2025-2026 Intro to Digital Photography Instructor

Description

Job Identification:

Title: Intro to Digital Photography 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. 

The Chicago High School for the Arts seeks an instructor for the Intro to Digital Photography course for the 2025-2026 school year in the Visual Arts department.

Position Overview: 

The Intro to Digital Photography Instructor supports the mission of the school by fostering a safe, healthy, and inspiring learning community for students and teachers. Digital Photography I (First Year core course) is a 3-hour studio class that takes place on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 2 pm - 5 pm.

This foundational course will provide a solid introduction to the medium of photography and its practice today. As students develop their visual skills and begin to "think in pictures," they will learn about the essential features of a digital camera and how to control them. Students will be given an overview of the technical aspects of resolution, file formats and workflow. The bulk of the class will concentrate on the practice of photography as an art form, emphasizing the organization, function, manipulation and communication of visual ideas. Students will use tools such as digital cameras, Apple computers, Adobe Photoshop software, Canon and Epson printers. Classes will be enriched by visits from practicing professional artists, field trips to galleries and an ongoing survey of the history of photography.

The ideal candidate will be a specialist in the field and will have the passion and skills to create a learning environment that will offer a rigorous pre-professional arts training that challenges students to achieve at high levels. Instructors at ChiArts will be required to differentiate instruction; design lesson and unit plans that properly assess student achievement and encourage skill development and critical thinking. The ultimate goal is to help ChiArts visual students build a portfolio of finished and polished work. Candidates should be well-versed in traditional and contemporary approaches to art making.

Qualifications

Job responsibilities:

Classroom and professional duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• 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 setup 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 house, 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 needs of the students may demand (e.g. competitions, exhibits.)
• Work with academic staff to ensure student’s overall success at ChiArts

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities/Attributes: 

• Minimum (7) years professional experience in the visual arts field.
• Minimum (4) years previous teaching experience at a pre-professional or professional level , experience working with high school students is preferred, but not required.
• MFA and Illinois State Teacher Certification is preferred, but not required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent classroom management skills.
• Experience in lesson planning.
• Comfort working in a high-accountability school culture.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven organizational skills.
• Proven ability to work with a diverse population.
• A high regard for student potential and an ability to provide opportunities for students to develop and succeed.
• Willingness to be bold and creative in pursuit of what is best for students.
• Able to adapt and improve in changing situations.
• Skills in digital and analog photography, and image editing.

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:

Part-time position.

Pay will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Pay Rate: $45 to $55 per hour. 

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. 

Please visit www.chiarts.org for more information.

Salary : $45 - $55