2024-2025 Sequential Art Instructor

Description

The Chicago High School for the Arts seeks an instructor for the Sequential Art course for the 2024 - 2025 school year in the Visual Arts department.

Job Identification: 

Title: Sequential Art Instructor

Department: Visual Arts Conservatory

Classification: Part-time instructor

General Summary: 

The Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts ®) develops the next generation of artistically gifted, diverse scholar artists through intensive pre-professional training in the arts, combined with a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. The school approaches the development of students through a whole-student approach and through a continuous learning environment for all staff to continuously develop their understanding of our scholar-artists. We strive to build upon and improve our practices to make sure we are always serving all of our students to the best of our abilities. 

Sequential Art (Senior Elective Studio Course): 3-hour studio class takes place on Tuesdays from 2 pm - 5 pm.

Sequential Art is a Senior-level course that examines the theories of visual storytelling and the practice of bookmaking. Students will learn how to convey a narrative through visual and sequential means and explore subjects such as pacing, shots, layouts, and lettering through a series of hands-on projects. Through the close examination of graphic novels, plays, and films, students will produce comics, cartoons,  picture books, zines, or animatics as they explore their own sensibility in visual storytelling.

Job responsibilities:

• Embrace and promote the ChiArts vision, mission, educational approach, goals, and core values
• Prepare structured lessons that encourage and foster skill development, critical thinking, applications, and ethics
• Instruct conservatory-level courses, serving students with various learning styles, abilities, and needs
• Employ outstanding classroom management skills and implement the school code of conduct
• Regularly assess student achievement, skill mastery, and career development skills.
• Submit unit plans on a timely basis
• Manage classroom administration and record keeping including grades, attendance records, student progress, and documentation of student work
• Manage studio material inventory and equipment: ordering and upkeep
• Manage studio set up and break down of equipment and furniture
• Document student work for digital portfolio files
• Regularly communicate with students, parents, and other ChiArts staff to share artistic progress, encourage positive behavior, and resolve behavioral and artistic issues
• Attend and participate in faculty and administrative meetings, parent conferences, open houses, other school functions, and in-service professional development sessions
• Collaborate with the staff to develop “best practices” tailored to the unique philosophy and instructional approach of ChiArts and to the needs of its student population
• Collaborate with other ChiArts artistic and academic faculty and the larger arts community
• Perform other duties as the needs of the school and the needs of the students may demand (e.g., competitions, exhibitions, etc.)
• Work with academic staff to ensure students’ overall success at ChiArts

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities/Attributes: 

• Minimum (7) years of professional experience in the visual arts field 
• Minimum (4) years of previous teaching experience at a pre-professional or professional level, experience working with high school students is preferred but may not be required
• Bachelor’s degree and Illinois State Teacher Certification are preferred, but may not be required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong portfolio with a focus on graphic design and sequential art

Working Conditions:

Job Hazards: This position requires a fingerprint and background check conducted by Chicago Public Schools. 

Job Tasks: Must be able to lift up to 35 lbs.

Travel Requirements: This position does not require travel as part of the job responsibilities however travel may be required to attend professional development/conferences. 

Salary and Benefits:

Part-time position.

Pay will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Application Process

Qualified applicants should apply online at www.chiarts.org and upload the following documents:

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume  
3. Contact Information for 3-5 Professional References; do not include letters of recommendation.

Applicants who do not follow the submission directions will not be considered.  Please be aware that every item listed on a resume is subject to verification, and that any offer of employment is contingent on a successful background check. 

ChiArts has a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency. Our aim is to maintain an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace in order to most effectively achieve our mission and secure the best possible outcomes for our students.

Please visit www.chiarts.org for more information.