About this role
Middle School Art Educator Position Type: Full-Time Position Overview: Kennedy Middle School is seeking a passionate and creative Middle School Art Teacher to join our Fine and Performing Arts Department and Kennedy Teaching Team. The ideal candidate will inspire students through engaging lessons in visual arts, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and artistic expression. Responsibilities include developing curriculum, managing a positive classroom environment, and showcasing student work through exhibitions. Candidates should have experience working with diverse learners and a commitment to inclusive, standards-based instruction. A valid Massachusetts teaching license in Visual Arts is required. Key Responsibilities:
• Develop and implement engaging visual arts lesson plans tailored to students' skill levels and interests.
• Teach foundational and advanced art concepts, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital media.
• Guide students in a variety of artistic techniques and media while fostering creativity, craftsmanship, and personal expression.
• Introduce students to global art traditions, emphasizing cultural context, history, and diverse artistic practices.
• Support beginner-level students with visual art fundamentals and help more advanced learners refine their skills and portfolios.
• Facilitate exploratory art courses for Newcomer students, creating an inclusive environment to experiment with materials and artistic styles.
• Organize and curate student art shows, exhibitions, and displays within the school and broader community.
• Assess student growth through projects, critiques, portfolios, and written reflections.
• Maintain and manage art supplies, tools, and classroom organization for safe, efficient use.
• Encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and artistic appreciation in students from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
• Stay current with best practices in art education and incorporate new media and technology into instruction.
Qualifications: Education: Bachelor's degree in Art Education, Fine Arts, or a related field (Master's preferred). Certification: Valid Massachusetts teaching certification in Visual Art. Experience: Prior experience teaching art at the middle or high school level preferred; experience curating exhibitions or leading extracurricular art activities is a plus. Skills:
• Proficiency in a wide range of artistic media, including traditional and digital tools.
• Strong knowledge of art history, studio techniques, and interdisciplinary approaches.
• Ability to teach diverse artistic styles and culturally responsive content.
• Excellent classroom management and communication skills.
• Experience organizing student art displays and facilitating community art engagement.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience working with students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to incorporate technology into art instruction.
• Experience guiding students in portfolio development and art contests.
• Background as a practicing visual artist or designer.
Why Join Us? At Waltham Public Schools, we are committed to fostering a vibrant arts community where students can explore their creative potential through visual expression. As an art teacher, you will have the opportunity to inspire and nurture the next generation of artists in a supportive and dynamic environment. If you are a passionate educator with a love for teaching and empowering young artists, we encourage you to apply! Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and references. Salary: As per the WEA contract. Non- Discrimination Notice: Waltham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation. Waltham Public Schools has partnered with the Massachusetts Partnership for Diversity in Education (MPDE) in our effort to welcome diverse candidates to our school system. We value and prioritize the hiring of educators who bring a wealth of perspectives and experiences to our schools, and who reflect the diversity of the students we serve. MPDE is a collaborative of public school districts with a 40-year uninterrupted history committed to supporting the interest of its members to increase the numbers of teachers of color for their schools by providing recruitment support and related services.