Middle & Upper School Art Teacher

Overview

At Ridgefield Academy, we are dedicated to fostering a vibrant learning community where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our educators embody the school’s mission, values, and commitment to ethical excellence, serving as role models and mentors who inspire curiosity, creativity, and character development. Guided by our Educator Excellence Indicators, our teaching practices emphasize deep content knowledge, inclusive classroom environments, innovative approaches, and reflective professionalism.

Position Summary

The Middle and Upper School  Art Teacher will design and deliver a dynamic and engaging curriculum to students in grades 4-8. This role requires a learning environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a passion for inquiry based learning. This role is responsible for creating a flexible educational program and a class environment favorable to learning and personal growth, establishing effective rapport with students, motivating students to develop skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to provide a good foundation for lower  school education in accordance with each student’s ability; and for establishing good relationships with parents and other faculty and staff members.

It is expected that the Middle & Upper School Art Teacher will have the knowledge to teach students varied activities designed to develop skills and concepts and will have guidance and support from Division Director and Associate Head of Academics. 

Primary Responsibilities

Commitment to Mission and Values

• Integrate Ridgefield Academy’s mission and values into classroom practices, fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and kindness.
• Actively participate in school tasks and events, committees, and initiatives to strengthen the school community.
• Uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in interactions with students, families, and colleagues.

Instructional Excellence and Innovation

• Plan and deliver a hands-on, inquiry-based Art  curriculum that incorporates: drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture and art history. 
• Plan and present art displays and exhibitions designed to exhibit students’ work for the school and the community 
• Utilize diverse instructional strategies, adapt the curriculum to the needs of students with varying intellectual and artistic abilities and incorporate interdisciplinary approaches to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of each student
• Assess and monitor student progress through formative and summative assessments, providing timely and constructive feedback
• Set high academic expectations while scaffolding learning to support student growth, and foster creativity and critical thinking.
• Incorporate innovative teaching practices that prepare students for future challenges, encouraging creativity and problem-solving.

Student-Centered Learning and Studio Culture

• Encourage personal expression, experimentation, and perseverance in the creative process.
• Cultivate an inclusive and respectful classroom environment that supports all learners.
• Provide timely and constructive feedback that supports artistic growth and builds learner agency.
• Develop student exhibitions and displays that celebrate and showcase student work to the broader community.
• Develop systems that promote and amplify learner agency  and independence 

Collaboration and Community Engagement

• Collaborate with colleagues to align curriculum and integrate interdisciplinary projects.
• Partner with faculty, learning specialists, and administrators to support students’ academic and social-emotional growth.
• Participate in faculty meetings, committees, professional learning opportunities, and school-wide initiatives, including those related to DEIB and SEL.
• Support extracurricular programming, including an after-school art club and student-led exhibitions.
• Develop whole school and cross divisional art projects that enhance the school community
• Establish relationships and partnerships with local artists and organizations that help enhance the artist experiences of our students.

Professional Growth and Reflective Practice

• Demonstrate a growth mindset by seeking out professional development opportunities and engaging in reflective practice to improve teaching effectiveness.
• Regularly assess and adapt teaching strategies based on student outcomes, feedback, and evolving educational standards.
• Serve as a mentor and collaborator, sharing expertise and supporting the professional development of colleagues.

Key Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art or related field 

• Experience: Minimum of 3+ years of teaching experience in Art, ideally in an independent school setting.

• Skills:

• • Expertise in inquiry-based and constructivist teaching practices 

• • Strong knowledge of inquiry-based curriculum design, differentiation, and assessment strategies.

• • Proven ability to cultivate an inclusive classroom environment that prioritizes student agency and growth.

• • Ability to be nimble and flex into your growth zone for continuous  learning and development 

• • Proficiency in integrating technology into teaching and learning.

Ridgefield Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.