Upper School Teaching

Winchester Thurston; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Winchester Thurston in Pittsburgh is seeking an Upper School Visual Arts Teacher to provide instruction for students in Grades 9-12. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in visual arts or a related field, and the candidate must have prior teaching experience. Responsibilities include teaching various visual arts classes, managing the classroom environment, and engaging with parents and the community. The position emphasizes creative lesson planning and supports equity and inclusion in education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in visual arts or art history required.
• Prior classroom teaching experience is essential.
• Ability to create an engaging and challenging learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Teach visual arts classes including Drawing, Painting, and Ceramics.
• Coordinate annual art show and maintain classroom organization.
• Communicate with parents effectively regarding students.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Proficiency in educational technology

Classroom management

Creative lesson planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in visual arts, art history, or related field

Tools

Google Suite

Job description

Upper School Visual Arts Teacher

Position Information

Job Classification: Faculty, Exempt, Salaried

FT/PT Status: 1.0 FTE

Work Schedule: Generally Monday-Friday, 100% in person (8am-3:30pm) with occasional evenings for meetings and school events

Location: Winchester Thurston School – Pittsburgh, PA (Shadyside)

Position Summary

The Visual Arts Teacher provides instruction and supervision for students in Grades 9-12. The teacher plans lessons, teaches a set number of classes, and maintains discipline. The role works closely with the Visual Arts Department Chair, the Directors of Middle and Upper School, other department members, faculty, students, and parents. The teacher performs under the general direction of the Head of School and the daily supervision of the Director of Upper School, and serves in a manner that advances and upholds the mission and philosophy of Winchester Thurston School.

Responsibilities

• Teach four sections of visual arts classes, including electives such as Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, and Art History.
• Display student artwork publicly throughout the school buildings and coordinate the annual art show with the Visual Arts faculty.
• Plan and execute lessons within a year-long curriculum using varied methods of instruction and assessment aligned with departmental, divisional, and school standards.
• Provide instructional support during Community Time and other times throughout the school day, answering questions and offering assistance as needed.
• Create and maintain an organized classroom environment that prioritizes students’ physical and emotional well‑being and safety.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm for the City as Our Campus initiative by seeking meaningful community connections for experiential learning opportunities.
• Engage in and support the school’s commitment to equity and inclusion in curriculum, teaching practice, and professional growth.
• Design and implement interdisciplinary, student‑centered, and project‑based learning experiences aligned with the school’s strategic priorities.
• Communicate with parents through email, telephone, progress reports, and notices in a timely and effective manner.
• Complete student assessment reports, such as grade reports and interim comments, per school guidelines and deadlines.
• Participate in a two‑year mentoring program with an experienced faculty member.
• Commit to ongoing professional growth through development opportunities and faculty review processes.
• Attend all school‑wide meetings, department meetings, Upper School faculty meetings, in‑service days, and serve on committees as needed.
• Serve as a student advisor when required.
• Assist the admissions process by meeting prospective families, attending admission events, and helping to screen candidates.
• Perform non‑academic duties such as advising, monitoring study halls, and other assigned responsibilities.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in visual arts, art history, or a related field with prior classroom teaching experience. The candidate must create an engaging, challenging learning environment, maintain an educational philosophy consistent with the school’s philosophy, and demonstrate strong communication skills. Proficiency in educational technology and the Google Suite is required.

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Organizational Chart

Head of School; Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning; Director of Upper School; Upper School Visual Arts Teacher