Lower School Art Teacher

Keys School, a K-8 of approximately 320 students and 45 faculty, seeks a Lower School Art Teacher to begin August 8, 2019.  Founded more than forty years ago, Keys believes students’ curiosity and intellect are best nurtured in a safe and supportive environment that offers a constructivist approach to learning. Faculty create interdisciplinary projects that require students to think critically and work collaboratively. Today Keys is known for helping students to become compassionate and empathic community members while developing the confidence to find their voice and advocate for themselves.

With a cross-divisional buddy program, ice-skating lessons, classes in self-science, and an extensive outdoor education program beginning in kindergarten, the school offers an array of distinctive programs.  These experiences, in concert with a strong academic program, prepare students to matriculate to the region’s highly selective independent secondary schools and rigorous public high schools.

The school is situated on two campuses, about a mile apart.  The Lower School campus houses grades K-4, approximately 180 students and 30 faculty and staff.  The Middle School campus houses grades 5-8, approximately 140 students, and 30 faculty and staff.

The Lower School Art Teacher is a full-time, non-exempt position reporting to the Head of the Lower School. The art teacher offers instruction in and appreciation for the visual arts K-4, demystifying the discipline and supporting students to see themselves as budding, confident artists, capable of interpreting art and of creating works that communicate ideas and evoke feeling. At Keys, the art teacher collaborates with Lower School Curriculum Coordinator, classroom teachers and specialists to develop an art curriculum which supports units of study in social studies, science, and music while simultaneously developing perceptual skills, a visual arts vocabulary, and an understanding of principles of design. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Collaborate with Curriculum Coordinators, and the Middle School Art Teacher to ensure development of and coordination of the art curriculum with units of study in other disciplines and across grade levels.
• Work with Lower School classroom teachers and specialists so that all faculty are prepared to seek opportunities for natural connections between the homeroom and art classrooms
• Demonstrate commitment to equitable and culturally responsive teaching practices
• Create and utilize formative and summative assessments to inform instructional decisions
• Differentiate instruction in the art studio to enrich, remediate, and accommodate learning needs
• Communicate regularly about student progress through Weekly Communications and about classroom curriculum through monthly curriculum posts.
• Participate in the school’s outdoor education program, buddy program, and other duties as assigned

The ideal candidate will possess a solid understanding of children’s academic, social, and emotional development; commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; familiarity with the Visual and Performing Art Framework in California; familiarity with authentic assessment practices and current technology; and passion for working with K-4 children. Candidates should have a proven record of collaborative teamwork together with a nuanced understanding of interpersonal relations, strong verbal and written communication skills, and a healthy sense of humor. A minimum of three to five years of teaching experience in independent schools and a graduate degree in a related field are required.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, statement of philosophy, and three to five references to jobs@keysschool.org

Keys School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, orientation or veteran status. For more information on the school, please visit keysschool.org

Job Title: Lower School Art Teacher

Department: Lower School

Reports To: Head of Lower School

FLSA Status: Exempt

Revised: April 29, 2019