Job Details

Position Summary:
We are seeking a passionate, student-centered Elementary Art Teacher for students in grades PK3 through 6. The Art Teacher plays a critical role in integrating visual arts into the broader Montessori curriculum and culture of the school, while fostering creativity, self-expression, and artistic skill development in all students.

The Art Teacher will create and implement a developmentally appropriate, culturally inclusive, and interdisciplinary arts program that aligns with the Montessori philosophy and the needs of a diverse, urban student population. The Art Teacher is also responsible for managing the art classroom environment, curating student work, and partnering with classroom Guides and specialists to embed the arts across content areas.

This is a 10-month, full-time position. Working hours are Monday-Friday, 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Essential Functions & Accountabilities:

• Develop and implement a rich, engaging art curriculum aligned with both the Montessori approach and national visual arts standards.
• Incorporate multicultural, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate art experiences for students from PK3–Grade 6.
• Design and deliver sequential lessons that foster critical thinking, creative expression, artistic technique, and appreciation of diverse artistic traditions.
• Create a nurturing, respectful, and stimulating learning environment that encourages student voice and exploration.
• Maintain a well-organized, safe, and inspiring art classroom and materials that align with Montessori values of independence and order.
• Integrate art projects with classroom content and themes across core subjects (history, culture, science, literature, etc.).
• Collaborate with classroom Guides and specialists to enrich and support interdisciplinary learning through the arts.
• Provide skillful classroom management to ensure a productive, respectful, and joyful studio space.
• Assess and document student growth and participation using a combination of portfolios, exhibitions, and narrative reports.
• Curate and organize student work displays throughout the school and community to celebrate student achievements and showcase the school’s mission.
• Organize and lead the school’s annual art show or exhibition to highlight student creativity and progress.
• Engage families in the art program and encourage artistic exploration at home through regular communication and family projects.
• Participate actively in faculty meetings, school-wide events, professional development, and collaborative planning sessions.
• Uphold and model the values of the Montessori philosophy, including grace and courtesy, independence, peace, and purposeful work.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by school leadership in alignment with the school's mission and goals.

Required Competencies and Qualifications:

• A deep commitment to Montessori values and the integration of the arts in a holistic, child-centered curriculum
• Demonstrated classroom management skills and the ability to foster positive, respectful relationships with students
• A strong sense of creativity, flexibility, collaboration, and professionalism
• Strong planning, organizational, and communication skills
• A passion for working with diverse students and a belief in their unlimited potential
• Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development and reflection
• Grace, courtesy, and a sense of humor

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Art Education, Fine Arts, or related field is required
• Master’s degree preferred
• Valid teaching certification in visual arts (or eligibility to obtain certification in the District of Columbia)
• Minimum 2 - 3 years of lead teaching experience in a public, public charter, or Montessori school setting preferred
• Experience in a Montessori school or willingness to learn and integrate Montessori practices is highly preferred
• Experience with a wide range of art media and materials, including digital and mixed media, is a plus
• Familiarity with trauma-informed, restorative, or social-emotional practices in the classroom is a plus

Benefits:

• Paid personal time off, sick leave, short/long term disability, life insurance, family leave, bereavement leave, all federal holidays, and religious holiday leave
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Free after-school care for enrolled child
• Retirement plan options

Salary: $45,000 - 75,000

Equal Opportunity Statement:
We do not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of our activities or operations. These include hiring, firing, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services.