Elementary School Art Teacher

Elementary Art Teacher Job Description

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Reports to: Principal/Assistant Principal

Position Summary:

Informed by the school's mission, teachers will ensure that all students acquire the knowledge and skills required for academic progress and achievement, as defined by curricular and instructional objectives and overarching school goals. Teachers are responsible to reflect the mission and guiding principles of the school, uphold the rules and standards of the Student Code of Conduct, build positive and collaborative relationships with students, staff, parents, and other Meridian stakeholders with transparency and accountability that best ensures student academic and personal achievement.

Instructors will teach the appropriate content and skills by utilizing curriculum material adopted by the school, as well as appropriate supplemental and teacher-made materials; develop appropriate lesson plans that accommodate the range of learning styles and specialized needs of students in the classroom; create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement, and self-motivation; and, actively participate with colleagues in school improvement activities, curriculum development, teaming, student support meetings and collaboration.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are generally representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Elementary Art Teachers will provide engaging art instruction utilizing approved curriculum materials alongside supplementary resources and teacher-created materials. Art Teachers will develop customized lesson plans tailored to accommodate diverse learning styles and the specific needs of elementary (K-8) students. Cultivating a nurturing classroom environment that promotes positive social interaction, active participation, and self-motivation in artistic exploration is a priority. Collaboration with fellow educators on a regular basis are required in order to support the shared initiatives and endeavors of the school. This may include attending student support meetings, participating in school-wide events, and or engaging in team projects.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are generally representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Key Competencies/Duties:

Implement research-based curriculum and instructional models.

• Develop and implement age-appropriate art curriculum based on research-based educational standards, including the Illinois State Board of Education Visual Arts standards.

• Utilize a variety of instructional models and strategies to engage elementary (K-8) students in creative expression and artistic exploration.

• Incorporate art history, cultural diversity, and interdisciplinary connections into lesson plans to enrich students' understanding of art concepts.

• Provide opportunities for hands-on learning experiences with a wide range of art mediums, techniques, and materials.

• Foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment that encourages experimentation, risk-taking, and self-expression

• Stay informed about current research and best practices in art education to continuously enhance teaching methods and curriculum design.

Assess student performance at frequent and regular intervals in order to benchmark progress on course standards and learning targets.

• Assess student progress and performance using a combination of informal observation, formative assessments and summative evaluations.

• Ensure the academic success of every scholar by using formative assessments to adjust learning plans and summative assessments to measure objective attainment. Provide opportunity for re-assessment to encourage skill mastery.

• Develop assessments that are in accordance with established procedures.

• Provide frequent, specific feedback on work that advances learning.

• Maintain accurate and complete records of students' progress and development.

• Update all necessary records accurately and completely as required by laws, network policies and school protocols.

• Observe and evaluate students' performance and development.

• Integrate student choice into assessment structure/product.

Build and maintain positive, productive, professional relationships with students, staff, parents, and other stakeholders.

• Collaborate with colleagues to integrate art education across curriculum and promote cross-disciplinary connections.

• Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic and ability backgrounds.

• Instruct and monitor students in the use of learning materials and equipment.

• Manage student behavior in the classroom by establishing and enforcing consistent and equitable expectations and procedures.

• Demonstrate respect and regard for students, colleagues, and parents.

• Cultivate positive relationships and address the social and emotional needs of scholars using research-based methods as identified by school leaders.

• Encourage parent and community involvement; obtain information for parents when requested.

• Initiate appropriate conferences with parents, guardians, administrators, etc. in accordance with school procedures.

• Effectively, respectfully, and professionally communicate with parents or guardians and students on matters related to student's academic progress, attendance, and conduct.

Demonstrate a dedication to collaboration, innovation, and flexible approaches to professional practice.

• Participate positively and productively in department, school, network, and parent meetings.

• Actively participate in discussions and programs to improve student performance, experience, attendance, conduct.

• Integrate students into curricular planning and assessment development.

• Collaborate with the school faculty and administration in the development and implementation of program instruction.

• Engage actively, positively, and productively in the instructional coaching process.

• Accept and apply coaching feedback.

Attend to and fulfill professional obligations as defined by the school and network.

• Engage in structured lesson planning that provides differentiated options for multiple skill levels that are objective based using the standards and curriculum identified by the school Instructional Leadership Team.

• Produce and share lesson plans in accordance with the procedures established by the school.

• Maintain a current, accurate gradebook in accordance with the procedures established by the school.

• Implement the grading protocols established by the school.

• Attend school and network professional learning and collaboration days to improve skills, give and receive feedback, and be open to coaching, mentoring, partnerships.

• Prepare required reports on students and activities.

• Communicate necessary information regularly to students, colleagues and parents regarding student progress, intervention outcomes, and student needs.

• Assign and grade class work, assignments, projects, and assessments in accordance with school and network protocols.

• Maintain accurate and daily attendance records.

• Promptly return phone calls and answer emails within 24-48 weekday hours.

• Attend school events to better understand student interest and personalities outside of the regular classroom.

• Follow school and network policies and protocols.

• Build positive and respectful relationships with staff, students, families, and community partners.

• Other duties as assigned, within the framework of the collective bargaining agreement.

Reflect, support, and promote the mission and vision of the school as well as the principles of D.E.I.

• Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic and ability backgrounds.

• Support the creation of inclusive, identity-affirming spaces for students.

• Implement professional practice and responsibilities, demonstrating cultural competence.

• Implement D.E.I principles in interactions with members of the school community.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Substantial knowledge of subject matter consistent with state certification requirements, academic content, contemporary principles and practices of teaching, assessment, and classroom and behavior management techniques.

• Ability to modify instruction as necessary to meet student needs.

• Ability to work effectively and professionally with students, parents and/or guardians, staff members, and community representatives.

• Capacity to be flexible in approaches to instruction, assessment, and relationship building.

• Fundamental understanding of human development principles as applied to children and adolescents.

• Strong ability to apply contemporary principles and practices of teaching.

• Solid oral and written communication skills.

• Sound and professional judgment.

• Strong technical skills - ability to work with Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and presentation platforms and equipment.

Qualifying Education/Licensure:

• Bachelor's Degree (Required) in content area or aligned content area (Preferred)

• Master's Degree in content area or aligned content area (Preferred)

• Illinois State Board of Education Professional Educators License (PEL) (K-8 Required) or current, comparable out-of-state licensure

• Illinois State Board of Education Visual Arts Endorsement (Required)

• Bilingual Spanish/English (Preferred)

This position is a Full-Time position.

Physical Job Requirements:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and or pulling; some kneeling, crouching, and significant finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 10% sitting, 10% walking and 80% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and climate controlled environment.

Compensation: Meridian Charter Schools provides a highly competitive salary and benefits package. We are also committed to supporting professional growth and membership in local, state and national educational organizations. This position qualifies as a union member position and aligns to the compensation established by the most updated collective bargaining agreement, based upon certification, education, and years of service.

Meridian Charter Schools is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this pivotal leadership role.

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