The Gordon School is a racially diverse nursery through eighth-grade all-gender independent school in East Providence RI. The curriculum is rooted in multicultural practice and social justice with an emphasis on developing intellectual leadership active imagination and a childs naturally inquisitive nature. Students are challenged and inspired to be active workers toward their own education and teachers strive to develop meaningful relationships with each child and Gordon School is seeking teaching artists to create and implement mission-aligned visual arts electives courses for our 7th and 8th grade Visual Arts program during the 2025-2026 school year. The ideal candidate will develop a course that is intriguing to a diverse and inclusive student population is developmentally appropriate and brings innovative skills and concepts to our highly-creative students. The courses could span any visual art or craft media or could focus on a culturally-relevant topic across media. For example a section on art and activism could briefly look at the history of activist art invite a student to select and research an issue and create a campaign using the medium of their choice (textiles printmaking sculpture etc). The teaching artist must demonstrate expertise in the area of their proposal through exhibition teaching experience (at any student or adult level) or examples of their work. It is not necessary to provide a full portfolio. If hired teaching artists will consult with a current Gordon teacher to ensure mission-aligned content learning goals consistent with our broader electives program and to facilitate a high-quality experience for students and teachers. Teaching Specifics:Each section of electives meets for one hour a day three times over the course of an eight day rotation for an approximate total of 27 instructional hours during a trimester. Note teaching days do not correspond to days of the week. The teaching hour is generally between 11:45 am and 12:45 pm. The well-equipped art studio will be available for a period of time before and after the hour of teaching for set up and clean up. There will be time outside of the designated teaching time when the teacher can prep in the classroom but the studio is also used by other Gordon teachers throughout the day. The compensation will include a set number of hours for preparation report writing and some meetings. Agreed upon materials for the course will be paid for by the Gordon School. Elective teachers will be required to complete a background Attributes and Skills Required Love the arts and feel the drive to pass that love on. Appreciate and enjoy the developmental stages of with middle school students. Be energetic flexible resilient and open to change and new ideas. Have strong interpersonal skills that engender trust among all constituents. Understand and support multicultural practice and pedagogy. Have experience working in a racially diverse community. Be a thoughtful and effective listener. Have a strong sense of self a good sense of humor and a positive outlook on onesprofessional endeavors.
Middle School Electives Teaching Artist
