The Saint Thomas Choir School is an intentionally small boarding middle school for boys in grades 3-8 who sing in the choir of Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue. Our community is close-knit, and the program is both academically rigorous and musically enriching. The school is housed in a purpose-built fourteen-story building located around the corner from Carnegie Hall, Columbus Circle, and Central Park.

The Saint Thomas Choir School seeks a part time (0.25 FTE) Art Teacher to begin September 2021. The Art Teacher will teach 3^rd-8^th Grade Art. Each teacher is a department of one, entrusted with substantial responsibility and flexibility to make curricular decisions. The ideal candidate will have experience teaching visual art and design to elementary and middle school students. Through art class, the Saint Thomas Choir School seeks to instill in students both comfort and familiarity with the technical skills of art and design as well as creative confidence and personal vision. The Art Teacher is expected to take part in faculty and school initiatives and meetings, and plays a vital role in the artistic development of our creative and talented students.

We are looking for a candidate who is passionate about teaching this fun age group, who is collaborative with their colleagues, and who is eager to participate in all aspects of school life.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Planning, teaching, and keeping curriculum updated for 3^rd-8^th Grade Art Classes, in coordination with Director of Studies  
• Planning lessons on art and art history in accordance with students' learning objectives.
• Sourcing art supplies, and providing developmentally-appropriate instruction on art techniques.
• Developing students' drawing, coloring, and painting techniques, as well as basic woodworking and sculpture
• Supervising lessons and creating an atmosphere where learners interact in a supportive and respectful manner.
• Assigning and grading projects and examinations.
• Monitor and communicate student progress, including submitting timely feedback to students, writing grade reports as requested, and meeting with parents as necessary
• Attending weekly faculty meetings, and collaborating frequently with colleagues, including participating in all school academic initiatives; contributing fully and generously to the life of the school  

Qualifications and Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in Fine Arts or a related field is required
• At least two years of teaching experience is preferred

In addition, the successful candidate will demonstrate the following:

• Excellence in a variety of visual art and design techniques, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and basic woodworking
• Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop, Digital Imaging/Graphic Design
• Ability to lead students through a sequenced 2D and 3D design process from concept to completion
• Ability to inspire and motivate students
• Broad knowledge of art history, artists, and art movements, including non-Western and traditionally underrepresented artists
• Sense of humor and appreciation for the upper elementary/middle school age range; a recognition of the importance of creative work for students as both creative outlet and a serious pursuit
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Capacity to supervise group work
• Outstanding planning and problem-solving skills
• Supportive, flexible, and collaborative disposition

Physical Requirements & Work Environment 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, stand, sit, talk, see, or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Hours

This is a part time (0.25 FTE) position. The school can be fairly flexible with academic scheduling for this part time position.

Conditions of Employment:

The successful candidate must submit to pre-employment and ongoing background checks. 
 

Salary and Benefits:

The Saint Thomas Choir School is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding employees through a competitive compensation package. Compensation is commensurate with applicant’s skills and experience. 

Application Process:

Applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and list of three references to Amy Francisco, Interim Head of School, and Chris Seeley, Head of School Designate at headmaster@choirschool.org and Christine Hruska, Director of Studies, at chruska@choirschool.org with Art Teacher in the subject line. This position will remain open until filled. 

The Saint Thomas Choir School does not discriminate in its employment decisions or practices on the basis of gender, age, race, color, marital status, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or any disability that can be reasonably accommodated in the administration of its educational policies and school administered programs.