Art Teacher - MS/HS (26-27 SY) - IMMEDIATE VACANCY

About the School

Founded in 2014, Jefferson RISE is a tuition-free public charter school serving nearly 800 students in grades 6-12 in Harvey, Louisiana. At Jefferson RISE, we believe every student deserves a real path forward—whether that means a four-year university, a skilled trade, the military, entrepreneurship, or something else entirely. Our mission is to ensure every student graduates prepared and ready through rigorous academics, strong relationships, consistent accountability, and a genuine commitment to each individual's success.

Our student body reflects the diversity of the Westbank:

• 61% Black/African American
• 16% Hispanic
• 14% Middle Eastern
• 6% White (Non-Middle Eastern)
• 2% Asian
• 1% Other
• 87% qualify as economically disadvantaged
• 13% Students with Disabilities
• 4% English Learners

Recent achievements include:

• Top Gains Award - Louisiana Department of Education (2023-24 SY)
• Average graduation rate of 98% since our first graduating class in 2022
• #6 for SPS Growth in Louisiana - High School: B rating, Middle School: C rating (2022-23 SY)
• Continued SPS growth: 72.5 in 2023-24 and 73.9 in 2024-25

Schedule

Teachers generally work from mid-July (beginning with professional development before students arrive) through late May. Workdays are typically 7:10 AM - 3:45 PM, Monday through Friday. Mondays extend to 4:30 PM and include mandatory Professional Development time. Anticipated school hours and days vary annually based on changes to the school calendar.

Responsibilities

Instruction

• Deliver structured, high-quality Tier I instruction grounded in evidence-based strategies
• Facilitate engaging visual arts instruction, including drawing, painting, and mixed media
• Monitor student understanding throughout each lesson and adjust instruction in real time
• Use formal and informal assessment data to identify gaps and drive instruction forward
• Differentiate activities to ensure all students can participate
• Provide consistent, specific feedback tied to clear learning targets and measurable growth
• Ensure a safe environment by maintaining equipment and enforcing safety procedures

Classroom Culture

• Establish and maintain clear routines and systems aligned to school-wide expectations
• Hold high, consistent academic and behavioral expectations for every student, every day
• Build an environment where students feel known, take academic risks, and receive honest feedback
• Reinforce positive behavior with acknowledgment tied to effort, growth, and school values

Collaboration and Professional Responsibility

• Collaborate with grade-level and content teams to align instruction and support student progress
• Implement and monitor student IEPs, BIPs, and designated accommodations in collaboration with the special education team
• Participate actively in PLCs, data meetings, and school-wide initiatives
• Work with your instructional coach to implement feedback and improve student outcomes
• Communicate proactively with families about student progress, growth, and areas of need
• Maintain accurate records and meet all administrative deadlines
• Dedicate one afternoon per week to after-school tutoring

Growth and Leadership

• Access a dedicated instructional coach from day one, with weekly one-on-one meetings focused on your development and student outcomes
• Pursue professional development aligned to your goals and school priorities
• Grow into leadership roles as you demonstrate strong results and culture alignment

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; degree in Art, Fine Arts, Art Education, or related field preferred
• Content area certification preferred
• Demonstrated record of measurable student achievement and growth
• Strong command of Tier I instructional practices and evidence-based teaching strategies
• Ability to analyze data and translate findings into instructional decisions
• Demonstrated ability in multiple artistic mediums (e.g., drawing, painting, mixed media)
• Experience facilitating project-based or creative learning experiences
• Ability to manage materials, projects, and classroom workflow effectively
• Proficiency in Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides)

Culture and Fit

• Believes every student has a path worth investing in—college, a skilled trade, the military, entrepreneurship, the arts, athletics, or something entirely their own
• Holds students to high expectations because they see possibility in every student
• Open to feedback and accountable for outcomes
• Collaborative, dependable, and a consistent presence for students, families, and colleagues
• Values creativity and student expression as essential to student development
• Encourages originality and creative risk-taking
• Takes pride in showcasing student work and building a culture of celebration

Pay

Jefferson RISE offers competitive compensation tied to performance and qualifications. Annual salary ranges from $40,000 to $55,000 starting salary, depending on degree level, certification, content, previous student outcomes, and experience.

Additional stipends may be available for approved responsibilities that extend beyond regular duties, such as athletic coaching, club sponsorship, leadership, special projects, additional workdays, or extended hours. Eligibility and amounts are determined by the school and may vary annually.

Employees may be eligible for performance-based raises and bonuses, with eligibility and award amounts based on demonstrated results, contributions to the organization, available funding, and other relevant factors.

Pay is distributed twice monthly on the 15th and last day of each month.

Benefits

All full-time employees receive the following employee-only coverage:

• Medical: RISE covers 85% of employee-only premiums; employee covers 15% (spouse and dependent costs are the employee's responsibility)
• Dental and Vision: 100% of employee-only premiums covered
• Short and Long-Term Disability: 100% of premiums covered
• 401(k): 100% employer match on first 3% deferred; 50% match on contributions from 3% to 5%; no vesting period

Jefferson RISE reserves the right to offer different or additional benefits at any time.