Visual Arts Teacher

Grand Rapids Public Schools•Grand Rapids, MI

About The Position

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were written out in this job description. GRPS MISSION : Our mission is to ensure that all scholars are educated, self-directed and productive members of society. Teacher – Visual Arts Department: Fine Arts Bargaining Unit: Grand Rapids Education Association (GREA) Wage: Compensation is determined by a structured salary schedule. The starting salary is based on the candidate’s degree level and verified years of licensed or certificated experience. Direct Supervisor: Director of Fine Arts JOB SUMMARY The Visual Arts Teacher is responsible to prepare scholars in art.

Requirements

LX/LQ K-12 art teacher certification and/or a bachelor’s degree in art education
Successful experience teaching beginning art scholars
Must have transportation to travel between buildings
Must be highly organized to manage and maintain accurate records across multiple buildings
Proven understanding of current research on how children learn, with the ability to inspire and motivate scholars to perform at their best
Ability to work in an economically, culturally, and racially diverse environment, with a proven track record of managing a diverse and demanding workload
Ability to communicate effectively in the English language, both orally and in writing
Ability to differentiate instruction using a variety of teaching styles and inspire scholars from diverse cultural and ability backgrounds by creating challenging and engaging learning opportunities for all scholars.
Ability to participate as a member of the team

Nice To Haves

Prior successful teaching experience working in a diverse setting

Responsibilities

Develop a high quality school art program using the Elements and Principles of Art & Design as the foundations for creating successful art
Provide sound art instruction enabling all scholars to work in 2-D, 3-D and digital when applicable
Demonstrate clear expertise and ability to teach using a variety of mediums
Design an effective classroom management plan including behavior expectations and the handling of art materials
Provide a safe, creative classroom environment that is focused on learning and scholar growth
Maintain organized classroom spaces, art inventory, scholar attendance and grades
Utilize Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS)
Develop lesson plans based on the art curriculum, the GRPS academic plan, departmental goals, integrate environmental science when applicable, and scholars’ needs
Implement a plan addressing all learning styles, which allows each scholar to succeed through differentiated instruction
Plan and execute participation in the GRPS City Wide Art Show
Communicate with feeder schools – elementary, middle, and high school to establish program articulation and successful transition for scholars
Evaluate scholar progress based on formal and informal assessment to inform instruction
Show evidence of scholar growth
Attend meetings and workshops to stay current with educational practice
Establish and maintain timely, effective, written/oral communication with scholars, parents, building and district level staff
Create and maintain positive relations with scholars, parents, staff, and community
Collaborate with internal and external partners to develop and display scholar art
Provide a safe, effective classroom environment that is focused on learning and scholar growth
Exercise good judgment implementing school district policies, procedures, guidelines, and law
Serve as a role model for all scholars and within the school community
Work effectively with diverse scholars and staff of various backgrounds
Other duties as assigned
Make and maintain regular, positive contact with parents via phone calls, email and/or home visits including communicating scholar progress
Establish and maintain effective written and oral communication and rapport with scholars, parents and colleagues
Participate in parent meetings, including IEP’s and Parent/Teacher Conferences
Contribute to the development of a positive attitude between the school and the wider community through cooperative relations, publications, competitions, etc.
Contribute to community service and global citizenship goals
Display physical, social, mental and emotional soundness in order to execute the duties of job
Interact with co-workers, administration, scholars, parents and the community in positive, supportive and cooperative ways
Encourage the team spirit and contribute as a team member in the decision-making processes of the school as facilitated by the building administrator
Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
Contribute to extra-curricular activities and school programs, including recess duty as requested
Maintain and promote school district goals and objectives.
Comply with state, federal and District policies, procedures, rules, and the union contract
Regular and on-time attendance is required