Lower School Art Teacher

Lower School Art Teacher

Friends School is a Quaker, co-educational, college preparatory school, Pre-K through Grade 12, in Baltimore City, enrolling 803 students, 44% of whom identify as children of color. We are guided by the Quaker ideals of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. We strive to be a purposefully inclusive community that reflects the racial, ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic, and religious diversity of our city and our region.

Educators at Friends are expected to model and foster the habits of mind we believe are essential to an outstanding education: creativity, curiosity, empathy, reflection, and resilience. We seek educators whose teaching styles and experiences demonstrate:

● A desire to understand diverse attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and practices and to incorporate a culturally responsive lens into

teaching and learning.

● A record of successful collaboration with colleagues, families, and students.

● A commitment to lifelong learning, and ongoing professional development.

● An ability to infuse technology to enhance student learning.

● An openness to interdisciplinary teaching.

● An appreciation for and understanding of the social and emotional development of students.

● Flexibility, optimism, and a sense of humor.

Context and Philosophy

Are you an enthusiastic and innovative educator looking for an exciting opportunity? Friends School of Baltimore is seeking a dedicated Lower School art teacher to join our dynamic team.

As a Lower School art teacher of grades 1-5, you will inspire young minds by teaching art in a collaborative environment with educators who love children. We're particularly interested in candidates who have experience with flexible classrooms, integrating art with core subject areas, and utilizing differentiation strategies to address our students' developmental needs. We are specifically interested in candidates who can teach foundational art skills (painting, shading, mixed media, clay...etc) and also are well versed in teaching the artistic design process. Candidates must also have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities:

● Teach art to students in grades 1-5 that honors the Quaker values and the Teaching and Learning Paradigm of Friends School.

● Engage enthusiastically in All-School Professional Days, team/department meetings, and Lower School faculty meetings.

● Play a pivotal role in propelling the School's initiatives forward by contributing expertise and a strong voice on committees.

● Craft thoughtful lesson plans to ensure continuity in learning during any absence.

● Foster fruitful collaborations with fellow educators within your team/department, across divisions, and beyond.

● Prioritize the safety and well-being of your students, creating a nurturing environment for their growth.

● Craft & maintain an inviting classroom & learning space, showcasing captivating bulletin boards in both classroom & hallways.

● Promote the development of students' social emotional skills, nurturing their holistic growth.

● Provide parents and administrators with detailed, timely, and engaging written and oral progress reports, celebrating the multifaceted aspects of each child's educational journey.

● Take on student supervisory duties, including Lunch, Recess, Early Arrival, and Dismissal, on a rotating basis, fostering a positive and secure environment.

● Commit to professional learning on culturally responsive teaching, mind/brain/education pedagogies, restorative practices, and racial justice training.

● Active participation in the vibrant life of an independent school.

Qualifications:

● Required: Bachelor's degree;

● Preferred: Master's degree and at least 2 years of teaching experience

● Candidates should demonstrate a willingness to understand and incorporate Quaker Principles and Quaker education into their work.

Friends School of Baltimore actively promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion in all programs and operations, including admissions, financial aid, and hiring. To form a community that strives to reflect the world's diversity, we do not discriminate on the basis of race or color, religion, nationality, ethnicity, economic background, physical ability, sex, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation.

Friends School of Baltimore is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of color and members of other underrepresented groups who might enrich and diversify the school community are strongly encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should apply with their resume, cover letter, and supporting documents to the link on the school website. A search committee will review candidate information and will contact those candidates they are interested in having a conversation with about the position.