Middle School Visual Arts Teacher

Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Chicago seeks a Middle School Visual Arts Teacher to inspire creativity in students. The role involves developing a comprehensive arts curriculum, collaborating with colleagues, and fostering a nurturing environment. Candidates should have a strong background in visual arts and excellent interpersonal skills.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

Transportation & Parking Benefit

Paid Parental & Adoption Leave

Tuition Remission

403(b) Retirement Plan

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience as a visual arts educator.
• Experience with Design Thinking and theatre tech preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and teach a visual arts curriculum for grades 5-8.
• Facilitate open-studio opportunities and student exhibitions.

Skills

Communication

Organizational Skills

Flexibility

Patience

Technology Skills

Education

Bachelor’s in Visual Arts Education

Master's Degree

Tools

Google Workspace

Job description

Job Title: Middle School Visual Arts Teacher

Date available: August 2025 Supervisor: Head of Lower School

Job Summary and Scope of Responsibility

Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School seeks a warm, talented educator who will serve as a full-time visual arts teacher. The ideal candidate will love working with middle school students and have a deep understanding of Middle School developmental needs and the impact of those needs on curricular decisions and the studio environment. The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills, including strong written and oral communication, be committed to collaborative relationships with colleagues, and be excited about integrating art throughout the Middle School. Additionally, the candidate should possess a strong academic and professional background in visual arts. A desire to instill students with a passion for learning through the arts and an appreciation for creativity and wonder is essential.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and teach a scaffolded visual arts curriculum for fifth through eighth graders.
• Infuse visual arts throughout the school community and Middle School curriculum with an emphasis on Jewish and Israeli cultures
• Facilitate open-studio opportunities for students, and collaborate with Lower School visual arts to ensure appropriate flow/successful transition
• Serve as a resource for colleagues regarding questions about integrating arts into other academic (and non-academic) areas and regarding materials/resources.
• Assist grade-level teams in executing/conceptualizing student exhibitions and performance art shows throughout the year to highlight both process and product, including the 8th grade Capstone project.
• Assist in the creation of sets for two annual stage performances. Collaborate with the performing arts teacher on vision and design through the execution of the build. (Seventh Grade Play, Eighth Grade Operetta)
• Give specific feedback to support student growth
• Work on an advisory team, planning advisory learning and creating a safe, nurturing environment for students
• Advise and advocate for a group of middle school students, with responsibility for academic/social/emotional oversight
• Communicate regularly and effectively with parents and others on the student and grade-level team
• Help lead service learning through the advisory program
• Other duties as assigned in support of the greater school community.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s in Visual Arts education or related field required, Master's degree preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of experience as a visual arts educator, preferably in a Middle School setting. 5 years preferred .
• Experience as a Visual Arts educator required, preferably in a Middle School setting
• Experience with Design Thinking preferred
• Experience in theatre tech is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Stagecraft and set building preferred
• Ability to embed Jewish values, Bernard Zell’s mission, and Israel in the Visual Arts program
• Commitment to students’ creative growth through experiential learning and risk-taking while ensuring health and safety of all students at all times
• Strong organizational skills
• Flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor
• Strong technology skills with Google Workspace and classroom technology
• Knowledge of Responsive Classroom practices preferred
• Ability and interest in creating a constructivist classroom environment

Compensation: Bernard Zell offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and a supportive workplace culture. The salary range for this position is $55,631 - $84,256

Benefits: The position is eligible for benefits. Bernard Zell has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports the success of our employees. Benefits include:

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance - including spouse/dependent life insurance

Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

Transportation & Parking Benefit

Health Care, Limited Purpose, and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid Parental & Adoption Leave

Paid time off

Tuition Remission

Breakfast & Lunch when school is in session

403(b) (Retirement contribution) Plan with competitive matching structure

How To Apply: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to: employment @bernardzell.org

As a condition of employment, all applicants must successfully pass a criminal background screening.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School has a long-standing policy of equal employment opportunity for every person regardless of age, race, color, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or citizenship.

Bernard Zell recruits, hires, and promotes individuals without regard to these characteristics, and all staffing decisions are based solely on the qualifications of each individual and the legitimate educational needs of our students.

The school does not discriminate in working conditions, physical facilities or any other terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, including transfer, compensation, training, promotion, demotion or separation based on age, race, color, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry or citizenship. Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School seeks to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, and harassment based on any of these or other characteristics.