An Artist or Illustrator develops ideas and works with different materials to create art, including crafts and fine art such as painting. May specialize in drawing and creating visual images, designs or pictures for books and other publications or for commercial products, or detailed drawings for scientific or medical illustrations. Creates drawings by hand and uses computers to create or develop images.
Visual Arts Teacher (Grades 1-8)
St. Michaels Country Day School
St. Michaels Country Day School - Newport, Rhode Island Job Details
Job ID:
5834193
Application Deadline:
Posted until filled
Posted:
Yesterday
Starting Date:
Aug 31, 2026
Job Description
St. Michael's Country Day School is an independent school in Newport, Rhode Island serving students from toddler through grade eight. St. Michael's exists to develop courageous learners and caring citizens who are world ready.
We are actively seeking an experienced Visual Arts Teacher to lead our visual arts program for students in grades one through eight. The successful candidate will teach both general art and studio art classes while fostering creativity, artistic confidence, and an appreciation for the visual arts. The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic educator who believes the visual arts are an essential part of a well-rounded education and is excited to help students discover their creativity while developing artistic skills and confidence. Candidates should have a strong understanding of the developmental needs of elementary and middle school students and a passion for helping young artists explore, create, and grow.
We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:
an ability to teach engaging and developmentally appropriate visual arts curriculum aligned with the school's program;
an ability to teach a variety of artistic media, techniques, and processes through both general art and studio art experiences;
an understanding of and commitment to a process-based approach to art education that values creativity, exploration, experimentation, and individual expression alongside the development of artistic skills;
an ability to foster creativity, curiosity, self-expression, and artistic confidence in students of varying ages and abilities;
an ability to develop students' technical skills while encouraging experimentation, problem solving, and creative thinking;
an ability to create a positive, organized, and inclusive studio environment that promotes collaboration, respect, and responsible use of materials;
an ability to maintain an inspiring, well-organized studio environment that encourages artistic exploration and showcases student work throughout the year;
an ability to showcase student work through exhibitions and other opportunities that celebrate the creative process and artistic achievement;
an ability to collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to enrich the educational experience of students;
an enthusiasm for contributing to the school's longstanding tradition of ArtsFest by collaborating with the arts faculty to produce this signature community event, including preparing and curating the campus-wide visual arts exhibition;
strong verbal and written communication skills;
an understanding of, appreciation for, and commitment to twenty first century learning skills;
an aptitude for and commitment to meaningful technology integration in the classroom;
the ability to create engaging learning experiences that foster curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for the visual arts.
Experience with student-centered instructional practices, project based learning, differentiated instruction, interdisciplinary curriculum design, and process-based art education is preferred. A bachelor's degree in art, art education, or a related field is required, and a master's degree and prior teaching experience are desirable. Experience teaching elementary and middle school students is preferred. Experience with Early Childhood learners is also desirable. St. Michael's values and supports reflective teaching practices, ongoing professional development, and teachers who see themselves as lifelong learners.
Qualified applicants should email:
a cover letter explaining interests and qualifications;
a resume;
three references including names, email addresses, and phone numbers;
at least one letter of recommendation;
to jobs@smcds.org.
More information about St. Michael's Country Day School can be found at www.smcds.org. No phone calls please.
