Middle & Upper School Art Teacher

Position Summary:

The Middle & Upper School Art Teacher will design and deliver a hands-on, inquiry-based art curriculum for students in Grades 4–8. The ideal candidate will foster a learning environment that promotes creativity, self-expression, and critical thinking while supporting students’ artistic and personal development. This educator will play an integral role in showcasing student work, collaborating across disciplines, and enriching our vibrant school community. Guidance and support are provided by the Division Director and the Associate Head of Academics.

Ridgefield Academy is dedicated to cultivating a vibrant learning community where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our educators model the school’s mission and values, inspiring curiosity, creativity, and character development. Guided by our Educator Excellence Indicators, we prioritize deep content knowledge, inclusive and engaging classroom environments, innovative teaching, and reflective professionalism.

Responsibilities:

Commitment to Mission and Values

• Integrate Ridgefield Academy’s mission and values into classroom practices.
• Actively participate in school events, initiatives, and committee work.
• Uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in all interactions.

Instructional Excellence and Innovation

• Develop and teach a curriculum including drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, and art history.
• Plan student art exhibitions for both the school and broader community.
• Use varied instructional strategies to meet the needs of students with diverse learning and artistic abilities.
• Assess student progress through both formative and summative feedback.
• Set high expectations while scaffolding learning to promote skill development and creative exploration.
• Incorporate innovative and interdisciplinary teaching methods.

Student-Centered Learning and Studio Culture

• Foster a studio environment that encourages self-expression, experimentation, and artistic risk-taking.
• Cultivate an inclusive and respectful space where all learners feel seen and supported.
• Promote learner agency and independence through structured systems and routines.
• Provide ongoing feedback to guide student growth and build artistic confidence.
• Create student showcases that celebrate creativity and make learning visible to the school community.

Collaboration and Community Engagement

• Collaborate with colleagues on interdisciplinary projects and curricular alignment.
• Support students' academic and social-emotional growth in partnership with faculty and staff.
• Contribute to school-wide initiatives including DEIB, SEL, and professional learning.
• Lead or support extracurricular programming such as an after-school art club or student-led exhibitions.
• Design schoolwide and cross-divisional art initiatives that build community.
• Establish partnerships with local artists and organizations to enrich student experiences.

Professional Growth and Reflective Practice

• Seek professional development opportunities and engage in reflective teaching practice.
• Regularly evaluate and adapt teaching methods based on student outcomes and feedback.
• Serve as a mentor and collaborator, supporting colleagues' professional growth.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts or a related field (Master’s preferred)
• Experience: 3 years of art teaching experience, ideally in an independent school

Skills:

• Expertise in inquiry-based, constructivist teaching
• Strong curriculum design, differentiation, and assessment practices
• Ability to create an inclusive, student-centered classroom culture
• Growth mindset and flexibility in adapting to student and institutional needs
• Proficiency with technology and digital tools for instruction and creative work

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary Range: $50,000 – $75,000, commensurate with experience

Schedule: 10-month, full-time position

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, and professional development opportunities

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Clinton Howarth, Head of Middle and Upper School, at chowarth@ridgefieldacademy.org.

Ridgefield Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.