Winchester Thurston School, a Junior Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 independent school in Pittsburgh, announces a search for part-time (.50 FTE) Lower School Art Teacher. Winchester Thurston School faculty members are expected to actively engage students through a rigorous curriculum, which includes developmentally appropriate experiential learning programs in connection with the dynamic resources of the region, through a nationally recognized initiative called City as Our Campus. Our faculty members lead the way in educational innovation, rigorous academics, scholarly standards, and a learning environment that better prepares students for the challenges of a changing world in the twenty-first century.
The Lower School Art Teacher provides direct instruction and supervision for students in grades Junior Pre-Kindergarten through Kindergarten. The individual in this position must understand the emotional and educational needs of young children, be able to effectively communicate with them, and respond appropriately to individual differences in children. The Lower School Art Teacher performs under the general direction of the Head of School and under the daily supervision of the Director of Lower School. The Lower School Art Teacher will work closely with the Director of Lower School, the other Lower School Art Teacher, the Visual Arts Department Chair, other Lower School faculty members, students, and parents.
Responsibilities
- Teach Junior Pre-Kindergarten through Kindergarten art classes about basic art principles and techniques while encouraging creative expression and nurturing artistic abilities; work closely with the other Lower School Art Teacher to support and prepare for art instruction in Grades 1 through 5
- Create and maintain an appropriate and organized classroom environment with an emphasis on developmentally appropriate practices, safety, and well-being
- Plan and work collaboratively with the other Lower School Art Teacher to design and execute curriculum, learning experiences, and assessments using an interdisciplinary approach that is in accord with divisional curriculum and the school’s educational philosophy
- Work as a team member with other elementary teachers, colleagues and administrators by attending all school-wide meetings, department meetings, Lower School faculty meetings, and in-service days
- Be available throughout the school day to provide instructional support to students both in and out of class, as needed, to answer questions regarding content
- Communicate with and respond to parents’ questions and concerns in an effective and timely manner through a variety of means, including email, telephone, and student progress reports
- Complete student assessment reports (e.g., grades reports, interim comments, etc.) in accordance with school guidelines and the deadlines established by the Lower School Division Director
- Demonstrate enthusiasm for and engagement in the school’s:
- City as Our Campus initiative, actively seeking meaningful community connections for experiential learning opportunities within and outside the classroom
- Commitment to equity and inclusion, including but not limited to, curriculum, teaching practice, and professional growth
- Strategic priorities through designing and implementing learning experiences that are interdisciplinary, student-centered, and/or project-based
- Be an active part of the Admission Team and assist with meeting prospective families and attending admission events
- Fulfill duties that are connected with non-academic responsibilities, including but not limited to, taking attendance, lunch and recess duties, chaperoning field trips, after-school events or grade-level trips, and other assigned duties
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications - A Bachelor’s degree in Art Education, Fine Arts, or a strong early childhood and materials-based educational background
- Understanding and demonstrated knowledge of early childhood artistic development and belief in an inquiry- and process-based art curriculum that nurtures the imagination, creative choices, and observational abilities of each child
- Strong communication skills for working effectively with students, colleagues and parents as well as the ability to utilize educational technology in the classroom
- Ability to create an interesting and challenging learning environment for students
- Responsive Classroom training and experience preferred
Applicants may apply at https://www.applitrack.com/winchesterthurston/onlineapp and will need to submit a cover letter, resume and the names and contact information for 3 professional references.
Winchester Thurston School is an equal opportunity employer. WT is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic community and strongly encourages applications from people of color, LGBTQ+ candidates, and women.
