Montessori Art Instructor - Primary (3-6) & Elementary (6-12)

Job Description

Job Description

Art Instructor (Part-Time)

Primary & Elementary Art Instructor

STEAMspark is seeking a creative, enthusiastic, and child-centered Part-Time Art Instructor to nurture artistic expression, confidence, and imagination in children ages 3–12. This role involves designing and leading engaging visual arts lessons aligned with our Montessori and STEAM curriculum while fostering a warm, inspiring, and developmentally appropriate learning environment across our Primary (3–6) and Elementary (6–12) programs.

Job Overview

• Are you passionate about helping children explore creativity through visual arts?
• Do you enjoy guiding young learners as they experiment with color, texture, and artistic techniques?

As our Part-Time Art Instructor, you will support both our Primary (ages 3–6) and Elementary (ages 6–12) learning environments by leading Art Class during the Montessori work cycle and Art Club as part of our After School program.

Children will explore drawing, painting, mixed media, sculpture, and foundational art concepts through experiences tailored to their developmental level. Younger children will build creativity, concentration, coordination, and fine motor skills, while older students will develop technique, artistic voice, creative problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of visual art.

Work Schedule

• Part-time position
• Scheduled Art Classes during the school-day Montessori work cycle for Primary and Elementary students
• Art Club instruction during the After School program
• Final schedule based on classroom schedules, enrollment, and program needs

Role & Responsibilities

Art Instruction & Project Preparation

• Plan and teach developmentally appropriate visual arts lessons for Primary (3–6) and Elementary (6–12) students
• Lead Art Class during the Montessori work cycle and Art Club during the After School program
• Teach drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, mixed media, and other age-appropriate visual art experiences
• Introduce and reinforce foundational art concepts including color theory, line, shape, form, texture, space, composition, pattern, and artistic technique
• Differentiate instruction so Primary students receive concrete, process-oriented experiences while Elementary students are challenged with increasingly complex techniques, concepts, and projects
• Connect visual arts experiences, when appropriate, to Montessori cultural studies, STEAM concepts, classroom themes, and interdisciplinary learning
• Prepare students and student artwork for informal showcases, exhibitions, school events, and our Winter and Spring Recitals
• Develop lesson plans and project sequences that build skills progressively while encouraging creativity and individual artistic expression
• Select, organize, prepare, and maintain art materials appropriate for each developmental level and consistent with school safety expectations

Student Engagement & Growth

• Create a joyful, respectful, encouraging, and inclusive environment for learners ages 3–12
• Support Montessori principles of independence, concentration, choice, responsibility, care of the environment, and respect for the child
• Adapt instruction to different developmental levels, learning styles, abilities, and sensory needs
• Provide positive guidance and age-appropriate, constructive feedback that encourages artistic growth without limiting individual creativity
• Help students develop confidence, perseverance, craftsmanship, creative problem-solving, and pride in their work
• Establish clear expectations for the appropriate use, care, and cleanup of art materials and shared studio spaces

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with Primary and Elementary Lead Guides to coordinate Art Class within the Montessori work cycle and support classroom learning when appropriate
• Coordinate with the After School team to provide a structured, engaging Art Club experience
• Communicate with families and staff regarding student progress, projects, showcases, and special events as appropriate
• Work collaboratively with dance, choir, orchestra, and other enrichment instructors for integrated arts experiences and school events
• Maintain attendance records, project notes, and basic student portfolio documentation as requested

Required Qualifications

• Experience teaching visual arts to children, preferably across the 3–12 age range
• Strong skills in drawing, painting, and general studio art, with the ability to teach foundational techniques clearly
• Ability to adjust instruction and classroom expectations for both Primary and Elementary developmental levels
• Ability to create structured yet open-ended creative experiences that encourage independence and exploration
• Strong communication, organization, and classroom management skills
• Enthusiasm for working in a nurturing Montessori-inspired, STEAM-integrated learning environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree or coursework in Art Education, Fine Arts, Studio Art, or a related field
• Experience teaching art in early childhood, elementary, Montessori, independent school, or enrichment settings
• Experience preparing student work for showcases or exhibitions
• Experience leading after-school art clubs, camps, workshops, or enrichment programs
• CPR/First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain)

Physical Requirements

• Able to sit on the floor or at child-height tables while assisting Primary students with lessons
• Able to move between classrooms and learning environments and support students working at tables, easels, and floor-level workspaces
• Able to lift at least 25 pounds

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly pay range: $20–$30, based on experience
• Professional development support
• Flexible, consistent part-time schedule
• Opportunity to help develop and expand our growing visual arts program across Primary, Elementary, and After School programming

About our Organization

STEAMspark is an AMI USA Aspiring School, a candidate for AMS School Accreditation, and fully accredited through Cognia, which includes NCA CASI, NWAC, and SACS CASI. These distinctions allow us to serve children from 6 weeks old through 12th grade.

We are committed to:

• Preparing children to become top academic performers throughout their education.
• Positioning them to take on more advanced courses in secondary school.
• Enabling them to pursue higher education opportunities successfully.
• Igniting a passion for learning at an early age, our Montessori-driven, STEAM-integrated, age-appropriate, highly interactive curricula are taught by Montessori credentialed educators dedicated to our children.

Here are some of the benefits of working at STEAMspark:

• Medical (where STEAMspark picks up a generous amount of the cost), Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Rewards & Recognition Programs
• Mentorship Opportunities
• Continuing education opportunities through AMI and AMS affiliated programs