Visual Art Teacher

Department: Fine and Performing Arts

FLSA Status (Exempt/Non-exempt): Exempt; Unit A

Reports to: Principal/Department Chair

In compliance with state and federal laws, Newton Public Schools is committed to equity, anti-racism and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual’s qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.

SUMMARY:  The Art Teacher is responsible for planning, organizing, and conducting a comprehensive and dynamic curriculum for teaching the knowledge and skills central to visual art literacy at the high school level (grades 9-12). The position entails teaching skills in: drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, analogue & digital photography, video production, Adobe Creative Suite, and Cinema 4D. 

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Appropriate DESE teaching license
• Ability to handle multitude of varying and complex issues
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to use technology effectively

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience teaching high school students
• Knowledge of behavior management and behavior shaping strategies, techniques and methods, and conflict resolution procedures
• Desire to collaborate with other teachers within and outside of the F&PA
• Ability to work autonomously and make independent decisions
• Ability to organize tasks, set priorities and meet deadlines, manage multiple tasks
• Good judgment and good problem-solving skills
• Experience exhibiting student artwork
• Experience with kiln operation desired

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities (Not Limited To):

• Prepare and deliver instructional lessons with clear and measurable outcomes
• Provide appropriate and effective learning experiences for students from a wide range of socio-economic levels and cultural backgrounds
• Design and demonstrate differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all students.
• Implement accommodations and curricular modifications as specified in educational plans (IEPs) and as needed to meet the learning needs of students
• Provide a motivating and stimulating learning environment
• Use a variety of formal and informal assessments to accurately measure student progress toward and to modify further instruction.
• Use a computer and other technology to support student learning in and out of the classroom
• Provide students with support (remediation and enrichment) using a variety of strategies
• Collaborate with colleagues on curriculum, lesson and assessment design
• Participate actively in faculty, department and team meetings
• Set professional development goals, develop professional development plans, and participate in professional development activities that improve teaching practice
• Communicate effectively with students, colleagues, parents, and the community
• Follow safety procedures and written and verbal instructions
• Prepare the classroom space and supplies as needed for materials.
• Participate in community events such as the display of student work.
• Appropriately handle student work (for example the loading of kilns)
• Consistent, reliable and punctual attendance is essential for supervision and instruction of the students
• Responsible for implementing “other job related duties” as needed

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

Work Environment:

• Majority of work is performed in a school/classroom environment. The noise level in the environment is usually moderate. Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function. Rarely absent or late unless the situation is of an emergency nature.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the teacher is frequently required to walk, stand, sit, talk, and hear.  The teacher is regularly required to bend, stoop, crouch and/or kneel, and will need to be able to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.  Must have sufficient mobility to navigate within a large school building.