ART TEACHER

AREA COOPERATIVE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES•Hamden, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Art Teacher inspires, nurtures, and challenges students to express themselves creatively while building strong artistic skills aligned to state standards. This teacher fosters a classroom environment where all students feel safe to take risks, explore diverse mediums, and connect art-making to culture, identity, and academic learning. The Art Teacher collaborates with colleagues to support schoolwide initiatives, including PBIS, restorative practices, and social-emotional learning.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Art Education or related field.
Valid state teaching certification in Visual Arts (or eligibility).
Demonstrated experience teaching or working with children in a school, community, or arts program.
Strong understanding of art techniques, classroom management, and culturally responsive practices.
Commitment to equity, creativity, and the belief that all students can learn and thrive in the arts.
Experience with restorative and trauma-informed practices.
Ability to integrate technology and digital art tools.
Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
Passion for creating a joyful, creative environment where students shine.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree

Responsibilities

Develop and implement standards-aligned art lessons that are engaging, developmentally appropriate, and culturally responsive.
Teach a range of media (drawing, painting, sculpture, digital art, printmaking, etc.).
Integrate art history, contemporary artists, and cross-curricular connections.
Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners, including multilingual learners and students with disabilities.
Assess student progress using a variety of tools and provide timely feedback.
Create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive art studio that promotes creativity and risk-taking.
Uphold and reinforce schoolwide PBIS expectations through positive, proactive strategies.
Use restorative practices to build relationships, repair harm, and guide students through reflective problem-solving.
Maintain an organized, clean, and safe classroom, including proper material use and storage.
Partner with grade-level teams, administrators, and support staff to enrich schoolwide arts integration.
Participate in professional development related to curriculum, PBIS, restorative practices, and RULER/SEL frameworks.
Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress and school events.
Attend required meetings, duty assignments, and school functions.
Support and contribute to school events, art shows, family nights, and student showcases.
Manage and maintain art supplies, equipment, and budget.
Provide opportunities for student leadership and artistic expression across the school building.