Guide students through the full creative process from concept development to production, including proper care and use of tools and equipment.

Develop and maintain a structured project-based curriculum aligned with school-wide learning outcomes and studio arts standards.

Foster visual arts literacy by helping students learn about fundamental art techniques, artists from various cultural traditions, and art historical movements.

Provide timely, constructive feedback on student work and maintain accurate records of student progress and grades.

Collaborate with colleagues on cross-curricular projects and school-wide events involving visual arts display.

Maintain a safe, inclusive, and materials-rich classroom environment conducive to creative exploration.

Serve as an Advisor to a group of middle school students.

Job Specifications

Expertise in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, and other art forms.

Experience with clay, glazes, kiln operation, hand and wheel throwing techniques, and studio safety.

Thorough understanding of art history and contemporary critical discourse around art practice.

Collaborative, collegial, flexible colleague with the Visual and Performing Arts Department.

Familiarity with Project Zero’s Studio Habits of Mind.

Clear communicator with students, colleagues and parents.

Strong organizational skills.

Demonstrated understanding of and curiosity regarding curriculum design, varied pedagogical approaches as well as different styles and types of assessment.

Other Duties

Required Skills

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Visual Arts, Education, or a related field (Master's preferred).

Valid teaching credential or demonstrated equivalent experience in a school or educational setting.

Prior experience teaching or working with middle school-aged students strongly preferred.

Demonstrated experience with both 2-D and 3-D art forms.

Ability to provide Livescan fingerprint clearance, SB848 and TB clearance prior to employment.