Middle School Art Teacher

USJ Middle and Upper School Art Teacher

The University School of Jackson seeks an inspiring, innovative, and inquiry-driven educator to join our team as a Middle and Upper School Art teacher beginning in January 2025. Additionally, this team member may be asked to serve as an advisor and contribute to the broader life of the school through coaching and/or sponsoring extracurricular programs (Art Club).

University School of Jackson is West Tennessee's college preparatory school. It offers a challenging curriculum in a nurturing and safe environment. We educate students from Pre-kindergarten through the 12th Grade. From the child-centered environment in the Lower School to the college advanced placement courses in Upper School, USJ offers students an education that will prepare them for college and success in life. Through the fulfillment of our mission and its focus on academic, artistic, and athletic excellence and personal integrity, mutual respect, and lifelong learning, we prepare our graduates to be responsible and informed world citizens.

USJ’s Mission Statement, “We instill a passion for academic, artistic, and athletic excellence while committing to personal integrity, mutual respect, and life-long learning,” emphasizes the importance of the arts.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher - Preferred major - art education or art-related
• Demonstrate knowledge of art as it relates to a classroom setting
• Exceptional classroom management skills

This individual will:

• Be a curious and collaborative lifelong learner dedicated to facilitating and encouraging the growth of students and colleagues.
• Provide meaningful instruction in secondary-level art courses using a variety of research-based and innovative teaching methods. This may include instructions on the use of pencils, pens, charcoal, brushes, watercolors, acrylic colors, oil colors, and other art materials.
• Collaborate with colleagues and work to build trust with students, families, and fellow USJ faculty and staff members.
• Establish and maintain a safe and positive learning environment and take all reasonable precautions to protect students, facilities, and materials.
• Possess strong character with an absolute drive for excellence, a team-oriented spirit, and a commitment to meeting the academic, emotional, and social needs of students.
• Motivate student learning and participation while ensuring the integrity of the academic experience.
• Engage with the Fine Arts Guild in organizing and attending events representing USJ.
• Organize art exhibitions to display students' artwork and help them develop their art portfolios.
• Purchase art materials and maintain inventory and art budget.
• Plan, develop, and implement art and art history curriculum to meet learning goals.
• Prepare and arrange art materials and equipment in the classroom for students to use.
• Assign art projects for students, grade the finished art projects, and maintain records of the student’s progress.
• Understand and use new technology to integrate art instruction with other subjects, such as STEM.
• Organize art exhibitions to display students' artwork and help them develop their art portfolios. Display art throughout the school to celebrate student work.
• Maintain flexibility and enthusiasm in scheduling and developing a wide variety of art classes (grades 6-12) based on school needs and student interests.
• Reflect on one’s teaching practices through a combination of self-reflection and outside feedback.
• Employ excellent written and verbal communication skills, including appropriately using technology to communicate with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Demonstrate effective time management and collaborative skills.
• Follow and comply with written and verbal directions and expectations of Division Directors and Fine Arts Department Chair.
• Demonstrate cooperation and flexibility in performing other related duties as assigned.

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter of interest by e-mail to the Middle School Director Margaret Livingston at [email protected], and chair of the art department Leah Hackett at [email protected].  Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience.