ART TEACHER JOB DESCRIPTION

An Art Teacher guides students through standards-based studio practice across disciplines such as drawing, painting, ceramics, and photography. The role operates within a school's certificated instructional staff, answering to building principals or academic deans and collaborating directly with grade-level teams on curriculum integration. Holding a valid state teaching license with the appropriate visual arts endorsement is a legal prerequisite, not a preference. What makes this position genuinely demanding is the obligation to differentiate instruction simultaneously for general education students, English Learners, and students on IEP or 504 plans.

As the Art Teacher, you are responsible for designing and delivering a sequential visual arts curriculum aligned to state standards while using ongoing assessment data to adapt instruction to the full range of learner needs in your caseload. You work within a grade-span team structure, reporting to site administration, with scope that typically spans multiple class sections and grade levels across one or more school buildings.

Career Impact: Earning a state visual arts endorsement and building a documented record of standards-aligned instruction strengthens your standing for lead teacher, instructional coach, or department head roles within a district.

Business Impact: The students in your classroom gain foundational visual literacy and creative problem-solving skills that district assessment data tracks as part of broader academic achievement goals.

Growth Opportunity: Consistent work with English Learners and IEP populations develops a differentiated instruction skillset that is increasingly sought after across subject areas and opens pathways into curriculum specialist and arts integration coordinator positions.

• Develop and implement lesson plans aligned with state visual arts standards and district curriculum frameworks, with written evidence of preparation.
• Differentiate classroom instruction for students with IEP, 504, and English Learner designations based on assessed learning styles and performance data.
• Conduct ongoing formal and informal assessment of student achievement and use results to modify instructional strategies at the individual and group level.
• Instruct students in safe use of tools, materials, and equipment across studio media including drawing, painting, ceramics, and photography.
• Collaborate with grade-level teams and administrators to integrate visual arts content with core subject areas and to align class schedules across buildings.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records, including progress reports, behavioral documentation, and required compliance filings per district and state policy.
• Communicate student progress and behavioral expectations regularly to parents, guardians, and counselors through conferences, written reports, and ongoing outreach.
• Participate in professional development activities, staff meetings, and school events outside the regular workday, including art shows and in-service training days.

• Bachelor's degree in art education, fine arts, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of classroom teaching, student teaching, or approved internship experience, with demonstrated competency in visual arts instruction.
• Valid state teaching certificate with the appropriate visual arts or fine arts endorsement for the assigned grade levels.
• Knowledge of state and national visual arts standards and the ability to build sequential, standards-based instructional units.
• Demonstrated ability to differentiate instruction for students with diverse learning needs, including special education, 504, and English Learner populations.
• Strong organizational skills sufficient to manage lesson planning, materials inventory, student records, and compliance documentation concurrently.
• Effective oral and written communication skills for use with students, families, colleagues, and administrators.

• Master's degree or advanced coursework in visual arts, art education, or curriculum and instruction.
• ESL or bilingual certification, or demonstrated proficiency in a second language spoken by the student population served.
• Experience providing formal or informal professional development to colleagues on arts integration strategies.
• Familiarity with data-driven instructional practices, including analysis of assessment results to inform grade-level curriculum planning.

• Student mastery rate on standards-based visual arts assessments, measured per grading period against grade-level benchmarks.
• Differentiation implementation rate, tracked through lesson plan review and administrator observation scores on instructional rubrics.
• Timeliness and completeness of required student records and compliance documentation per district audit cycles.
• Family communication frequency, measured by logged contacts per student per semester against school-set minimums.
• Observation and evaluation scores from principal or instructional coach walkthroughs, rated on district-adopted instructional frameworks.

• Base Salary Range: $42,000–$68,000 annually, depending on district pay scale and years of experience
• Bonus: Step increases and lane changes upon completion of additional coursework or advanced degrees
• Equity: Not typically offered in K–12 public school settings
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage through district group plan
• PTO: Defined by school calendar; typically 10–15 paid holidays plus summer recess
• Common Perks: Pension or defined-contribution retirement plan, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, and professional development funding

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities are available upon request throughout the hiring process. Offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of a background check, including fingerprinting where required by state law. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Art Teacher delivers sequential, standards-aligned instruction across drawing, painting, sculpting, and design while adapting lessons for diverse learning styles and specialized needs. Reporting to building administrators and collaborating with classroom teachers, the role maintains accurate records and open communication with families to support consistent academic and behavioral progress for every student.

Key Responsibilities

• Model and teach respect with awareness of diversity in all school settings.
• Establish clear objectives and develop long- and short-range instructional plans aligned with district and state curriculum standards.
• Develop and carry out organized, sequential lessons and learning activities suited to students' developmental levels.
• Vary and pace classroom strategies to accommodate different learning styles and maximize student engagement.
• Use current knowledge of cultural diversity to design and adapt academic and behavioral programs for individual and group settings.
• Collaborate with administrators and classroom teachers to establish class schedules that accommodate the needs of each building.
• Use a variety of approaches to assess student skills and performance and provide feedback to students, parents, and classroom teachers.
• Adapt and modify classroom instruction for students identified as needing specialized instruction.
• Maintain and organize specialized instructional materials and equipment for ease of access.
• Establish and maintain open communication with all students and parents/guardians regarding academic and behavioral progress.
• Assist in implementing all policies governing student conduct, reinforce positive behavior support plans, and develop reasonable rules for classroom behavior.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential records as required by law and district policy.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, district in-service meetings, and activities related to school functions outside the regular workday, including special events and art shows.
• Instruct students in creating art using methods such as drawing, painting, sculpting, and designing.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Massachusetts teacher's license with appropriate endorsement and grade-level authorization.
• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Teaching license issued by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• Passing score on the MTEL.
• Minimum 2 years of experience preferred.
• Proficiency in a second language, especially Khmer, Spanish, or Portuguese, is a plus.

Embedded within Aspire's small-school instructional model, the Art Teacher delivers high-quality, standards-aligned lesson plans while differentiating instruction based on assessment data to keep every student on a path to college readiness. Working closely with lead teachers, the principal, and instructional coaches within a professional learning community, this position helps close opportunity gaps for underserved students.

What You'll Do

• Establish a culture of high expectations built on the shared belief that every student will attend college.
• Develop and implement lesson plans and classroom activities aligned with state standards and instructional guidelines.
• Assess students regularly and refine and differentiate classroom instruction based on assessment data and student needs.
• Communicate regularly with students and families and involve families as partners in their child's education.
• Identify unique student needs and collaborate with team members to address those needs and improve instructional practices.
• Actively participate in professional development activities and work closely with lead teachers, principal, and instructional coaches.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree.
• Valid Art Teaching Credential required.
• 1+ year of experience working with students as a teacher, teacher intern, or teaching assistant preferred.
• Knowledge of subject matter, including state standards and subject-specific frameworks.
• Knowledge of child cognitive development and various learning styles.
• Ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative student data.
• Ability and willingness to reflect on and improve instructional practices.

Reporting to the Academic Deans and School Director, the Art Teacher delivers a college preparatory curriculum aligned to Common Core and Tennessee state standards while planning, enacting, and evaluating ambitious instruction tailored to student needs. Partnering with fellow teachers to modify curricula for Special Education, 504, and Bilingual students, this position sustains the school's culture of excellence and achievement.

Core Functions

• Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill district curriculum requirements and show written evidence of preparation.
• Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for differences in student learning styles.
• Plan and use appropriate instructional strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the diverse needs of students.
• Work cooperatively with other teachers to modify curricula as needed for students with special needs, including Special Education, 504, and Bilingual students.
• Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan instructional activities, and conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Use technology to strengthen the teaching and learning process and help students analyze and improve study methods and habits.
• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and manage student behavior in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
• Establish and maintain open communication with parents, students, principals, teachers, and support staff.
• Participate in professional development activities, staff meetings, and national and state-level organizations to stay current with research and best practices.
• Compile, maintain, and file reports, records, and other documents required, and comply with all state, district, and school regulations and policies.
• Supervise assigned teacher aides, volunteers, and student teachers, and plan and assign their work.
• Maintain emotional control under stress and work with frequent interruptions, including irregular and extended hours as required.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
• ESL certification preferred.
• Valid teaching certificate with required endorsement for subject and level assigned, or approved alternative certification program.
• Satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check required.
• Demonstrated competency in the assigned academic subject area.
• General knowledge of curriculum and instruction, with the ability to research and develop teaching units.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Student teaching, approved internship, or related work experience.

Sitting at the intersection of studio instruction and classroom safety practices, the Art Teacher builds skills across drawing, painting, ceramics, and photography while guiding students through individual artistic development. Operating across national and state art education standards, this position maintains instructional aids, equipment inventories, and communication with parents and counselors on student progress.

Primary Duties

• Create a welcoming and positive classroom climate and culture.
• Teach skills and knowledge in one or more courses in drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, and fundamental art.
• Develop lesson plans and organize class time to accommodate preparation, instruction, practical work, and clean-up within the allotted time.
• Demonstrate proper use of materials, equipment, tools, and processes using standard or teacher-prepared models and other instructional aids.
• Guide students in selection of appropriate elective projects and support students in their individual artistic development.
• Develop classroom experiences based on national and state standards for art education.
• Instruct students in eye protection, safety practices, and the safe operation of tools, machines, and equipment, and maintain a clean and safe work area.
• Establish and maintain standards of student conduct needed to provide an orderly, safe, and productive environment.
• Select and requisition instructional aids and equipment and maintain required inventory records.
• Maintain professional competence through professional development and communicate with parents and counselors on individual student progress.

Skills & Qualifications

• Valid teaching certificate with endorsements in LX, LQ, or LZ preferred.
• Bachelor's degree, with a major in the subject area strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated positive interpersonal relationships and skills in individualizing instruction.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient computer technology and software skills.

A key member of the school's instructional staff, the Art Teacher develops and administers curriculum consistent with district goals while conducting ongoing assessments to adjust instructional methods for students with special needs. Collaborating across classrooms, parents, and administrators, this position sustains a safe environment suited to both individualized and small-group instruction.

Duties

• Develop and administer curriculum consistent with school district goals and objectives.
• Promote a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small-group instruction.
• Develop lesson plans and instructional materials and translate them into learning experiences that best utilize available instructional time.
• Conduct ongoing assessment of student learning and modify instructional methods to fit individual student needs, including students with special needs.
• Encourage parental involvement in students' education and maintain effective communication with students and parents.
• Ensure that student conduct conforms with school standards and district policies and maintain standards of pupil behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere.

Requirements

• Eligibility for a Maryland State Department of Education teaching certificate with the proper endorsement.
• Knowledge of subject matter and appropriate instructional methodologies.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Exemplary organizational and planning skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal qualities necessary to work effectively with students, parents, and administrators.
• Effective time management and interpersonal skills.

District-wide arts integration depends on the Art Teacher, who develops students' visual art appreciation through standards-based instruction while modeling how core content areas connect with visual arts in daily teaching. Serving K-6 grade-level teams and site leadership, this position provides staff development and analyzes student data to ensure decisions remain data-driven and transitions across the district stay seamless.

Activities

• Develop students' visual art appreciation and skills through standards-based instruction.
• Model instruction integrating core content areas with visual arts in day-to-day teaching.
• Develop lesson plans in collaboration with site and grade-level teams addressing specific educational needs of students.
• Provide direct instructional support and guidance to teachers integrating arts within the classroom and content areas.
• Provide formal and informal staff development and training related to research and practice for classroom teachers and site administrators.
• Collaborate weekly with grade K–6 certificated teachers and site leadership teams to develop strategies and support services that ensure seamless district-wide transitions.
• Document teaching and student progress and provide feedback to students, parents, and administration regarding progress, expectations, and goals.
• Monitor student progress toward achievement of district goals through review and analysis of data to ensure all decisions are data-driven.
• Maintain current pedagogical research-based practices for effective learning for all types of learners, including English Learners and historically underserved populations.
• Participate in various meetings, including parent conferences, in-service training, and site meetings, for the purpose of receiving or providing information and meeting credential requirements.

Professional Experience

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university required.
• Advanced degree or master's in visual art is desirable.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, and strategies of district visual art programs, statewide and national visual art programs, and national visual art standards.
• Effective lesson and unit development skills and ability to evaluate the impact of standards-based instruction.
• Ability to engage in culturally responsive pedagogical practices to meet the needs of all students.
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and evaluate the work of students and prepare clear and concise student reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with peers.
• Ability to work with discretion and confidentiality.