Lower School Visual Art Teacher

Position Summary

The Ross School Visual Arts Department seeks a dynamic and collaborative Visual Art Teacher for a full-time position in the Lower School, teaching students in PK3 through Grade 6. Based on the pedagogy outlined in the Ross School Spiral Curriculum, the objectives of teaching at Ross School include tailoring each student's program to individual needs, interests, and abilities; promoting independence and dependability; and enhancing students' social skills and sense of responsibility toward others.

This position is based in the Lower School and centers on developing and delivering an age-appropriate visual arts curriculum across 2D and 3D media for young learners. The teacher will introduce foundational art-making skills, art historical context, and creative process in ways developmentally suited to early childhood and elementary-age students, while supporting Lower School-wide programming, events, and community life.

At Ross, many faculty are practicing artists, and this position supports independent creative practice alongside teaching.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach visual arts classes to students in PK3 through Grade 6, introducing foundational skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, and other 2D/3D media appropriate to early childhood and elementary developmental stages.
• Design and deliver a sequential, age-appropriate art curriculum consistent with the Ross Spiral Curriculum, building skills and creative confidence year over year.
• Introduce students to art history and diverse artistic traditions in developmentally appropriate, engaging ways.
• Foster project- and skill-based learning that encourages exploration, experimentation, and reflection.
• Lead age-appropriate discussions and critiques that build observational, communication, and reflective skills.
• Collaborate with Lower School classroom teachers to integrate visual arts with classroom curriculum and interdisciplinary themes.
• Maintain and organize the Lower School art classroom/studio, materials, and equipment.
• Collaboratively maintain and support Lower School and school-wide exhibitions of student work.
• Engage with the school-wide community, including visiting artists and school events, with possible leadership opportunities in curriculum development.
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding student progress and classroom activities, including contributing to grade-level newsletters as needed.
• Promote the Visual Arts program within the Lower School community.

Student Supervisory Responsibilities

• Understanding the developmental and emotional needs and milestones of PK3–Grade 6 students.
• Ensuring the safety of students at all times; educating students through differentiation of instruction and the ongoing tracking of student performance.
• Identifying and responding to student issues in a timely and productive manner.
• Directing and coordinating student activities.
• Participating in student life skills and/or advisory programming as applicable to the Lower School.

Qualifications

• An active visual art specialty and practice.
• B.F.A. or B.A. required; Master's degree preferred.
• Experience teaching young children (early childhood/elementary level) strongly preferred.
• A love of art history and a passion for teaching art as a practice.
• The Lower School Teacher is expected to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and must be able to accept and assume assigned responsibilities and make responsible decisions when required that are aligned with the Ross Mission, Philosophy, and Core Values.

Work Environment

• Ability to relocate from one physical space to another throughout the course of the teaching day as well as attend off-site field trips.
• Frequent standing or walking while performing classroom duties.
• Occasional lifting and moving of books, classroom materials, and equipment.

Required Competencies

• Ability to demonstrate expert knowledge of content and skills related to discipline(s) hired to teach.
• Ability to effectively engage with learners of all levels and backgrounds.
• Ability to demonstrate awareness and importance of international education and intercultural understanding.
• Ability to create learning environments that promote active engagement of all students.
• Ability to support the academic needs and course work for students, families, and other professionals associated with Ross distance learning programs.
• Ability to read, analyze, develop, and interpret documents such as curriculum, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals in the language of instruction.
• Ability to work collaboratively to advance the goals and strategic plan of the organization consistent with the Ross Mission, Philosophy, and Core Values.
• Ability to accept and work in a dynamic setting with multiple priorities.
• Ability to demonstrate a sense of purpose and priorities balanced with a sense of humor.
• Ability to communicate in a professional manner, both written and orally, with parents, students, colleagues, and others.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups and/or employees of the organization.
• Ability to effectively use technology in communication and instruction.
• Ability to engage in teamwork and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to engage in and support all research initiatives of the organization as a Lab School.
• Ability to relocate from one physical space to another throughout the course of the teaching day, as well as attend off-site field trips.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; employer-sponsored life insurance; voluntary life and AD&D insurance; supplemental insurance plans; voluntary short and long term disability plan; flexible spending accounts; pet insurance; and an Employee Assistance Program.
• 403(b) Retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Tuition remission benefit for eligible dependent children enrolled in the school.
• Professional development support including relevant certifications and conference attendance.
• Paid time off and school holiday schedule.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following materials to HR@ross.org: 

• A cover letter that speaks to your interest in Ross’s interdisciplinary, student-centered educational program. 
• Current resume or curriculum vitae.
• A brief statement of teaching philosophy.
• Contact information for three professional references (references will not be contacted without prior notification).

Application Deadline: Open until filled; priority review begins upon receipt

Start Date: Flexible; ideally prior to the start of the next school year

Contact: Human Resources at HR@ross.org. 

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the role and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, or responsibilities. The school reserves the right to modify responsibilities as organizational needs evolve.

The Ross School provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation or marital status, veteran status, or genetic information.