Upper School Visual Art Teachers 

Upper School Visual Art Teachers 

Do you want to build an outstanding visual arts program? Are you interested in teaching in a new arts facility with state-of-the-art technology, a 3000 square foot professional gallery, and a vibrant artist-in-residence program? If so, we invite your candidacy to join the Visual and Performing Arts Department at Westtown School. We are looking for two dynamic teachers who are interested in developing a progressive and student-driven arts curriculum. Artist-teachers with an interest in pedagogy, an understanding of art as a tool for understanding and connecting, and a commitment to creating art that poses big questions will thrive in our program. Bring your gifts and experiences to Westtown!

Students throughout Westtown’s Visual Arts program focus on developing original ideas without the limitations of a traditional discipline-based art education curriculum. The visual arts programs in our Lower and Middle Schools are rooted in Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB), fostering studio habits of mind and honoring each student’s unique artistic voice and creative practice. This methodology allows students to follow their own specific interests and empowers the teacher to spend time fostering each student’s individual passions and curiosities. 

The Upper School Visual Arts program emphasizes 2D, 3D, and digital artmaking. We are seeking a pair of teachers to teach Intro to Studio Art (2D and 3D), Drawing & Painting, Digital Art & Photography, Ceramics, Sculpture, and our capstone course Studio Art Forum. Teaching assignments will be based on the qualifications and gifts of candidates. We hope that incoming faculty will be able to build on this strong foundation and elevate the program to its next level. 

In addition to teaching four art classes in the studio, responsibilities will consist of advising a small group of students, serving on school committees, and participating in the co-curricular program by coaching interscholastic sports, facilitating lifelong fitness programs such as yoga, or collaborative activities such as theater or service network. Faculty contribute to our residential program as either Dorm Parents or Dorm Affiliates. Both roles require a combination of weekly weeknight evening duties and regular weekend duties throughout the year. Housing may be available for faculty who participate in the Upper School residential program, but is not guaranteed.

Westtown School is an independent, Quaker co-educational, pre-K to 12 college preparatory day and boarding school located in suburban West Chester, PA, approximately 30 miles from Philadelphia. On a beautiful 600-acre campus, Westtown offers a program where our committed faculty and staff inspire and prepare our students to be stewards and leaders of a better world. 

Essential Responsibilities

• Develops culturally competent and responsive lessons that promote problem-solving, creative thinking, collaboration, and effective communication skills while encouraging risk-taking in making and learning;
• Actively involves students in the classroom through group work, project-based learning, exploration, questioning, discussion, and other cooperative learning techniques;
• Helps students hone the essential human skills of critical thinking, communication, and empathy, and empowers them to draw out those skills in other people;
• Supports students’ social-emotional and identity development;
• Contributes to building and sustaining an inclusive community and a program that embodies diverse cultures and perspectives;
• Communicates effectively with all constituents – students, colleagues, administrators, and parents;
• Contributes to students’ development of Quaker values;
• Engages in decision-making aligned with Quaker process in service to the school community;
• Integrates technology seamlessly into teaching strategies and practices, including the use of a learning management system; 
• Contributes to students’ development outside the classroom through co-curricular activities, student life, and residential life;
• Enthusiastically seeks out and participates in both school-sponsored and self-selected professional development opportunities to grow as an instructional leader and community member.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of art teaching experience at the upper school level, including an understanding of their unique developmental, social, and academic needs;
• Enthusiasm for full participation in the coaching, advising, and residential duties required of a full-time Upper School faculty member;
• Demonstrated interest or commitment to progressive arts pedagogy and experience as an active studio artist;
• Familiarity with Google products and the integration of a learning management system, Canvas, into best teaching practices;
• A demonstrated commitment to enhancing an inclusive school community based on cultural competence, commitment to social justice, and respect for all voices;
• A strong character with a team-oriented spirit, and the ability to connect meaningfully with students throughout our diverse community;
• Strong affinity for the mission of Westtown School and an educational philosophy consistent with the school’s Quaker values;
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

For additional information about Westtown School and to explore current career opportunities, please visit our website, westtown.edu/careers. Interested applicants can apply online by submitting their resume, cover letter, and a portfolio or website of personal and student artwork directly to the specific job posting on the faculty employment portal.