Job Description:

Job Summary:     
Reporting to their respective Principals, the Fine Arts Teacher establishes a safe and supportive creative work environment and develops appropriate classroom culture and standards for student artists. The Fine Arts Teacher embraces the role of MS/HS Fine Arts teacher, advisor, collegial colleague, and collaborator, with enthusiasm and professionalism and is well versed in a variety of art-making media and art teaching approaches. The Fine Arts department has modern studio facilities, including a wet darkroom, digital photo/film studio, sound recording studio, kilns, spray paint booth, screen printing booth, ceramics studio with wheels, large studio classrooms, maker spaces (clean & dirty), and the Corvus gallery that hosts both student and professional art shows. The Fine Arts classes are taught both on the semester and year-long schedule. Teachers in the Fine Arts department are expected to develop their own curriculum and are encouraged to think creatively and critically about relevant learning experiences for their students. 

The anticipated start date for this position is 9/1/2022.

Responsibilities:

• Work creatively with students who have a variety of learning styles and personal needs.
• Designing curriculum for and teaching four sections of Fine Arts classes, that address a variety of art-making media and various skill levels and learning styles.
• Managing a classroom of adolescents with poise, grace, patience, and good humor.
• Regularly assessing student understanding, providing timely and useful feedback on homework, portfolios, projects, etc.
• Leading an Advisory, acting as a mentor and advisor with a holistic approach, facilitating a strong sense of community, and serving as the main point of contact for the students' parents/guardians
• Integrating appropriate technology to enhance learning. 
• Prepare student artwork for the annual Lab Arts exhibition, and curate and maintain student artwork on campus throughout the school year.
• Attend regular department and faculty meetings and, as required, meet with the department chair, administrators, parents, and others in the Laboratory Schools' community. 
• Communicating kindly and professionally in a timely manner with parents/guardians and colleagues.
• Being a collegial and spirited member of the school community, attending meetings and check-ins as necessary, and being a presence at the occasional extracurricular event.
• Conveying a passion for inquiry and enthusiasm for content. 
• A willingness to embrace the University of Chicago Laboratory Schoolâ™s Mission Statement and a strong desire to be a positive, active and engaged presence in the daily life of the school is required.
• A demonstrated competency to teach a variety of art-making media to 6th through 12th-grade students, in multi-age classrooms.
• A desire to be a lifelong learner, and regularly engage in professional development opportunities.
• Candidates should demonstrate a keen understanding of adolescents and how they learn best, always with an eye towards the well-being of every student.
• A bachelorâ™s degree in Art or a related field is required.  A masterâ™s degree in Art or a related field, or other relevant graduate-level work, is a plus.
• At least three years of relevant middle/high school teaching experience is preferred, or commensurate art education experience.
• A personal art or studio practice.
• A desire to partner with colleagues and families, flexibility, a commitment to issues of justice/equity/diversity/inclusion, and a sense of humor are required.
• All teachers are expected to perform in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and are expected to work the required 179 days or days as stipulated in that agreement.

 

Competencies:  

• Quickly adapt to changing circumstances and be flexible in work with students.
• Interact with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and parents required.
• Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion issues, and dynamics in the classroom and in developing healthy, supportive relationships with all students.
• Strong knowledge of course subject matter required.
• Knowledge of instructional methodologies required.
• Strong knowledge of child development required.
• Develop curricula, lesson plans, and assessment tools required.
• Analytical skills required.
• Problem-solving skills required.
• Decision-making skills required.
• Attention to detail required.
• Organizational skills required.
• Computational skills required.
• Creativity required.
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Interpersonal skills required.
• Work independently and as part of a team required.
• Manage stressful situations required.
• Maintain confidentiality required.
• Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines required.

Education, Experience or Certifications:

Education:      

• Bachelor's degree in art education, art, or an equivalent field required.
• Master's of Fine Arts degree or Master of Art Education degree preferred. 

Experience:     

• 3+ years of teaching experience in the field of art education is required.
• Experience developing a curriculum for students in grades 6th through 12th is required.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Use standard productivity software (Microsoft Office, calendar/schedule software, etc.) required.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Move in and around the classroom/building to interact with students, faculty, staff, parents, and other members of the community.
• Move class-related equipment/tools, as appropriate, around school property
• When appropriate, escort children from one classroom to another, in and out of the building during arrival and dismissal, and in an emergency situation.
• Demonstrate lessons, when appropriate.

 

Required Documents:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Professional References Contact Information (3)
• Portfolio of student work (online or digital images)

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

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