Elementary School Visual Art Teacher

Job Summary

To meet the school’s vision through the objectives of the PYP program. To engage students from over 70 national and linguistic backgrounds in the Washington Visual Art standards.

Responsibilities

The job holder’s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young person’s for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact will be to adhered to and ensure compliance with the relevant Cognita Safeguarding; Child Protection Policy and Procedures at all times. If in the course of carrying out the duties of the role, the job holder identifies any instance that a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm either at school or at home, s/he must report any concerns to the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead or to the Head or indeed to the Cognita Regional Safeguarding Manager so that a referral can be made accordingly to the relevant third party services.

Teaching

•  To teach Elementary School Visual Art classes, possibly a combination of upper and lower elementary students.
• To possibly teach 1 contained EAL class (within the Visual Art subject area)
• To possibly work with students who are on a learning accommodation plan and/or require an additional support teacher in class
• To work with EAL mainstream students
• To demonstrate through collaboration, planning, and teaching, the IB and PYP framework of concepts within contexts, and inquiry-based learning that is balanced with specific skills of ‘how to learn’, leading learning towards the IB vision and the aims of individual subject areas and that incorporates interdisciplinary teaching and learning
• To use and refer to the Washington Visual Art standards in the curriculum and in teaching and learning
• To work and collaborate with EAL and Student Support Department to enrich curriculum and student learning
• To differentiate and target learning to students’ needs and aptitude levels
• To be culturally and linguistically responsive and proactive

Relationships

• To develop trusting and effective relationships with the all the students in the classes and their parents
• To establish supportive, collaborative, and positive working relationships with all other members of staff
• To become a positive presence across the whole school and a representative of it within its wider community

Educational role

• To develop and execute the preparation, planning and delivery of child-centered learning activities
• To build pedagogical practices around understanding the EAL learner, the importance of differentiation, and the essential aspects of peer observation and feedback
• To establish effective home/school communication
• To participate fully in appropriate training in the various programs and initiatives at Stamford
• To demonstrate a willingness to analyze data such as MAP scores that inform teaching and learning
• To utilize the “Approaches to Learning” expectations per the International Baccalaureate
• To develop a practice that accommodates a range of ability levels and learning styles
• To work in a collegial and professional manner with peers that demonstrates respect, being prepared and on time, and adhering to the school wide meeting norms and team essential agreements
• To evaluate the visual art program collaboratively both horizontally and vertically within teaching teams
• To support the visual art team in displaying artwork around the campus and in school wide visual art exhibitions
• To plan and support special events to celebrate the arts, such as art week, art competitions and other events

Extended professional role

• To understand and implement the expectations and policies established by Cognita and Stamford.
• To participate in professional duties as necessary outside of the scope of the school day (E.G. Field Studies trips, professional development on weekends as needed, and after school meetings as required)
• To supervise duties at break/lunch and/or other unstructured times
• To lead/coach an after school CCA (co-curricular activity) from 3:45-4:30pm once a week
• To abide by the child safeguarding expectations of the school
• To assist in internal sub coverage according to department needs
• To provide any other reasonable duties delegated by the School Management Team
• To work with HOD when ordering consumables, supplies and equipment

Parents

• To coordinate parent meetings (organize translations if need be) and review student progress
•  To coordinate efforts of parents to assist with classroom volunteering duties or on excursions

Position Requirements

• At least 3-5 years of experience in working with children as a visual art teacher with relevant qualifications
• PYP/IB experience preferred
• Curriculum development knowledge is required
• Advisory/Pastoral experience preferred
• Possess highly developed interpersonal and teamwork skill
• Excellent verbal and written English skills
• Good references on request
• Proficiency in using school databases, communications platforms, and educational technology
• Demonstrates the Stamford Values – Integrity, Courage, Ingenuity and Compassion

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Education or equivalent is required
• Professional current teacher licensure or certification is required
• Master’s degree in relevant field preferred

Contacts

• Other Stamford Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff
• Parents and Students and PTA

Working Conditions

• Working hours 8am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday, (until 5:30 pm on Mondays), plus occasional staff meetings and trainings
• School holidays are paid and free except staff days and training days (please refer to the website to see the school calendar with school holiday dates)

Terms of Employment

• Referee request: Required
• Background Check: Required