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 teaching candidate will embrace the role of LS Fine Arts teacher, collegial colleague, and collaborator, with enthusiasm and professionalism.

The Fine Arts teaching candidate will be well versed in a variety of art-making media and art teaching approaches for the 2023-2024 school year. 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 & âœdirtyâ), and the Corvus gallery that hosts both student and professional art shows. 

The Fine Arts classes are taught on a 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. 

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 LS (grades 3-5) 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 days as stipulated in that agreement.

 
The anticipated start date for this position is 9/1/2023. 

Competencies:  

•  Ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and be flexible in work with students.

• Ability to interact with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and parents required.

• Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion issues, dynamics in the classroom and in developing healthy, supportive relationships with all students and their families.

• Strong knowledge of Fine Arts, both applied and as appreciation required.

• Knowledge of instructional methodologies required.

• Strong knowledge of child development required.

• Ability to 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.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team required.

• Ability to manage stressful situations required.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality required.

• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet the deadlines required.

• Ability to use standard productivity software (Microsoft Office, calendar/scheduling software, etc.) 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 2yrs Primary or LS teaching experience required or commensurate experience.

• Experience developing curriculum required.

• Experience teaching in an elementary school art studio preferred. 

• Practicing artist preferred.

 
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Ability to move in and around the classroom/building to interact with students, faculty, staff, parents, and other members of the community.

• Ability to move class-related equipment/tools, as appropriate, around school property

• When appropriate, the ability to escort children from one classroom to another, in and out of the building during arrival and dismissal, and in an emergency situation.

• Ability to demonstrate lessons, when appropriate.

Required Documents:

• Resume

• Cover letter

• List of References

 

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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