Art Teacher; Middle School

Benefits

• Competitive salary scale, higher than most local districts.
• 80% of health, dental, and vision coverage paid by REACH; employee pays 20%.
• 100% of Life Insurance and Long‑Term Disability Coverage paid by REACH.
• Participation in the NYS Teachers Retirement System.
• Child‑Raising Benefits.
• All student and teacher supplies covered throughout the school year.
• 403B Plan.
• 10% discount on Fetch Pet Insurance.
• School days run 6:50 AM – 2:30 PM (one day per week planning until 4:00 PM).
• Family‑like atmosphere with shared events, lunches, and tokens of appreciation.

REACH Academy Charter School is seeking a passionate and dedicated middle‑school art teacher to inspire and cultivate creativity in our students. The ideal candidate will foster a love for artistic expression while building students’ skills in various visual art techniques and will guide them to discover their artistic talents in alignment with the New York State Art Education Standards.

• Strong leadership ability.
• Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking English; excellent verbal and written skills; outstanding interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work well with scholars and colleagues; willingness to be an active, enthusiastic member of the REACH community.
• Commitment to equity and inclusion.
• Willingness to adapt to an existing curriculum and contribute ideas to enhance academic programs.
• Flexibility, openness, and willingness to implement new ideas in the classroom.
• Ability to organize and prioritize responsibilities, projects, and tasks.
• Commitment to work collaboratively and contribute to a team.
• Ability to seek resources and solutions to solve problems effectively.
• Excellent attendance and punctuality.
• Clear understanding of and appreciation for the goals and criteria of REACH Academy Charter School.
• Teach and follow the New York State Art Education Standards.
• Passion for urban education.
• Adherence to high professional and ethical standards.

• Provide engaging instruction in visual arts—including drawing, painting, design, lettering, and art history.
• Teach students to use a variety of media (graphite, charcoal, watercolor, acrylics, oil paint) safely and effectively.
• Foster students’ creative thinking, technical skills, and ability to evaluate and critique art.
• Develop lesson plans that reflect differentiated instruction to accommodate varied learning styles and abilities.
• Maintain an organized and safe classroom environment, including proper storage and care of art supplies and equipment.
• Evaluate and track student progress in artistic skill, creativity, and appreciation.
• Organize and hold student art exhibitions for the school, parents, and local community.
• Maintain accurate records of student achievement and submit progress reports in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support school‑wide programs and participate in curriculum development initiatives.
• Communicate regularly with families and school counselors regarding student performance and development.
• Support extracurricular programs such as after‑school art clubs or enrichment activities.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and in‑service training to maintain instructional excellence.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Head of School.

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Art Education or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
  • Valid New York State Teaching Certification in Art Education (or eligible for reciprocity).
• Preferred Experience:
  • Proven track record of high achievement in the classroom.
  • Prior teaching experience in urban education settings.
  • Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and the mission of charter education.
• Skills and Attributes:
  • Strong leadership and classroom management skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset.
  • Passion for arts education and fostering student creativity.
  • Flexibility, adaptability, and openness to continuous improvement.
  • Commitment to high ethical and professional standards.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and responsibilities effectively.

REACH Academy Charter School offers a competitive salary based on a step scale that reflects prior experience and certification level. Entry‑level salary for certified first‑year teachers begins at $45,000 and Step 11 is $65,830.

Please complete an application by clicking here for this job posting.

Contact Information:
Amie Caster, Director of Operations, 716‑248‑1485, (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).