Visual and Performing Arts Specialist

The Lansing School District serves over 10,000 PreK-12 students across 25 school buildings in the increasingly diverse urban community of Lansing, MI. We are unique compared to other districts because of the wide variety of exciting and innovative educational options from which families and staff members can choose. All of Lansing School District’s team members are dedicated to our mission to provide an excellent education to all students in a safe and nurturing environment.

The Lansing School District is seeking a passionate and dedicated Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Specialist to enrich our K-12 arts education programs. This individual will play a pivotal role in integrating visual and performing arts into the curriculum, fostering artistic excellence, and promoting cultural awareness among students. The VAPA Specialist will collaborate with educators, administrators, and community partners to enhance the district's commitment to comprehensive arts education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Development: Collaborate with key stakeholders to develop a strategic plan for Visual and Performing Arts programs in the Lansing School District
• Curriculum Development: Implement and evaluate a comprehensive K-12 visual and performing arts curriculum aligned with state standards and district goals
• Professional Development: Provide ongoing training and support to teachers in effective arts instruction and integration strategies. Develop in-district mentorship programs to support new staff members
• Program Coordination: Coordinate with the District Auditorium Technician and Event Assistant to organize and oversee district-wide arts events, performances, and exhibitions, ensuring equitable student participation. Support VAPA programs in planning and attending local, state, and regional events
• Resource Management: Assist in the selection, procurement, and maintenance of instructional materials, equipment, and facilities related to the arts
• Assessment and Evaluation: Develop and implement assessment tools to measure student progress in the arts and use data to inform program improvements
• Community Engagement: Serve as a liaison between the district and local arts organizations, fostering partnerships that enhance educational opportunities
• Advocacy: Promote the importance of arts education within the district and the broader community, advocating for resources and support
  
  
  
  

Education and Certifications:

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Arts Education, or a related field
• Preferred: Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with an endorsement in Visual Arts, Music, or Theatre
  
  
  
  

Experience:

• Minimum of three years of successful teaching experience in visual or performing arts
• Experience in curriculum development and program coordination preferred
• Demonstrated experience in organizing student performances, exhibitions, or related events
  
  
  
  

Skills and Knowledge:

• Knowledge of K-12 visual and performing arts standards and best practices. ○ Strong leadership and organizational skills. ○ Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Proficiency in integrating technology into arts education
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including educators, students, parents, and community partners
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and culturally responsive arts education environment
  
  
  
  

At Lansing School District, we champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, providing equal opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation. We foster a rich environment for professional growth and student experiences by valuing diverse perspectives. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite passionate individuals dedicated to educational excellence to apply for our positions.

We value internal mobility and list "Strong Internal Candidate" when considering an internal candidate before posting a job. We still encourage all candidates to apply.

Complete the attached online application at your earliest convenience. If selected, we will contact you to set up an interview. While we strive to provide prompt feedback, the high volume of applicants may limit our ability to do so. All of our jobs will be posted for at least 10 days (unless otherwise noted), but we will review applications on a rolling basis.

External candidates interested in multiple positions within the same department need only apply to one posting and can indicate other roles of interest in the final question. We will consider your application for various roles based on your qualifications.

Internal candidates should apply using their SSO email address and submit separate applications for each role of interest.

Thank you for your interest in joining our mission-driven team. We look forward to meeting you!

This job description is intended to outline the general responsibilities and qualifications for the position. It is not an exhaustive list of duties, and the Lansing School District reserves the right to modify job responsibilities as needed. Due to the evolving needs of the District, additional job responsibilities may be assigned (depending on funding sources).

1 FTE

8hours per day / 5 days per week