Middle School Visual Arts Teacher

Title: Middle and Upper School Visual Arts Teacher

Reports to: Middle School Division Director

The Miami Valley School (MVS). Our mission is to challenge young people of promise to become self-sustaining learners and compassionate global citizens. For over 60 years, MVS has provided a unique learning option for families in the Dayton, Ohio, community. Here, faculty are educators who are ready to help refine a truly differentiated educational opportunity as MVS becomes a nationally-recognized leader in experience-based learning. Here, every member of the MVS community is committed to transformative immersive learning in the classroom and during our Immersion term. Equally important is our commitment to Social Emotional Learning (SEL), through which our students learn the skills and competencies necessary to navigate an ever-shifting world with confidence and curiosity. Here, we learn because we do.

The Role. The Miami Valley School celebrates the arts with small classes, cultural diversity, and well-lit galleries to exhibit student work. MVS is seeking an innovative and culturally inclusive visual arts teacher artist, who is eager to invest their talents in mainly our middle school visual arts program. And the position includes teaching 1-2 semester long electives in the upper school visual arts program as well. We are seeking an individual who is passionate about their craft, inspiring to students, and enjoys collaborating with others. Familiarity with and an ability to teach a wide range of materials is expected along with concentration in drawing, painting, printmaking, or sculpture.

The Opportunity. All members of MVS’ vibrant faculty bring the school’s mission and vision to life each day for students and families in the Dayton community. Each day we live out our mission through our core values: integrity, celebration, grit, and kindness. As a part of our dynamic team, you will have the opportunity to:

• Expand Global Leadership. MVS is known for its academic and extracurricular programming, and with you on our team, we will continue to grow with our students as leaders of Global Citizenship and stewards of civil discourse.
• Enhance Cultural Experiences. Through your instruction and development of an inspiring Immersion Travel Learning Program, you and your students will experience the world, explore passions, and dive deep into content.
• Develop Character and Wellness. To support the overall wellness of our vibrant community,you’ll have the opportunity to meaningfully connect and collaborate with students and families.
• Innovate. As we continue to develop the programming, you will be part of a team that is enhancing professional learning nationwide and becoming a thought leader for immersive learning experiences that stretch beyond the traditional school experience. Here, you and your team will integrate academics, hands-on activities, and scholarly habits via cross-curricular designs and models of learning.
• Couple Academic Rigor with Increased Accessibility. Through your intentional planning and development of coursework, our students will explore their unique learning needs, utilize critical thinking, and begin to think about and create solutions for today’s pressing challenges.
• Collaborate as part of a World-Class Team. In your role teaching at MVS, you will work alongside dedicated faculty who have taught and learned all over the world and in a variety of school contexts. Your colleagues are artists, researchers, entrepreneurs, published authors, professional musicians, armed services veterans, and thespians. Most importantly, they are compassionate and caring educators committed to lifelong learning.
• And of course, you will get to Teach! As a middle (and upper) school visual arts faculty you will teach 4 courses each semester, or 8 term long courses. Most often this is 6-7 middle school classes and 1-2 upper school classes over the course of the year.

Expectations:

• Establish a supportive and engaging environment for students;
• Demonstrate a deep belief that teachers have a unique role in empowering students to become passionately inquisitive;
• Demonstrate teaching proficiency and comfort with a variety of teaching methods and learning needs; most importantly, supporting immersive, experiential learning;
• Foster the belief in each of our students that students can and will change the world;
• Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning through engagement in ongoing professional development;
• Build collaborative partnerships with students, faculty, and parents;
• Develop and facilitate culturally inclusive curricula and inclusive classroom practices;
• All faculty can expect to travel with students (grades 4-12) for 1-3 weeks per year;
• This is primarily a middle school position that teaches up to one upper school elective per semester;

Responsibilities:

• Explore core visual arts concepts and skills with middle school students (grades 6-8) at developmentally appropriate levels using a wide range of materials and processes. The inclusion of art history and present-day art is expected;
• Work with lower and upper school arts faculty to maintain fluidity between divisions, teachers, and grade levels;
• Create and install rotating exhibitions that celebrate student work;
• Regularly keep both students and families informed about student progress and performance;
• Keep RamsConnect (MVS’ Student Management System) and Canvas (MVS’ Learning Management System) up to date according to MVS guidelines;
• Advisor for a group of 8-12 MS students;
• Lead/Co-lead an Immersion program in January;
• Develop and propose new courses each year, including new Immersion programs. The opportunity to propose and develop an elective course in the upper school is available, including but not limited to illustration, graphic design, photography, and art history;
• Lead and/or advise extracurricular activities, which include student clubs and athletics;
• Attend faculty meetings and fulfill all other faculty responsibilities that may occur outside the school day, such as writing reports and planning, chaperoning student events, and attending school-related functions;
• Assist aspiring upper school students with building a portfolio for their college applications;
• Write recommendation letters for seniors applying to college;
• Perform other duties as assigned;

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate or Master Degree in Fine Art, or art education
• Experience teaching in a studio with middle school students is preferred, but not required
• Demonstrate computer literacy and proficiency (e.g., Google suite of applications, student information systems, and online grade book programs)
• The desire to work with pre-teen and teenage students in an experiential and “hands-on” setting
• Possess excellent communication skills

Benefits. This is a full-time opportunity that provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, a matching 403(b) program, and 50% tuition remission for the children of employees.

Take the Next Step. Share this opportunity with your network! Learn more about our school by clicking on the Interested and qualified applicants should submit a completed , cover letter, resume, outlining your suitability for the position and interest in the mission of the school to hr@mvschool.com. Please do not call the school directly.

Bring Your Whole Self. MVS is committed to the Dayton community and to our mission and vision. We are proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace and will not discriminate on any basis. We seek qualified candidates from a myriad of backgrounds to join our dynamic team.