Lower School Art Teacher

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy • Philadelphia, PA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Creates a dynamic and engaging studio environment that inspires Lower School students to explore the possibilities of visual art through curiosity, experimentation, and creative expression. Develops a thoughtful curriculum that nurtures artistic skills, creative thinking, collaboration, and confidence while aligning with curricular goals and the developmental needs of students in grades PK–4. Fosters a joyful and inclusive classroom community where students develop as artists, creative problem solvers, and engaged members of the school community. The ideal candidate is a passionate Arts advocate who supports the Lower School, faculty, and students in advancing the school's mission and values through the Arts.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's Degree in Visual Arts.
• Proven ability as an artist and demonstrated ability in a variety of media.
• Demonstrated understanding of child development and the ability to create engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences for students in grades PK–4.
• Knowledge of studio-based art classroom methods, applicable safety procedures in the Art studio, and the use and maintenance of kiln and art classroom tools.
• Comfort with a team-based work structure; works well collaboratively and demonstrates flexibility.
• Comfort integrating technology and digital tools to enhance teaching and learning.
• Ability to foster creativity and serve as an advocate for the Arts.
• Demonstrated cultural competency, with an understanding of and enthusiasm for issues of diversity, inclusivity, and multiculturalism, and a commitment to building healthy relationships within a diverse community.
• Outstanding planning and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and facilitative skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience teaching elementary-aged students in a studio-based visual arts environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes a studio-based approach to teach a diverse range of media, including drawing, painting, ceramics, fiber art, mixed media, 3D construction, digital art, animation, photography, and other age-appropriate processes, to students in grades PK–4.
• Creates developmentally appropriate learning experiences that build foundational artistic skills while encouraging experimentation, creative risk-taking, problem solving, reflection, and individual expression.
• Creates an inclusive classroom community where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to take artistic risks, share their ideas, and develop as confident, creative learners while integrating diverse artists, voices, and perspectives into the curriculum.
• Manages student behavior through effective classroom management techniques that support a productive studio environment.
• Collaborates with Lower School classroom teachers and colleagues to create meaningful interdisciplinary connections and support student learning.
• Develops and adapts curriculum and instruction to meet the developmental needs, interests, and learning styles of students.
• Actively evaluates new tools, materials, and methods for classroom use.
• Maintains a safe, organized, and well-equipped studio environment, including oversight of materials, tools, equipment, inventory, supplies, and appropriate safety protocols.
• Creates opportunities to celebrate and share student artwork throughout the school year through campus displays, the annual winter art display, and the All-School Art Show.
• Collaborates with the Arts Faculty on school-wide arts initiatives, exhibitions, and opportunities for community engagement.
• Evaluates student growth through multiple measures, including observation, discussion, reflection, and student work.
• Communicates regularly with parents/guardians, classroom teachers, counselors, and administrators to support students' academic, social-emotional, and creative growth.
• Attends grade-level team meetings, faculty meetings, department and program meetings, open houses, Barbara Crawford Gallery openings, conferences, and school events as required.
• Performs additional faculty duties as assigned, including lunch/snack supervision, recess monitoring, dismissal duties, and internal classroom coverage for colleagues.
• Completes bi-annual narrative reports that communicate student growth, engagement, and progress in the Arts.
• Builds and maintains collaborative working relationships with colleagues and administration.
• Contributes positively to the culture and community of the Lower School and Arts Department.
• Demonstrates a commitment to professional growth, maintaining an active artistic practice, and continued learning.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by the Head of Lower School.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level