The Aspen School District seeks an Elementary School Art Teacher for the 2024-2025 School Year

Position Title: Art Teacher

Department: Aspen Elementary School 

Reports to: Aspen Elementary School Principal

Classification: Certified Full-time Exempt

Contract Period: 9 month instructional (185 days with some variance depending on the year) 

Compensation: Certified Salary Schedule

Benefits: ASD offers district-funded employee and dependent health benefits including medical, vision, dental, and life insurance to benefit-eligible employees.  Other benefits include (as eligible): paid leave, CO PERA (pension plan) enrollment with district contribution, TSA options, free transportation for employees from Carbondale to Aspen, employee assistance program, wellness program, supplemental insurance (ie cancer, disability, etc).

I. Position Summary

The art educator plans and implements a comprehensive curriculum that exceeds state and national standards yet is appropriate to the age of students to develop an interest in and ability for creative expression.  This position requires a dynamic, multi-disciplined, global thinker who exemplifies the fundamental benefits of comprehensive art education and will work with each student to develop an understanding and appreciation of art.

II: Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Plan and prepare a program of study to meet the needs and interests of the students
• establish and communicate clear learning objectives
• develop age-appropriate instructional strategies to achieve the art curriculum goals
• demonstrate and assist students to use different techniques and media to develop artworks
• inform students about cultural and historical influences on art
• provide instruction that encourages students to understand and appreciate art
• encourage students to express their own personalities and thoughts through the creative process
• assess and evaluate student's performance on a regular basis
• set and maintain acceptable standards of classroom behavior to establish an orderly learning environment
• show students how to properly use and care for materials, tools, and equipment
• monitor and maintain classroom inventory
• plan and present art displays
• Based upon the Colorado Visual Arts Standards plan, evaluate, and revise curricula;
• Organize and install exhibits of student work in the school and community;
• Set up and maintain studios and storage areas, including ceramics kiln;
• Establish a respectful environment of a diverse population of students, developing a classroom environment  in which each student has the opportunity to think independently and express original ideas;
• Facilitate learning for all students using a variety of instructional methods, integrating and utilizing technology, to provide students with opportunities to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, encourage exploration of ideas, and develop leadership qualities;
• Take responsibility for student academic growth using a variety of strategies to inform instructional decisions;
• Reflect on teaching practices, analyzing student learning, development, and growth, and apply what is learned to improve instruction;
• Possess the ability to communicate and interact effectively and productively, both verbally and in writing, with all staff;
• Demonstrate teacher leadership, advocating for students, and exhibiting high ethical standards;

III: Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Comfort teaching a variety of classes in different media
• Continued work on creative problem solving and design process in a studio setting
• Communication with all stakeholders (student, parents, administration, teachers, staff, counselors) on multi-tiered systems of supports, goals, and progress
• Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development
• Manages oneself (is organized, prepared, and punctual; manages resources; meets deadlines follows through on commitments; demonstrates appropriate physical appearance relative to job and environmental expectations) in a manner that enhances the image of public education
• Keeps supplies and equipment organized and student safety is a priority
• Acts consistently in ways that directly support the missions of Aspen Elementary School and the Aspen School District
• Uses clear verbal and written communication and strong listening skills
• Develops and maintains rapport and effective relationships with children and adults contacted in carrying out duties and responsibilities by using courtesy, diplomacy, collaboration, cooperation, support, and professional conduct;
• Contributes actively to the goals and success of all teams and team members through collaboration, cooperation, and flexibility (give and take) in team discussions, activities, and decision making;
• Maintains high ethical standards, legal responsibility, and confidentiality;
• Plan and present art exhibitions in collaboration with the school community.

IV: Minimum Qualifications 

• Current Colorado Teaching License with an endorsement in Art K-12 or the ability to obtain this license within the first 3 months of employment;
• Experience in studio educational practice, including instructional methods in research, art theory, art history, digital and drawing skills;
• Possess a portfolio of both personal and student work;
• 1-3 years of experience working with students in grades K-4;
• Demonstrate a high-level technical skill with a variety of art media, including ceramics, drawing, painting, and digital media skills.

V: Work Environment 

• Office environment; exposure to computer screens 
• Mostly clean and comfortable surroundings

VI: Essential Physical Requirements

• The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: some lifting up to 50 lbs, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, sitting standing walking, and repetitive motion with computer work.

VII: Acknowledgement  

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. The elementary school art teacher will be required to follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as assigned by the Principal or appropriate administrator.  The Aspen School District reserves the right to update, revise, or change this job description and related duties at any time.