Saint Theresa Catholic School
Part-Time Art Teacher
Introduction
Saint Theresa Catholic School seeks a Part-Time Art Teacher. Saint Theresa Catholic School is a Classical educational institution in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston serving Pre-Kindergarten to 8th Grade students. In addition to being named a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, STCS is a member school of the
Institute for Catholic Liberal Education and has been recognized as a Cardinal Newman Catholic
Honor Roll School. Saint Theresa Catholic School is fully committed to furnishing students with an education that combines the wisdom of the classics with a firm foundation in faith and morals. Located in Sugar Land, Texas, Saint Theresa Catholic School’s rigorous liberal arts curriculum includes daily instruction in Latin starting in Kindergarten; classes in traditional liturgical chorus three days a week; and lessons in Art and Art History twice a week. In keeping with our mission, we “strive to form students who have a genuine love of God and the Church and who are prudent, compassionate, kind, courageous, and generous in their service of one another and to others.”
Position Summary
Under the supervision of the Principal, the Art Teacher will help STCS to maintain its strong art education program. The rigorous and comprehensive art curriculum emphasizes proficiency in fine arts, study of art history, and understanding of Catholic art and traditions through the centuries, including classical and modern art. The Art Teacher will facilitate student success and growth in spiritual, academic, and interpersonal skills through implementing a classical approach to teaching and learning; documenting teaching and student activities and outcomes; addressing specific educational needs of individual students; by creating a flexible, safe, and optimal learning environment; and by providing feedback to students, parents, and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc. The Art Teacher must be willing to grow in personal faith while collaborating with families for the good of all students. The successful candidate will be a person of unquestioned integrity, possess a sense of humor, be characterized by a spirit of service, and exhibit an understanding of the high call of teaching and forming young souls. Faculty must be willing and able to actively promote the mission and ideals of Saint Theresa Catholic School. The ideal candidate will have a background in fine arts, art history, teaching, and experience in directing art programs for Catholic, liturgical celebrations. Academic credentials in fine arts, art history, or a related field are required.
The STCS Art program for children in Grades Pre-K through 8th relies heavily on practice of drawing, painting, and various other art styles as well as the study of art history. While art education is comprehensive and self-contained for each class, grade levels are divided into emphases in three stages: PK4 – 2nd “Developing Art Understanding”; 3rd – 5th “Developing Art Proficiency”; and 6th – 8th “Developing Art Mastery”. In addition to technique, there is a major emphasis on different periods, media, and schools of art through the ages.
Developing Art Understanding
Our students develop understanding of the basic elements of art, such as the line, circle, curve, point, and angle. We reinforce drawing skills by practicing drawing objects related to letters of the alphabet to strengthen skill retention. Students are also introduced to perspective, volume, and proportions.
Developing Art Proficiency
We study art history and introduce more drawing and painting techniques, such as pastels, acrylics, and silverpoint. Students develop a greater understanding of depth in perspective by drawing models and following other step-by-step exercises.
Developing Art Mastery
Students study more advanced art techniques and media, such as iconography, mosaics, woodburning, encaustic paints, gold leaf, silverpoint, printmaking, and more advanced use of pastels and paints. While learning these techniques, students also study the use of these techniques throughout classical and modern art history. What’s more, throughout the academic year students work on projects that are displayed in art exhibitions where each student has the opportunity to demonstrate their artistic skills and creativity.
Essential Functions
Saint Theresa Catholic School aims to educate the mind, heart, and spirit of every student by providing an environment that fosters an authentic Catholic identity and generous stewardship towards others. These goals are accomplished by faculty and staff through active Christian faith and through academic excellence. The attributes that should be exemplified by all STCS personnel include but are not limited to the following:
- Exhibiting a deep understanding of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition and Liberal Arts Education.
- Leading students to an understanding and appreciation of all that is good, beautiful, and true.
- Relating to students by loving them with the love of Christ, encouraging them to deepen their own relationship with God through sacraments and scripture, and challenging students to love others.
- Participating in school and church activities at which attendance is necessary because of the employee’s position.
- Developing and administering Art curriculum consistent with the Catholic mission and classical orientation of STCS.
- Participating in ongoing faith formation opportunities offered by the parish and school.
- Promoting a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction.
- Teaching students in a challenging, enthusiastic and age-appropriate manner using the classical model. Ensuring that within the year, the scope and sequence of concepts and skills assigned to the grade are taught to the students.
- Developing lesson plans and instructional materials and translating lesson plans into learning experiences to best utilize the available time for instruction.
- Conducting ongoing assessment of student learning and modifying instructional methods to fit the individual needs of students, including those with special needs.
- Instructing students in the principles of responsible citizenship and other subject matters specified in applicable laws, as well as administrative regulations and procedures of the school system.
- Serving as an advocate for Saint Theresa Catholic School, as well as classical and Catholic education in the Sugar Land community and the greater Houston metropolitan area.
- Continuing to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in education or an area of specialized research by attending seminars, workshops, or professional meetings.
- Organizing and maintaining a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement, and attendance. Please note that STCS utilizes RenWeb for recording grades and attendance.
- Encouraging parental involvement in students' education and ensuring effective, timely communication with students and parents.
- Ensuring that student conduct conforms with the school's standards and Archdiocesan policies, and establishing and maintaining standards of pupil behavior that not only lead to a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom but also to growth in virtue, empathy, and gratitude on the part of all students.
- Coordinating with other middle school professional staff members, to evaluate and assess curriculum, by participating in applicable faculty meetings and committees.
- Selecting and requisitioning appropriate books, instructional aids, and other supplies and maintaining inventory records.
- Supervising students in activities that take place outside of the classroom during the school day, including activities involving transportation.
Lives a Life Consistent with Catholic Educational Values
- Supporting, implementing, and modeling the philosophy of Catholic Education.
- Giving clear evidence that one lives by Gospel values.
- Participating in building up the faith community.
- Growing in a personal faith life through continued study, prayer, and reflection.
Additional Duties
Performing other related tasks as assigned by the Principal.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Equipment
Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.
Travel Requirements
Travels to professional meetings as required.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction, based upon student learning needs.
- Knowledge of early childhood, elementary, and middle school curriculum and concepts.
- Knowledge of early, elementary, and adolescent childhood development
- Knowledge of classical educational pedagogies and goals
- Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis, and the formulation of action plans.
- Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
- Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed.
- Ability to organize and coordinate work.
- Ability to communicate regularly, effectively, and in a timely fashion with students and parents.
- Ability to engage in self-evaluation regarding performance and professional growth.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
Works in standard office and school building environments.
Qualifications Profile
Education
Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in the humanities or related discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
Experience
Successful prior teaching experience required and credentials in more than one field are a plus.
FLSA Status: Exempt