Visual & Media Arts Teacher (Part-Time)

Davis Chicago•Chicago, IL

10h•Onsite

About The Position

Davis School Chicago is hiring a part-time founding Visual & Media Arts Teacher to build the school’s visual and media arts program. The teacher will deliver engaging, rigorous, student-centered instruction across Portfolio Foundation, Digital Design Foundation, Digital Photography Foundation, and Film & Television Production Foundation, as assigned according to student elective choices. The curriculum will build toward Honors courses and AP Drawing and AP 2D Design. The role spans drawing and painting, photography, digital design, and film and television production. The teacher will develop students’ technique, visual thinking, production craft, critique habits, and critical media literacy. They will run a working studio with clear deadlines and creative standards; establish studio practices, equipment care, materials, exhibition and publishing systems; and coach students in developing portfolios and reels for college and professional opportunities. As a founding faculty member, the teacher will help shape curriculum, establish traditions, contribute to school culture, and collaborate with colleagues to create an integrated educational experience. Davis School Chicago is a Jewish, college-preparatory high school scheduled to open in fall 2027 in downtown Chicago. The position reports to the Principal. Being Jewish is not required. Compensation is anticipated at $13,000–$18,000 per section per year, with the number of sections agreed annually according to the master schedule. Paid leave and paid sick leave accrue as required by law; the position is not eligible for the school’s benefits package.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Demonstrated ability to teach across at least two of the following areas: studio art, photography, digital design, and film or video production.
Ability to teach technique and critique as disciplines and support the development of student portfolios.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or MFA in Studio Art, Visual Arts, Art Education, Film, Photography, Design, or Media Arts.
Active studio, production, or design practice that informs teaching.
Illinois Professional Educator License in visual arts.
National Board Certification.
Three or more years of secondary (grades 6–12) teaching experience; high school (grades 9–12) experience is highly preferred.
College-preparatory, independent, Jewish day, or faith-based school experience.
Evidence of student portfolios that grew under the candidate’s coaching.
Exceptional craft or mastery, including where the candidate has fewer years of teaching experience.

Responsibilities

Teach assigned sections of Portfolio Foundation, Digital Design Foundation, Digital Photography Foundation, and Film & Television Production Foundation.
Design and implement engaging, standards-based studio instruction that builds technique, visual thinking, and sustained investigation across traditional and digital media.
Teach art making, art history, art criticism, aesthetics, functional design, and popular visual culture.
Teach production craft as appropriate, including story, camera, sound, editing, photography, and design.
Build a studio culture centered on technique, critique, and courageous making, and establish studio spaces, equipment-care practices, materials, and exhibition and publishing systems.
Teach critical media literacy alongside image-making.
Use inquiry-based learning, studio practice, rehearsal and performance, critique, project-based experiences, and immersive or experiential approaches where they support mastery.
Build instruction toward AP Drawing and AP 2D Design frameworks and help students meet or exceed them through rich, rigorous instruction.
Champion portfolio-worthy student artwork, photographs, films, and design work; coach students in developing portfolios and reels.
Differentiate instruction for diverse learners and learning styles, use educational technology and innovative teaching methods, assess progress, and provide timely, meaningful feedback.
Develop authentic assessments that measure student growth and mastery.
Collaborate on a vertically aligned visual and media arts curriculum from Foundation courses through Honors and AP courses.
Foster a classroom environment characterized by curiosity, respect, inclusion, and intellectual challenge.
Build strong relationships with students, serve as a trusted mentor and advisor, and support students’ academic, social, and emotional growth.
Encourage student leadership, confidence, and participation in school life.
Contribute to school culture, programming, celebrations, and community initiatives; help create opportunities to engage with Chicago’s museums, galleries, studios, juried shows, and festivals.
Showcase student achievement through exhibitions, screenings, competitions, and public events, and curate student exhibitions and screenings.
Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and community events as scoped for a part-time role; help moderate student clubs and activities where scope allows.
Communicate with families about student progress, learning goals, exhibitions, and showcases.
Collaborate across academic departments on interdisciplinary learning and partner with faculty and school leadership on school goals, curriculum development, and student success initiatives.