Founding Middle School Art Teacher — Create & Lead Visual Arts

Elevate Charter Schools; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 50,500 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Elevate Charter Schools in New Haven, CT, seeks a founding Middle School Art Teacher to build and lead our visual arts program for grades 5–7. The role emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and a culturally responsive approach within a mission-driven charter school network.

You will design the curriculum, collaborate with teachers, organize exhibitions, and engage families and the community to celebrate student work while upholding our commitments to equity and excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Art Education or related field.
• Valid teaching certification in Art Education or Elementary Education with arts endorsement (CT certification or eligibility for reciprocity).
• At least 2–3 years of teaching experience with a strong track record of student engagement and growth.
• Ability to create a classroom environment in which students feel safe, supported, and inspired to explore creatively.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated commitment to educational equity, youth development, social-emotional learning, restorative practices, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
• Deep alignment with the mission and values of ECS and BTWA, including a resolute belief in the potential of every student.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver engaging, standards-aligned visual arts lessons introducing foundational techniques.
• Foster creative exploration and artistic risk-taking while building technical skills.
• Differentiate instruction for varied developmental levels and learning needs, including ELs and students with IEPs.
• Use portfolios, rubrics, and student reflections to assess artistic growth.
• Integrate culturally responsive materials and practices.
• Collaborate with teachers to integrate visual arts into core subjects.
• Lead school-wide arts events, exhibitions, and showcases.

Skills

Communication skills

Educational equity

Culturally responsive pedagogy

Strong work ethic

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Teaching certification in Art Education or Elementary Education with arts endorsement

Job description

Elevate Charter Schools in New Haven, CT, seeks a founding Middle School Art Teacher to build and lead our visual arts program for grades 5–7. The role emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and a culturally responsive approach within a mission-driven charter school network.

You will design the curriculum, collaborate with teachers, organize exhibitions, and engage families and the community to celebrate student work while upholding our commitments to equity and excellence.