2026-2027 Lower School Art Teacher

Full-time

K-4

On-site

Position Summary

We are looking for an experienced art teacher who will create a joyful classroom culture that supports deep thinking creative risk-taking and social-emotional learning. An ideal candidate would be dynamic willing and able to collaborate closely with colleagues and experienced in elementary art best practices.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Designing planning and delivering child-centered culturally responsive curriculum and assessments guided by the California Content Standards for Visual Art.
• Developing curricula using a backward design approach incorporating effective strategies for differentiation and assessment.
• Adapting teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students varying needs and interests.
• Collaborating with grade-level teachers on integrated curricula to enhance each grade levels program.
• Working with the Upper School art teacher the Fine Art Committee and parent volunteers on displaying works of art including the 4th grade Showcase event during a Spring school-wide Arts Festival.
• Writing reflective reports for each Lower School student for mid-year and end-of-year reports.
• Planning trips and special projects to support the art program.
• Supervising students during Open Art at morning recess time for students who need extra time to complete projects.
• Being a positive and contributing member of the professional community at Burkes: performing supervisory duties and attending weekly Grade Level Lunch and faculty meetings as well as all Professional Development days.

Qualifications and Skills:

Below are the personal and professional qualities that we believe are important for the success of the person in this role. Unless specifically noted as a prerequisite for the role these qualifications and skills are preferred. We know many candidates bring a full complement of experience skills and ideas even if they dont check every box of a job description. If you meet many of our criteria please dont hesitate to apply. Every application gets serious consideration including those with skill sets that we may not have included here. We welcome all applicants who will bring a unique perspective and personal characteristics to our amazing team.

• B.A degree and certification in Art Education or Elementary Education with a specialization or a masters degree in Art Education.
• At least two years of teaching experience as an elementary arts educator;independent school experience is a plus.
• Responsive Classroom philosophy and techniques
• Experience and comfort with leading mindfulness with students
• Progressive philosophies of teaching and learning as well as culturally responsive pedagogy.
• Designing instruction that is student-centered differentiated and engaging.
• Designing and using assessments that drive and support learning.
• Integrating service-learning into classroom projects.
• Providing opportunities for learning through play and inviting creativity imagination curiosity and tinkering into the classroom.
• Flexible creative and possessing a growth mindset.

Burkes does not sponsor employment visas. Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Burkes is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. School policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race color age religion national origin sex (including pregnancy childbirth and related medical conditions) genetic information physical or mental disability medical condition citizenship status sexual orientation gender identity gender expression marital status military or veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal state or local laws.

California Compliance Notice:

In accordance with California law (Education Code 44939.5 as amended by SB 848) applicants for positions with educational institutions are required to disclose all current and former employment with California educational institutions. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon the completion of required employment verifications

Compensation

Burkes offers competitive compensation based on a salary scale ranging from $79071 - $125885 based on years of prior experience and position requirements. Advanced degree stipends are in addition to base compensation. Comprehensive benefits are provided including retirement plan contributions. The contract period starts on August 18 2026 with two weeks of on-campus preparation and meetings.

Required Experience:

IC