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The Little School is a progressive school that serves approximately 170 students age 3-11. We are situated on a jewel of a campus—12.5 acres of woods, fields, and learning spaces. Within this intersection of nature and classroom, academics and social-emotional skills are developed alongside dispositions like curiosity, stewardship, and justice. Our commitment to the rich inquiry and play of childhood are an integral part of our history and our program, as well as a commitment to fostering social justice, diversity, and a sense of belonging for all. The mission of The Little School is to keep alive each child’s natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, to support balanced social and academic skill development, and to foster community minded, compassionate, and intrinsically motivated students.

Job Description:
The Little School has had a dedicated part-time Art Specialist for 11 years and we are now expanding the position to full-time to ensure that the program is able to grow in significant ways. In October 2020, we will open a brand-new purpose-built art classroom, as a part of our campus expansion.This will be a remarkable space for teaching and learning and will invite new visibility and access to the art program. In addition, we are adding new levels of integration to the visual arts program, and the successful candidate will collaborate with grade-level teams not only around the acquisition of artistic skills, but in helping each TLS student explore their emerging sense of identity, civic responsibility and voice.

We are looking for an exceptional teacher, who designs, integrates and teaches art
in joyful and impactful ways. Strong candidates should:

Share the goals of the TLS mission
Communicate a clear pedagogy that guides their teaching of art
Express an understanding of PreK-5th grade child development
Be able to recognize and engage a wide variety of learning styles
Love to collaborate and design curriculum & projects
Think integratively about the development of expressive, reflective, academic and civic skills
Be committed to authentic assessment, professional growth & continuous learning
See art as a way to courageously explore identity, voice, community engagement and social justice.

This is a (FTE) 10-month position, that begins August 17, 2020. During the 2020-21 school year, the position will be configured in some ways outlined below, to be determined in our campus reopening plan, and in conversation with the Head of School.
The Little School aims to build a diverse teaching staff that reflects the mix of local and international students and families in our school community. Candidates of color (BIPOC) and candidates with international experiences are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:
For the 2020-2021 school year, the Integrated Art Specialist (and other Specialists) will serve as an integrated teacher for 4-6 weeks at a time with each grade level. In that role they will work collaboratively with the level team (3-4 teachers, 28-34 students) to infuse art into interdisciplinary themes, and teach several dedicated art lessons with those classes every week. Additionally, they will support the team throughout the day by working with different groups assisting with the teaching of other subjects and routines.

For the 2020-21 school year, our teaching model includes significant time teaching and working with children outdoors; the physical and creative ability to design integrated art experiences in the outdoor setting will be important.

For the 2020-21 school year, the Integrated Art Specialist will support our Connected Learning (online) cohort by creating 1-2 video lessons or activities per week.

Coordinate a schedule for dedicated art studio times and support after school art enrichment 1-2 x per week.

In partnership with faculty, design and lead the annual Arts Festival in May.

Work with the admin, SST (Student Support Team) and faculty to align classroom management and pedagogy in culturally and developmentally responsive ways.

Engage in ongoing dialogue with colleagues around inclusion, equity, and social justice, especially as it relates to the diversity of our students–their engagement, sense of belonging, and success as learners.

Organize and maintain an aesthetically interesting, organized, and engaging art classroom space.

Collaborate with administration and faculty to showcase art in school communications and bulletin boards in buildings and public spaces.

Write monthly newsletters and bi-annual assessment summaries for each class.

Support lunch and drop off supervision several times a week, and other duties as assigned.

Desired Skills and Experience:
Experience teaching art with elementary school age children
Bachelor’s Degree, and further graduate level coursework in Art, and/or Education
Professional or dedicated experience as an artist, or with community art organizations.
Experience engaging community conversations around diversity, equity, inclusion and racial justice.

Compensation:
Compensation will be based on the selected candidate’s experience and background and is competitive with similar positions in Seattle area independent schools. This position is eligible for medical, dental and other benefits per The Little School’s employment policy.

To Apply:
Please submit a resume, a letter of interest and the names of three references to employment@thelittleschool.org. Review of applications will begin immediately.

Non-discrimination Statement
It is our strong desire to build a diverse community of students, families, and staff. The Little School does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity or family composition in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, hiring or any other school-administered programs.

https://www.nwais.org/page.cfm?p=447&jid=10871

Opportunity Website

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