Lower School Visual Art Teacher

Position Summary

The Ross School Visual Arts Department seeks a dynamic and collaborative Visual Art Teacher for a full‑time position in the Lower School, teaching students in PK3 through Grade
6. Based on the pedagogy outlined in the Ross School Spiral Curriculum, the objectives of teaching at Ross School include tailoring each student’s program to individual needs, interests, and abilities; promoting independence and dependability; and enhancing students’ social skills and sense of responsibility toward others.

This position is based in the Lower School and centers on developing and delivering an age‑appropriate visual arts curriculum across 2D and 3D media for young learners. The teacher will introduce foundational art‑making skills, art historical context, and creative process in ways developmentally suited to early childhood and elementary‑age students, while supporting Lower School‑wide programming, events, and community life.

At Ross, many faculty are practicing artists, and this position supports independent creative practice alongside teaching.

• Teach visual arts classes to students in PK3 through Grade 6, introducing foundational skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, and other 2D/3D media appropriate to early childhood and elementary developmental stages.
• Design and deliver a sequential, age‑appropriate art curriculum consistent with the Ross Spiral Curriculum, building skills and creative confidence year over year.
• Introduce students to art history and diverse artistic traditions in developmentally appropriate, engaging ways.
• Foster project‑ and skill‑based learning that encourages exploration, experimentation, and reflection.
• Lead age‑appropriate discussions and critiques that build observational, communication, and reflective skills.
• Collaborate with Lower School classroom teachers to integrate visual arts with classroom curriculum and interdisciplinary themes.
• Maintain and organize the Lower School art classroom/studio, materials, and equipment.
• Collaboratively maintain and support Lower School and school‑wide exhibitions of student work.
• Engage with the school‑wide community, including visiting artists and school events, with possible leadership opportunities in curriculum development.
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding student progress and classroom activities, including contributing to grade‑level newsletters as needed.
• Promote the Visual Arts program within the Lower School community.

• Understanding the developmental and emotional needs and milestones of PK3–Grade 6 students.
• Ensuring the safety of students at all times; educating students through differentiation of instruction and the ongoing tracking of student performance.
• Identifying and responding to student issues in a timely and productive manner.
• Directing and coordinating student activities.
• Participating in student life‑skills and/or advisory programming as applicable to the Lower School.

• Ability to relocate from one physical space to another throughout the course of the teaching day as well as attend off‑site field trips.
• Frequent standing or walking while performing classroom duties.
• Occasional lifting and moving of books, classroom materials, and equipment.

• Ability to demonstrate expert knowledge of content and skills related to discipline(s) hired to teach.
• Ability to effectively engage with learners of all levels and backgrounds.
• Ability to demonstrate awareness and importance of international education and intercultural understanding.
• Ability to create learning environments that promote active engagement of all students.
• Ability to support the academic needs and coursework for students, families, and other professionals associated with Ross distance learning programs.
• Ability to read, analyze, develop, and interpret documents such as curriculum, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals in the language of instruction.
• Ability to work collaboratively to advance the goals and strategic plan of the organization consistent with the Ross Mission, Philosophy, and Core Values.
• Ability to accept and…