Middle School Art Teacher

Uncommon Schools • Rochester, NY

7d • $52,000 - $68,000

About The Position

The Middle School Art Teacher researches, designs, and documents art standards and curricula for students in grades K–4 and 5–8, and provides a coherent, enriching art experience. The teacher teaches art to all students Monday through Thursday during the school year, may teach after-school enrichment two days per week if offered, and may be asked to teach at least one Reading section each weekday. The role also includes instruction in the school’s core Reading Mastery program and other subjects as needed.

The teacher designs and oversees the Art program, coordinates with outside providers and vendors, maintains program records and equipment, and participates in required training and certification processes. The role includes collaborating with classroom teachers to integrate academic instruction—particularly Core Knowledge social studies and science—into art; developing curricula collaboratively; maintaining organized curricular materials; and engaging students, families, and colleagues in the school’s educational work.

The teacher supervises students during classes, breaks, meals, and transitions; participates in meetings, school events, and school-wide duties; supports celebrations and community meetings; and meets the school’s standards for excellence in art instruction and instruction. Staff are expected to be present and engaged from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday during each school week, and to attend events outside normal hours as needed.

Before starting, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Certification is not required for hiring, but candidates must meet New York State certification eligibility requirements and become certified in New York within a reasonable period after starting. Candidates without an education degree must enroll in a teacher preparation program and maintain a GPA of at least 2.5 during employment.

Requirements

• Commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools.
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting students’ social-emotional and academic development.
• Enthusiasm for collaborating with internal and external partners in the best interest of students.
• Self-directed learner who seeks and applies feedback to improve outcomes and achieve objectives.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before starting employment.
• Meet New York State certification eligibility requirements and become certified in New York within a reasonable period after beginning employment.
• If the candidate does not have a degree in education, enroll in a teacher preparation program and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher during employment.
• Be present and engaged from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday during each week of the school year.
• Demonstrated interest in impacting K–12 students in urban schools and communities.

Nice To Haves

• One to two years of experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, and document art standards and curricula for students in grades K–4 and 5–8.
• Teach art to all students Monday through Thursday during each week of the school year.
• Provide after-school enrichment two days per week if included in the school’s program offerings.
• Design, supervise, and implement all aspects of the Art program, including coordinating with outside providers and vendors, maintaining records, and participating in required training and certification processes.
• Assist with purchasing and maintaining the school’s art equipment.
• Provide staff orientation during summer training on the school’s art program and its integration into school activities and instruction.
• Assist the Director of Operations/Dean of Students with coordinating winter holiday celebrations, weekly Community Meetings, and Stepping Up celebrations.
• If requested, teach at least one Reading section Monday through Friday during each week of the school year, provide instruction in Reading Mastery, and teach other subjects as needed.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate academic instruction into art, particularly Core Knowledge social studies and science curricula.
• Participate in collaborative curriculum development, department and faculty meetings, and other meetings.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues, and engage families in students’ education, including through periodic student art concerts.
• Meet the school’s Standards for Excellence in Art Instruction and Standards for Excellence in Instruction, and demonstrate alignment with its core values and educational philosophy.
• Model accountability for student mastery of academic standards.
• Manage the department folder on the school server and keep curricular materials organized and accessible.
• Meet with the Principal to review results and plan future actions.
• Supervise students during class, breaks, meals, and transitions to support safety and well-being.
• Attend and participate in events outside normal school hours as needed, including family events, performances, field trips, report card nights, parent conferences, and family orientations.
• Complete school-wide duties needed for the successful and orderly functioning of the school.
• Take steps required by the school to become highly qualified and certified, including meeting state requirements and becoming authorized to teach in the state of employment.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including sick time, paid holidays, and approximately 10 weeks of paid spring, winter, and summer breaks.
• Extensive training and development.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts, dependent care flexible spending accounts, and health savings accounts.
• Financial planning resources.
• 403(b) retirement savings program with employer match.
• Paid leave options, including parental, medical, and disability leave.
• Mental health and counseling support and wellness benefits.

What This Job Offers

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