The Montessori Academy of Colorado is a metropolitan school that engages each child through innovative academics, exploration of character, and a fearless, forward mindset.

Job Title: Art Lead Teacher (Primary-8th Grade)

Department: Specials

Reports To: Upper Division Director 

Employee Classification: Full-Time, Exempt 

Salary Range: $45,000 to $55,000 per year

Job Summary

The Art Lead Teacher is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive art program that aligns with the Montessori educational philosophy. This position involves teaching art to students ranging from Primary (2.5-6 years old) through 8th grade, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a love for the arts. The Art Lead Teacher will create an inclusive, supportive, and stimulating learning environment that encourages students to express themselves through various artistic media. This position is responsible for creating curriculum and lesson implementation as well as finding and collaborating with local artists and promoting the program. The Art Lead Teacher is in charge of communication regarding the program to the leadership team, teachers and the families along with collaborating with the entire Specials team in regards to showcasing student work. The ideal candidate for this position is creative, flexible, and enjoys working with a wide range of students. 

MAC seeks to build on the strong arts education foundation that is already in place. MAC’s goal is to be known and respected as a local and national leader in PreK - 8th grade arts education. The Art Lead is a critical part of realizing this goal. Some ways that this looks include but are not limited to: 

• MAC hosts at least one signature arts events annually that are attended by the greater Denver community 
• MAC’s middle school offers a signature arts program that is unique to MAC, including using a wide variety of mediums and also integrating art history 
• Arts at MAC follow the Montessori pedagogy of student leadership. A successful Art Lead will empower students to create their own artwork and express their unique voices through art
• MAC students enter high school as leaders in the arts programs of their choice
• MAC’s art program becomes a platform for integration into the Curtis Park community
• MAC has a robust Artist in Residence Program that is coordinated by the Art Lead 

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Own growing and cultivating a robust, dynamic, and engaging art program that is reflective of the MAC mission.
• Use current curriculum and continue to create and document a developmentally appropriate art curriculum that is aligned with the Montessori curriculum. 
• Create and document weekly lesson plans that scaffold skills for all students. 
• Collaborate with Lead classroom teachers to communicate current curriculum and integrate classroom studies into the art program. 
• Collaborate with the Specials team to integrate art across the curriculum and support interdisciplinary learning.
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians to share upcoming projects and art-related events.
• Promote the MAC art program at parent and fundraising events.
• Engage with community members to create a strong working relationship with businesses and related experts in the field. 
• Minimum of two going outs (field trips) per year. 
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, files, and planning of student progress and achievements.
• Confirm and schedule artists two months in advance
• Work with gala liaison to structure artist recognition, display of art and hosting artist at the Gala
• Participate in school-wide activities, meetings, and professional development opportunities.
• Use class budget to maintain and refresh any supplies needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe art studio environment as the art studio should be a showcase for the program. 
• Ensure the proper use and care of art supplies and equipment.
• Implement and enforce safety procedures for all art activities. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree (related degree in Fine Arts or Art Education preferred)
• Prior teaching experience leading a classroom, serving a range of age groups, particularly early childhood through middle school.
• Group lead qualified or willingness to obtain certification within 6 months (teaching license preferred) 
• Excellent classroom management skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the students, families, faculty, and staff
• Creativity, flexibility, and a passion for teaching art.
• Detail oriented, organized and has the ability to manage multiple projects
• Criminal background check required upon hire

MAC is committed to caring for and investing in our employees by offering a generous benefit package, including the potential for paid Montessori training, 35 paid holidays annually, 10 Paid Time Off days, 3 Paid Professional Development days, health, dental and vision insurance, a 403b retirement plan with match, employer paid life insurance plan, and voluntary life insurance, critical illness and short term disability plans, and RTD EcoPass.

MAC is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive environment, free of discrimination or harassment, for its community. MAC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, immigration/citizen status, age, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, disability, socio-economic status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit fact. Any person with a concern or allegation of discrimination or harassment shall report it to MAC’s Compliance Coordinator. More information is available on our website.