Art Teacher, Putnam Avenue Upper School (SY 25-26)

Cambridge Public Schools; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution seeks a passionate Visual Arts Teacher for grades 6-8. This role involves teaching a diverse curriculum encompassing drawing, painting, and sculpture while fostering an inclusive environment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong classroom management skills and a commitment to equity in education. Join a community that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds, contributing to a supportive learning atmosphere. This is an exciting opportunity for educators eager to inspire and engage students in the visual arts.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in urban, multicultural settings.
• Strong classroom management and assessment strategies.
• Ability to differentiate instruction for diverse learners.

Responsibilities

• Teach visual arts to grades 6-8 and implement a balanced curriculum.
• Organize student exhibitions and collaborate with faculty.
• Differentiate instruction and maintain high expectations.

Skills

Visual Arts Instruction

Classroom Management

Differentiated Instruction

Collaboration

Culturally Responsive Teaching

Social Justice and Equity Awareness

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Massachusetts Licensure for Visual Arts PreK-8 or 5-12

Job description

Position:

Visual Arts Teacher, Grades 6-8

Visual & Performing Arts Department/Putnam Avenue Upper School

Putnam Avenue Upper School Community :

Putnam Avenue Upper School serves students in grades 6-8 who previously attended the Kennedy-Longfellow School, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., School, Morse School. Upper School Scholars are provided with learning experiences that are developmentally responsive, challenging, inclusive, and supportive. With a combined enrollment of about 260, our school offers students a sense of close community while providing a large enough cohort and teaching staff to offer rich programming.

Key Responsibilities :

• Teach visual arts classes to grades 6-8
• Implement a rigorous and balanced standards-based art curriculum including drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics and printmaking
• Demonstrate artistic skill using a wide variety of 2D and 3D media
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners
• Demonstrate flexibility and compassion, while maintaining high expectations for student achievement
• Demonstrate strong classroom management skills
• Employ instructional methods that motivate students to continue to pursue study in the visual arts community
• Collaborate with school faculty to develop interdisciplinary curriculum and work with challenging students
• Organize and participate in exhibitions of student work on and off campus
• Contribute to departmental and school wide curriculum projects and other initiatives
• Steward the careful use of supplies, equipment, and teaching resources

Your Skill Set:

As the incoming Visual Arts Teacher, you will possess many, though perhaps not all, of the following characteristics and qualifications:

• 2+ years’ experience leading visual arts instruction in an urban, multicultural setting in grades 6-8.
• Culturally responsive educator with a strong sense for social justice and equity.
• High degree of comfort working with colleagues to build and refine engaging, standards based learning experiences that are responsive to the needs and interests of the communities you serve.
• Collaborative disposition, eager to partner with classroom teachers, VPA staff, and other team members in the district on behalf of our students and families.
• Excellent classroom management skills and use appropriate authentic assessment strategies to monitor student progress.
• Ability to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners and adjust practice to meet the needs of all students.
• Strong organizational skills, setting up structures that allow you to manage your own work effectively and position colleagues for success.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required, Master’s degree preferred.
• Massachusetts Licensure for Visual Arts PreK-8 or 5-12 required.

How to Join Our Team:

Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills, experience, and commitment to equity in education meet the qualifications of the position as well as stating how you heard about this opportunity.

At the Cambridge Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, we welcome and encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves when considering employment opportunities within our school district.