Lower School Art Teacher (Part Time)

Position Overview 
Woodland School is seeking a part time Lower School Art Teacher to serve Early Childhood – 2nd Grade students beginning in August 2021. At Woodland, we believe that young children have the natural instinct to create. When given exciting materials, children explore, create, and courageously express their ideas and feelings. Our approach to art with young children emphasizes open-ended projects and exploring materials. We also introduce a variety of artists to inspire our students to learn more about the art making and the design process.

Located just west of Stanford University, Woodland is an independent day school that offers a joyful approach to learning in a diverse, respectful, and inclusive environment for approximately 300 students in early childhood through eighth grade. There are two sections of each grade level K- 8 with class sizes that average between 14-18 students.

Woodland School specializes in education that inspires students by nurturing each individual’s voice, intellect, and character. With rich content and an emphasis on inquiry-based and student-driven projects, students are empowered and encouraged to be active and engaged learners. Our students’ innate sense of wonder is the foundation of learning at Woodland School. Teachers craft meaningful, multi-sensory learning experiences that enable creativity, ingenuity, and deep interdisciplinary connections. Students explore and develop complex understandings that engender a sense of self and purpose in the world.

Woodland School’s faculty create a school environment that is as supportive and nurturing as it is challenging, and they embody the core values of the school—respect, integrity, curiosity, resilience, equity, and stewardship. Our teachers are themselves learners, constantly searching for ways to improve their practice. A robust professional development program supports our faculty by connecting them to the best practices in pedagogy, curriculum development, educational technology, and student assessment.

Woodland School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin in the administration of its educational or admission policies, tuition assistance distribution, or other school programs. Woodland School is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect such diversity.

Position Specifics 
The Lower School Art Teacher position is part time (an average of 16 hours weekly) and includes teaching two sections of each grade level (Kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 2) as well as Early Childhood. Also included is collaboration time with colleagues to develop integrated curricular experiences and contributing to school wide supervision.  The ideal candidate has a strong background and experience in exposing students to the joy and appreciation of art  through a variety of mediums which include painting, drawing, and clay. This individual will create a supportive and positive climate that develops in each student the skills, attitudes, and knowledge to advance one’s artistic ability using current methodology, curricula, and materials.

Responsibilities

• Envision for a Visual Arts program in the 21st century, with the ability to design, implement, and assess a sequential art program
• Plan and deliver high quality, developmentally appropriate lessons which develop artistic skill, reflection and an appreciation of the visual arts
• Introduce artists to deepen and contextualize content and projects
• Establish and maintain an engaging and supportive classroom environment that supports emerging work of students
• Reflect on and assess individual student process and development
• Work collaboratively with faculty members to design, integrate, and connect art across the academic program
• Participate in opportunities for professional growth and development
• Assist in planning, installing, and logistics of the year end art show

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
We seek a dynamic teacher who inspires students and who works collaboratively and creatively with colleagues in various curricular areas and divisions. Candidates should be passionate about teaching and have a love for the arts as well as young children.

• Bachelor of Arts degree, preferably in Art, Art Education or related field
• Masters in Art or Art Education preferred
• Experience in a broad range of materials and techniques
• Demonstrated ability and commitment to a classroom community respecting the diverse needs of all children through implementation of art knowledge gained from global history and diverse cultural practices
• Familiarity with the National Visual Arts Standards, and the National Core Arts
• Education Standards

Additional Requirements:

• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with all constituents.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Collaborates well with colleagues of diverse backgrounds on pedagogical approaches, curricular alignment and instructional strategies.
• Demonstrated professional behavior, including discretion, judgment and integrity.
• Effectively interacts with a diverse population of students and faculty.
• All prospective employees must be able to clear a background check, LiveScan fingerprinting and TB screening.

Woodland School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin in the administration of its educational or admission policies, tuition assistance distribution, or other school programs. Woodland School is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect such diversity.