Upper School Visual Art Teachers

Westtown School; West Chester (Chester County); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Westtown School seeks two dynamic Upper School Visual Art Teachers to develop a progressive arts curriculum in a new facility. Candidates should have a strong commitment to student-driven learning and a passion for teaching various art forms. Responsibilities include teaching multiple art classes, advising students, and participating in co-curricular activities. Ideal candidates will have 3-5 years of experience and a Bachelor's degree, with a focus on fostering an inclusive community and integrating technology into their teaching.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of art teaching experience at the upper school level.
• Commitment to progressive arts pedagogy and experience as an active studio artist.
• Strong affinity for the mission of Westtown School.

Responsibilities

• Develop culturally competent and responsive lessons.
• Support students’ social-emotional and identity development.
• Engage in decision-making aligned with Quaker process.

Skills

Creative Thinking

Collaboration

Communication

Problem-Solving

Empathy

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Advanced Degree

Tools

Google Products

Canvas

Job description

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Upper School Visual Art Teachers

Do you want to build an outstanding visual arts program? Are you interested in teaching in a new arts facility with state-of-the-art technology, a 3000 square foot professional gallery, and a vibrant artist-in-residence program? If so, we invite your candidacy to join the Visual and Performing Arts Department at Westtown School. We are looking for two dynamic teachers who are interested in developing a progressive and student-driven arts curriculum. Artist-teachers with an interest in pedagogy, an understanding of art as a tool for understanding and connecting, and a commitment to creating art that poses big questions will thrive in our program. Bring your gifts and experiences to Westtown!

Students throughout Westtown’s Visual Arts program focus on developing original ideas without the limitations of a traditional discipline-based art education curriculum. The visual arts programs in our Lower and Middle Schools are rooted in Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB), fostering studio habits of mind and honoring each student’s unique artistic voice and creative practice. This methodology allows students to follow their own specific interests and empowers the teacher to spend time fostering each student’s individual passions and curiosities.

The Upper School Visual Arts program emphasizes 2D, 3D, and digital artmaking. We are seeking a pair of teachers to teach Intro to Studio Art (2D and 3D), Drawing & Painting, Digital Art & Photography, Ceramics, Sculpture, and our capstone course Studio Art Forum. Teaching assignments will be based on the qualifications and gifts of candidates. We hope that incoming faculty will be able to build on this strong foundation and elevate the program to its next level.

In addition to teaching four art classes in the studio, responsibilities will include advising a small group of students, serving on school committees, and participating in the co-curricular program by coaching interscholastic sports, facilitating lifelong fitness programs such as yoga, or collaborative activities such as theater or service network. Faculty contribute to our residential program as either Dorm Parents or Dorm Affiliates. Both roles require a combination of weekly weeknight evening duties and regular weekend duties throughout the year. Housing may be available for faculty who participate in the Upper School residential program, but it is not guaranteed.

Westtown School is an independent, Quaker co-educational, pre-K to 12 college preparatory day and boarding school located in suburban West Chester, PA, approximately 30 miles from Philadelphia. On a beautiful 600-acre campus, Westtown offers a program where our committed faculty and staff inspire and prepare our students to be stewards and leaders of a better world.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop culturally competent and responsive lessons that promote problem-solving, creative thinking, collaboration, and effective communication skills while encouraging risk-taking in making and learning;
• Actively involve students in the classroom through group work, project-based learning, exploration, questioning, discussion, and other cooperative learning techniques;
• Help students hone the essential human skills of critical thinking, communication, and empathy, and empower them to draw out those skills in other people;
• Support students’ social-emotional and identity development;
• Contribute to building and sustaining an inclusive community and a program that embodies diverse cultures and perspectives;
• Communicate effectively with all constituents – students, colleagues, administrators, and parents;
• Contribute to students’ development of Quaker values;
• Engage in decision-making aligned with Quaker process in service to the school community;
• Integrate technology seamlessly into teaching strategies and practices, including the use of a learning management system;
• Contribute to students’ development outside the classroom through co-curricular activities, student life, and residential life;
• Enthusiastically seek out and participate in both school-sponsored and self-selected professional development opportunities to grow as an instructional leader and community member.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of art teaching experience at the upper school level, including an understanding of their unique developmental, social, and academic needs;
• Enthusiasm for full participation in the coaching, advising, and residential duties required of a full-time Upper School faculty member;
• Demonstrated interest or commitment to progressive arts pedagogy and experience as an active studio artist;
• Familiarity with Google products and the integration of a learning management system, Canvas, into best teaching practices;
• A demonstrated commitment to enhancing an inclusive school community based on cultural competence, commitment to social justice, and respect for all voices;
• A strong character with a team-oriented spirit, and the ability to connect meaningfully with students throughout our diverse community;
• Strong affinity for the mission of Westtown School and an educational philosophy consistent with the school’s Quaker values;
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

For additional information about Westtown School and to explore current career opportunities, please visit our website, westtown.edu/careers. Interested applicants can apply online by submitting their resume, cover letter, and a portfolio or website of personal and student artwork directly to the specific job posting on the faculty employment portal.