Vocational Teacher - Graphic Imaging Instructor 25/26 SY

WELCOME TO INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS!

At IPS, we believe in the transformative power of education. We work collectively every day to prepare our students for success in the classroom and in life by providing equitable, high-quality educational experiences across our family of schools. IPS is a place to make an impact, grow your career, and ensure every student has access to a high quality education, all while earning a good living in a district on the move. While the work is challenging, it is deeply meaningful and impactful. We seek innovators and trailblazers who bring varying experiences and expertise and share our belief that every child deserves access to an exceptional education. As part of TeamIPS, you’ll create lasting connections, find a sense of belonging, and feel supported to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.

In return, no matter your role here, we expect a commitment to excellence and accountability. You’ll be held to high standards. Resilience and passion are key—you must be adaptable, handling adversity with flexibility while putting students at the heart of everything you do. Ethical conduct, clear communication, and mutual respect are fundamental. Being a dependable, collaborative team player who builds meaningful relationships is essential.

Together, we are Proving What’s Possible by building a community where everyone belongs and each student has the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

A TEACHING CAREER IN IPS OFFERS…

Purpose and Impact:

• Students First: Teaching for IPS is a rewarding opportunity to support bright, curious students as they shape their futures. We hold ourselves to the highest expectations of excellence, focusing on students’ holistic needs during their educational journey with us.
• Community: Working in a school means it is your home away from home, and you have a school family who supports you and leads with empathy and vision.

Professional and Personal Growth:

• Grow Your Career: We offer professional development and career advancement opportunities, including dedicated mentorship programs for early career teachers.
• Generous Compensation: We’re proud to offer the highest teacher starting pay in Indianapolis and one of the most competitive in the state, with teachers earning $53,460 - $94,000 depending on experience, plus a generous benefits package. Our teacher salaries are continually on the rise, as IPS regularly advocates for stronger teacher compensation.
• Access to Financial Benefits: Working in IPS makes it possible to benefit from federal programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF), helping reduce the financial burden of student loans.

Work-Life Balance and Well-being:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Access top-tier health plans covering medical, dental, and vision needs, plus IPS offers a private clinic for staff and their families through our partners at Ascension St. Vincent.
• Flexible Wellness Leave: Take the time you need to care for yourself and your family with our generous leave policies. Teachers receive 70 hours of sick leave in their first year (56 hours annually after) for illness, family, or mental health, plus three personal days, two floating holidays, and school breaks. Unlimited accumulated sick leave adds flexibility, supporting teachers’ health and work-life balance.
• Incentivized Discounts through IPS Wellness Program: Opportunities to earn hundreds of dollars off your medical premium by participating in proactive and simple health screenings, plus discounted group fitness classes, health and fitness assessments, personal training, and more.

WHAT WE EXPECT...

Commitment to Excellence:

• High Standards: Strive for the very best in all you do, maintaining high standards for yourself, your students, and your colleagues. Embrace lifelong learning and adapt to new teaching methods and challenges.
• Educational Equity: IPS is deeply committed to breaking down systemic inequities. We do this by “walking the walk” on new policies and practices, building diverse and inclusive classrooms and staff teams, and ensuring our environments are grounded in our values of respect, inclusivity, and educational equity.

Resilience and Passion:

• Dedication to Students: Put students at the heart of your work. Be passionate about their success and well-being.
• Adaptability: Handle adversity with resilience and flexibility. Be prepared for a dynamic work environment.

Professional Integrity:

• Ethical Conduct: Uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. Act responsibly and respectfully toward all individuals, communicate with candor and care.
• Team Player: Be dependable, punctual, and collaborative, contributing positively to our supportive work environment.

JOIN US!

Indianapolis Public Schools is more than a workplace; it’s a community where purpose, impact, and belonging come together to help Prove What’s Possible – in your career and in your school. If you’re ready to embrace challenges, strive for excellence, and make a meaningful impact, IPS is the place for you.

SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

We're seeking a dynamic and creative educator to lead our Graphic Imaging CTE pathway at the high school level. In this role, you’ll teach students how to bring ideas to life through digital imaging, graphic design, and print production using industry-standard software and tools. You’ll help students build both their technical skills and creative confidence, preparing them for future careers in design and media. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the next generation of visual storytellers through hands-on projects, real-world learning experiences, and industry partnerships. Join us in inspiring students to explore the power of visual communication in a rapidly growing field!

WHAT YOU'LL DO

The following outlines what your core duties and responsibilities will be for this position and provides a sample overview of what your day-to-day may look like.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging instruction in graphic design, digital imaging, and print production aligned with state CTE standards and industry practices.
• Teach and model use of industry-standard software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and other relevant tools.
• Develop and implement hands-on projects that allow students to apply design principles, typography, color theory, and layout techniques.
• Maintain and manage lab equipment, including printers, screen printing tools, and digital devices, ensuring a safe and productive classroom environment.
• Collaborate with industry partners to create opportunities for work-based learning, guest speakers, and real-world design challenges.
• Prepare students for certifications and post-secondary pathways in graphic design, visual communications, or related fields.
• Support student career exploration by connecting classroom learning to current trends and opportunities in creative industries.
• Differentiate instruction to support diverse learners, including students from special populations.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to stay current with technology, tools, and industry demands.
• Track student progress, maintain accurate records, and contribute to program improvement through data-informed decision-making.

"DAY IN THE LIFE" OVERVIEW

On a regular day, as the Graphic Imaging instructor, you might:

• Prepare and teach hands-on design lessons using Adobe Creative Suite, guiding students through projects like posters, logos, and digital illustrations.
• Demonstrate equipment use and safety protocols in the lab, including screen printing, vinyl cutting, or large-format printing.
• Provide individual and group feedback to help students refine their design skills and build professional-quality portfolios.
• Coordinate with industry partners or CTE staff to plan guest speakers, field trips, or internships that connect classroom learning to careers.
• Assess student work and update grades, while managing classroom supplies, maintaining equipment, and planning for upcoming lessons.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING: SKILLS AND MINDSET

As an ideal candidate for this role, you will be able to achieve the following:

• Creative and technically skilled in graphic design, with strong knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and other industry-standard tools.
• Passionate about teaching and student growth, with the ability to inspire creativity and confidence in high school learners.
• Organized and detail-oriented, capable of managing project-based learning, equipment maintenance, and classroom logistics.
• Collaborative and industry-connected, willing to engage with professionals to bring real-world relevance to the classroom.
• Flexible and student-centered, with a growth mindset and the ability to adapt lessons to meet diverse learning needs and pathways.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

• Must hold a valid CTE teaching license in Business, Trade or Industry, Graphic Design or related fields, or be eligible for a teacher’s license based on education and work experience. Eligibility is defined as holding or being eligible for a Workplace Specialist (WS) license by having over 4000-6000 of documented hours (2-3 years) in the field in the last five years. Must be willing to become dual credit credentialed through a state post-secondary institution.
• Must be willing to become dual credit credentialed through a state post-secondary institution.

FLSA CLASSIFICATION:

This is a full-time, exempt position.

ELIGIBILTIY FOR REMOTE WORK:

This position is not eligible for remote work.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No direct supervisory responsibilities for adults, but is expected to carry out supervisory responsibilities related to monitoring student behavior and activities both in and out of classroom during the assigned working day and on learning excursions.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one, small group, and large group situations.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Must hold a Workplace Specialist License in area.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to find, handle, or feel. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and humid conditions and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

DISCLAIMER:

The above job description is designed to denote the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of employees assigned to this job.