Art Instructor - Grades 1 to 8 - 2026/2027

Position Overview

The Art Instructor plays a crucial role in providing developmentally appropriate lessons for our amazing students. An understanding of child development and the ability to meet the child where they are social-emotionally, creatively, and intellectually is essential. The ideal candidate will have experience teaching art at the elementary school level and be an energetic, collaborative, and creative educator. This position involves developing and implementing a comprehensive art curriculum that aligns with the school's mission of educating the whole child through a holistic approach. They will build on a student-centered environment which fosters relationships and promotes continual growth for students and staff. The Art Instructor teaches students in grades 1 through 8, and reports to the School Principal.

Responsibilities

Planning, Preparation and Instruction

• Develops age-appropriate instruction which emphasizes students' understanding of the importance of art to learning; and to motivate students to express themselves through the artistic process
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student growth and progress in art educational activities, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs
• Maintains allotted budget; selects and requisitions appropriate instructional aids and other supplies, and maintains inventory
• Collaborates with classroom and specialist teachers to integrate art lessons across all content areas
• Provides academic support and social-emotional intervention during non-teaching times

Classroom Management/ Environment

• Works with students of various abilities, including those with learning differences as diagnosed
• Adapt activities to students’ special needs developing appropriate modifications for I.E.P. and 504 Plans
• Creates and communicates learning plans for all levels
• Creates an environment in which the furnishings and materials are complete, safe and correspond to the needs of each student grade level
• Maintains an environment that demonstrates rapport with, respect and kindness for, all students as well as between students
• Restores classroom spaces after each lesson
• Models and teaches conflict resolution and problem-solving strategies in the classroom
• Is responsible for the safety of the children left in their charge

Communication

• Supports and develops positive relationships within the school community, and protects the privacy and confidentiality of each student and family
• Responds to parent and guardian concerns in a timely manner
• Completes required report cards/ progress reports in accordance with school policy

Professional Responsibility

City Garden believes all employees must take an active role in their development as professionals and in developing City Garden as an institution of learning.

• Actively participates in a regular evaluation process including classroom observations, feedback conferences, and an annual self-evaluation toward yearly goals which are established with the school principal
• Maintain their teaching skills and participates in professional development activities
• Attend all scheduled meetings and professional days as appropriate
• Obtain and maintain professional certifications as appropriate for the grade level and subject area

Other Related Duties

• Complete and maintain all records, reports, evaluations, and inventories of student records and tests in a timely manner as may be required by the school.
• Responsible for reading and adhering to the guidelines and school policies as established in the employee handbook
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated

Ideal Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Art Education, Visual Arts, or a relevant field
• Certification with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in the applicable subject and grade levels.
• Classroom experience teaching art to elementary-aged students
• A love of teaching!
• Ability to work in a collegial and highly collaborative environment
• A flexible, high-energy outlook combined with ease in working in a variety of settings and environments
• A grounding in anti-bias education and antiracist values and principles, and is excited to be part of a school that is reimagining education through these lenses
• An eagerness to engage deeply with students, teachers, staff, and families as a partner
• Being child-centered, flexible, and willing to do whatever it takes for our students
• Strong organizational skills and self-motivation
• The ability to work with a multi-ethnic, multicultural student population

Even if you don't feel that you meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. We’re eager to meet with passionate teachers who believe in our mission.