Art Teacher Job Overview:
At the American International School of Lesotho, the Art Teacher will be responsible for creating and delivering engaging, hands-on art lessons for students from Preschool to Grade 8 (secondary). The teacher will have a strong understanding of child development, a passion for art, and the ability to foster creativity in students of all ages. A background in Early Childhood would be an advantage. The role involves providing students with the skills, techniques, and confidence to express themselves through various art forms, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media. The Art Teacher will also have the opportunity to guide students in creating art for school-wide exhibitions, performances, and community projects.
Key Responsibilities:
- Curriculum Development & Instruction:
- Develop and deliver an engaging, creative, and age-appropriate visual arts curriculum for students in Preschool through Grade 8.
- Teach a variety of art techniques and styles, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, digital art and mixed media.
- Introduce students to the fundamentals of design, the work of international and local artists, art history, and contemporary art, helping them develop a broad appreciation for visual culture; and global art.
- Encourage the development of both technical skills (e.g., perspective, color theory, composition) and personal artistic expression.
- Differentiate instruction to meet the varying developmental stages and artistic abilities of students across grade levels.
- Assessment & Feedback:
- Observe, assess, and track student progress in art projects and creative development.
- Provide constructive feedback to students, helping them refine their techniques, explore new ideas, and gain confidence in their artistic abilities.
- Maintain accurate records of student performance and participate in parent-teacher conferences to discuss individual progress.
- Maintain open and positive communication with parents and guardians, providing updates on children’s progress and engaging them in the learning process.
- Provide comprehensive formal report cards for each term that includes feedback specific to each child.
- Classroom Management & Environment:
- Maintain a positive and organized art classroom environment where students feel free to explore and experiment with materials and ideas.
- Promote a culture of respect, creativity, and collaboration in the classroom, where each student’s unique artistic voice is valued.
- Ensure the safe use and storage of art materials, equipment, and resources.
- Manage student behavior in a positive and supportive way, promoting teamwork and mutual respect.
- Care for art supplies and equipment, and maintain an up to date inventory of art supplies and equipment
- All teachers are required to supervise students at all times during school hours, including during their scheduled class periods, breaks, lunch times, and other school activities. Teachers are expected to ensure that students are properly monitored and engaged in their learning environment, maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive atmosphere. This includes supervising students during transitions between classes, outdoor activities, while using electronic devices, and any other scheduled events where students are under the school’s care. Teachers are also responsible for addressing any immediate behavioral or safety concerns, and for ensuring that students are accounted for at all times during their scheduled responsibilities.
- Art Exhibitions & School Events:
- Annually, or per term; organize and curate student art exhibitions, showcasing their work to the school community and beyond.
- Lead the creation of art displays for school events, assemblies, and performances.
- Coordinate and lead art-related projects for school-wide initiatives, such as murals, installations, or community art projects.
- Extracurricular Activities & Enrichment:
- Offer extracurricular art activities, such as after-school art clubs or workshops, to further nurture students’ artistic talents and creativity.
- Organize or support school-wide activities, such as AISL’s annual Classroom Without Walls (CWW), field trips, cultural celebrations, or class projects, to extend learning beyond the classroom.
- Encourage student participation in local or international art competitions, festivals, or collaborative art projects.
- Provide opportunities for students to explore different artistic mediums and techniques, supporting their personal artistic growth.
- Professional Development & Collaboration:
- Stay up-to-date with the latest trends, techniques, and best practices in art education.
- Participate in school-wide professional development activities and collaborate with other teachers to integrate art into cross-curricular projects. Participate in professional development activities, including workshops, conferences, and training sessions, to stay current with best practices in teaching and international education.
- Reflect on personal teaching practices, seek feedback from colleagues and students, and make continuous improvements to enhance instructional effectiveness.
- Share ideas and resources with colleagues to foster a collaborative teaching environment and promote creativity across the school.
- Participate in grade-level or subject-specific teams to share resources, ideas, and best practices for teaching.
- Work closely with the school’s learning support team, ELL teachers, and other specialists to support students with additional needs.
- Upholds child-safeguarding and protection guidelines.
School Community Engagement:
- Contributions to School Culture:
- Contribute to the positive and collaborative culture of the school by participating in school-wide meetings, teams, and events.
- Uphold the school’s mission, values, and commitment to excellence in education and the holistic development of students.
Preferred Qualifications & Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Art Education, or a related field (or equivalent).
- Proven experience teaching art to students at various age levels (Preschool through Grade 8).
- Strong knowledge of various art techniques, styles, and materials, with the ability to teach both traditional and contemporary art forms.
- Ability to inspire creativity and artistic expression in students of all backgrounds and skill levels.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and motivate students.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage materials, projects, and student assessments effectively.
- Familiarity with integrating technology in the classroom (e.g., digital art tools, online galleries) is a plus.
How to Apply: If you are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of students through art, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter detailing your relevant experience to [email protected].
Join us in creating a nurturing and inclusive educational experience at the American International of Lesotho.