2021-22 Opening: Middle School Art Department Chair

St. Luke’s School seeks an inspiring and collaborative artist and educator who is eager to apply their strengths to leading our middle school art program. As Department Chair - with clarity, compassion, and creativity - you will steer the professional growth and development of faculty, promote the appreciation and value of art in the community, and spark the creative expression of our middle school students.

The Visual Arts program at St. Luke inhabits an environment that is tailor-made for artistic exploration. The 2018 completion of our new Arts & Humanities wing resulted in stunning classrooms that look south through floor-to-ceiling windows into the woods of a serene Connecticut landscape. Dedicated Visual Arts studios occupy three floors, including pottery kilns and a darkroom photography studio; the adjacent St. Luke’s designLab opened its doors on a 4000+ sq ft digital and physical fabrication lab which has fueled numerous collaborative arts projects; and our new Art Gallery has showcased the resulting work of students, faculty, and visiting artists.

The Middle School Art department consists of two teachers, as does the Upper School department.  As chair you will lead the ongoing development of hands-on, project-based curriculum focused on children making meaning in art. Through visual problem-solving projects, a wide range of two-and- three-dimensional media, and drawing upon observation, memory and imagination, you will help students discover the joy of individual creation, the principles and elements of art as a discipline, and the universal cultural value of art as a visual language.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Collaborate as a member of the Middle School Council with the Division Head and fellow department chairs in the development and delivery of the Middle School program.

• Work with the Upper School Art Department Chair and faculty to align the whole-school art course of study.

• Conduct ongoing observations and evaluations of department teachers with an eye toward fostering their continuous professional growth and renewal.

• Teach full-time course load of four or five Art classes to be determined, from beginner (5th grade) to intermediate (8th grade)

• Help lead or assist in an after-school activity for three seasons (athletic coaching preferred)

• Serve as co-advisor for a group of 6 to 8 students

• Assist with supervisory and other duties as assigned, such as lunchroom or chaperoning events 

Key Skills and Qualities:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as an inspiring, inventive, and innovative classroom teacher

• Versatile and adaptable, willing and able to teach at all middle school grade levels

• Up-to-date knowledge of and engagement with national conversations on evolving art curriculum and pedagogy models

• Demonstrated willingness and ability to navigate conflict and hold firm in the face of disagreement, while also building authentic relationships of trust with students and adults alike

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Experience using technology creatively and working in a 1:1 laptop environment

• Growth-oriented professional who embraces a collaborative approach to innovation and creative problem solving

• Strong cultural competency skills, with demonstrated commitment to furthering an equitable and inclusive school community that supports a strong sense of belonging

• Interest in and enthusiasm for St. Luke’s brand of leadership education

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and references as a single pdf file addressed to Amber Berry, Head of Middle School and Jim Foley, Assistant Head of School for Leadership & Innovation.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

St. Luke’s School is an equal opportunity employer. St. Luke’s School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation or any other basis prohibited by law with regard to hiring, terms and conditions of employment or educational programs. We strive to provide a welcoming educational environment where the value and dignity of every member is respected.