Substitute Visual Arts Teacher

About the Role

The Long-Term Substitute Visual Arts Teacher plays an integral role in cultivating creativity, artistic expression, and creative confidence through a dynamic, studio-based learning environment. This position is responsible for designing and delivering engaging, student-centered instruction that develops technical artistic skills while encouraging personal voice, critical thinking, reflection, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. Instruction may include introductory, intermediate, advanced, honors, or Advanced Placement visual arts courses depending on departmental needs. The Visual Arts Teacher fosters an inclusive and inspiring classroom culture where students are encouraged to explore a variety of artistic media, embrace experimentation, and develop an enduring appreciation for the visual arts while supporting the mission and core values of St. Margaret's Episcopal School.

Responsibilities

• Teaching and Instruction
  • Plan and deliver engaging, studio-based instruction in visual arts courses that promote artistic growth, craftsmanship, creative thinking, and technical skill development.
  • Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse learning needs, interests, and artistic abilities of students while fostering creativity and individual expression.
  • Design meaningful assessments, critiques, and project-based learning experiences that encourage reflection, problem-solving, and continuous artistic growth.
  • Integrate art history, design principles, contemporary artistic practices, and emerging technologies into instruction where appropriate.
• Studio Management and Student Safety
  • Maintain safe, organized, and engaging studio environments while modeling and enforcing proper use of tools, equipment, materials, and safety procedures.
  • Manage studio supplies, equipment, inventory, and instructional resources to support high-quality learning experiences.
  • Teach and reinforce appropriate studio practices, stewardship of shared workspaces, and responsible use of specialized equipment.
  • Ensure compliance with school safety procedures and department protocols for ceramics, sculpture, woodworking, digital media, and other specialized studio environments as applicable.
• Professional Responsibilities
  • Participate in school-wide events, division meetings, professional development opportunities, and committee work.
  • Engage in reflective practice and remain current in pedagogical trends and educational best practices.
  • Collaborate with colleagues across divisions to support student learning and advance strategic initiatives.
  • Uphold the mission and core values of the school in all professional interactions.
  • Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications

• Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Art, Art Education, Fine Arts, Visual Arts, or a closely related field.
  • 3+ years of full-time classroom teaching experience.
  • Strong instructional skills with proven classroom management and communication abilities.
  • Comfort with educational technology and innovative teaching practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a team-based environment.
• Preferred
  • Master's degree in Art, Art Education, Fine Arts, or a related field.
  • Clear California Single Subject Teaching Credential.
  • Experience with ceramics, sculpture, woodworking, digital art, photography, printmaking, or other specialized visual arts disciplines.
  • Experience teaching grades 9–12.
  • Experience in independent schools.

Pay and Schedule

• Per Diem: $265.00
• Paid Time Off: Sick days
• Work Hours: 7:30 am – 3:30 pm
• Duration of Assignment: 1 Semester with potential to extend for the school year

Physical Requirements and Environment

The Visual Arts Teacher works in a dynamic classroom and studio environment requiring frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and demonstration of artistic techniques. The position requires regular movement throughout instructional spaces and the safe handling of art materials, tools, equipment, and student artwork. Depending on teaching assignments, the role may involve supervising students in specialized studio environments, including ceramics studios, sculpture areas, woodworking spaces, and digital art labs, requiring strict adherence to established safety procedures. Occasional lifting of materials and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds may be required.