Visual Arts Teacher

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were written out in this job description.

GRPS MISSION: Our mission is to ensure that all scholars are educated self-directed and productive members of society.

Teacher Visual Arts

Department: Fine Arts

Bargaining Unit: Grand Rapids Education Association (GREA)

Wage: Determined by the collective bargaining agreement and a comprehensive benefits package

Direct Supervisor: Director of Fine Arts

JOB SUMMARY

The Visual Arts Teacher is responsible to prepare scholars in art.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include any of the following duties knowledge and skills. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by employees in this position. Regular on time and in person attendance is an essential function of this job. Other essential functions may include but are not limited to the following:

• Develop a high quality school art program using the Elements and Principles of Art & Design as the foundations for creating successful art
• Provide sound art instruction enabling all scholars to work in 2-D 3-D and digital when applicable
• Demonstrate clear expertise and ability to teach using a variety of mediums
• Design an effective classroom management plan including behavior expectations and the handling of art materials
• Provide a safe creative classroom environment that is focused on learning and scholar growth
• Maintain organized classroom spaces art inventory scholar attendance and grades
• Utilize Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS)
• Develop lesson plans based on the art curriculum the GRPS academic plan departmental goals integrate environmental science when applicable and scholars needs
• Implement a plan addressing all learning styles which allows each scholar to succeed through differentiated instruction
• Plan and execute participation in the GRPS City Wide Art Show
• Communicate with feeder schools elementary middle and high school to establish program articulation and successful transition for scholars
• Evaluate scholar progress based on formal and informal assessment to inform instruction
• Show evidence of scholar growth
• Attend meetings and workshops to stay current with educational practice
• Establish and maintain timely effective written/oral communication with scholars parents building and district level staff
• Create and maintain positive relations with scholars parents staff and community
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to develop and display scholar art
• Provide a safe effective classroom environment that is focused on learning and scholar growth
• Exercise good judgment implementing school district policies procedures guidelines and law
• Serve as a role model for all scholars and within the school community
• Work effectively with diverse scholars and staff of various backgrounds
• Other duties as assigned

Parent and Community Engagement

• Make and maintain regular positive contact with parents via phone calls email and/or home visits including communicating scholar progress
• Establish and maintain effective written and oral communication and rapport with scholars parents and colleagues
• Participate in parent meetings including IEPs and Parent/Teacher Conferences
• Contribute to the development of a positive attitude between the school and the wider community through cooperative relations publications competitions etc.
• Contribute to community service and global citizenship goals

Other Duties

• Display physical social mental and emotional soundness in order to execute the duties of job
• Serve as a role model for all scholars and within school community.
• Interact with co-workers administration scholars parents and the community in positive supportive and cooperative ways
• Encourage the team spirit and contribute as a team member in the decision-making processes of the school as facilitated by the building administrator
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
• Contribute to extra-curricular activities and school programs including recess duty as requested
• Maintain and promote school district goals and objectives.
• Comply with state federal and District policies procedures rules and the union contract
• Regular and on-time attendance is required
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience:

• LX/LQ K-12 art teacher certification and/or a bachelors degree in art education
• Successful experience teaching beginning art scholars

Additional Qualifications:

• Must have transportation to travel between buildings

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior successful teaching experience working in a diverse setting

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Must be highly organized to manage and maintain accurate records across multiple buildings

• Proven understanding of current research on how children learn with the ability to inspire and motivate scholars to perform at their best
• Ability to work in an economically culturally and racially diverse environment with a proven track record of managing a diverse and demanding workload
• Ability to communicate effectively in the English language both orally and in writing
• Ability to differentiate instruction using a variety of teaching styles and inspire scholars from diverse cultural and ability backgrounds by creating challenging and engaging learning opportunities for all scholars.
• Ability to participate as a member of the team

ADA REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands work environment factors and mental functions described below 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stands and/or walks during most of the working day. Turns stoops climbs bends pushes pulls reaches for and carries materials and equipment in the performance of tasks. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds. Must be able to work outside for extended periods (up to the entire eight-hour shift) in all weather conditions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to moderate. Work is performed indoors although there will be required outdoor activities. The employee is directly responsible for the safety well-being and work output of scholars.

MENTAL FUNCTIONS

While performing the duties of this job the employee is required to compare analyze communicate both orally and in writing in the English language copy coordinate instruct compute synthesize evaluate use interpersonal skills compile and negotiate.

Non-Discrimination

The Grand Rapids Public Schools will not discriminate against any person based on race sex sexual orientation gender gender identity and expression height weight color religion national origin age marital status pregnancy disability veteran or military status.

Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations: Assistance with the application process may be requested through the Human Resources Department at ( or