Job Description:

Job Summary:

Reporting to their respective Principals, and responsible to the Art Department Chair, Art Teachers will establish a safe and secure classroom environment and set appropriate classroom standards for students through being attuned to the creative process.

Responsibilities:  

• Build a nurturing, challenging, supportive, and inclusive classroom community. Create a classroom environment that fosters mutual respect and age-appropriate levels of independence.
• Develop Laboratory School studentsâ™ aesthetic understanding and appreciation while simultaneously developing their artistic skills and talents. Design significant learning experiences in studio art, art history, and art appreciation for Lower School students that reflect and celebrate a diversity of perspectives and cultures.
• Set instructional outcomes that are grounded in grade-level expectations, reflect a balance of different types of learning and are suitable for a diverse group of students.
• Work creatively with students who have a variety of learning styles and personal needs.
• Continually assess student work and communicate to parents both informally and formally in biannual written progress reports. 
• Actively participate in a culture of professional inquiry.
• Maintain collegial relations with fellow teachers both within and outside of the department.
• Acquire, manage, and prepare art supplies for the classroom.
• Prepare student artwork for Lab School exhibitions. 
• Attend regular department and faculty meetings and, as required, meet with the department chair, administrators, parents, and others in the Laboratory Schools' community. Collaborate with the department chair and department colleagues to ensure a connected art experience across the grade levels. 
• 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 176 days or days as stipulated in that agreement.
• The anticipated start date for this position is 9/1/2022. This is a 1 year only position.  

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.
• 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 BFA required.
• Master's of Fine Arts or Master of Arts Education degree preferred. 

Experience:  

• Minimum two years primary or Laboratory School teaching experience required or commensurate experience.
• Experience developing curriculum required.
• Experience teaching in an elementary school art studio preferred. 
• Practicing artist preferred.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• 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.
• Use standard productivity software (Microsoft Office, calendar/scheduling 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)

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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