Visual Art Teacher

Visual Art Teacher

Position Type: Full-Time
Reports To: High School Principal

Join Brave Christian Schools

At Brave Christian Schools, we are committed to preparing students to pursue their God-given purpose through academic excellence, authentic Christian community, and meaningful relationships.

We are seeking a creative and experienced Visual Art Teacher to inspire middle and high school students to develop their artistic abilities, confidence, technical skills, and appreciation for the visual arts.

This full-time position will teach a variety of visual arts courses, including traditional studio art, digital photography, and graphic design. The ideal candidate is first and foremost an educator who understands how to create an engaging, structured, and Christ-centered classroom environment where students are encouraged to explore their creativity, take artistic risks, and develop their individual voices.

This is a wonderful opportunity for a teacher who enjoys helping students discover and develop their God-given gifts while contributing to a growing arts program and the broader Brave Christian Schools community.

Position Summary

The Middle and High School Visual Art Teacher is responsible for planning and delivering engaging visual arts instruction to students with varying levels of experience and ability.

Courses may include drawing, painting, mixed media, sculpture, digital photography, graphic design, art history, and other related visual arts offerings based on the teacher's experience and the needs of the school.

The teacher will provide students with a strong foundation in artistic techniques, creative problem-solving, visual communication, and the proper use of traditional and digital tools. This position will also help coordinate student art shows, displays, publications, school projects, and other opportunities to showcase student work.

Working collaboratively with school leadership, faculty, families, and other departments, the Visual Art Teacher will help strengthen and grow the school's visual arts program.

Primary Responsibilities

Classroom Instruction
* Teach visual arts courses to middle and high school students.
* Provide instruction in traditional studio art, including drawing, painting, color theory, composition, mixed media, and other artistic techniques.
* Teach digital photography, including camera operation, composition, lighting, visual storytelling, image selection, and basic photo editing.
* Teach graphic design principles, including typography, layout, branding, color, visual communication, and digital design.
* Develop engaging, age-appropriate lessons that build students' creativity, technical skills, confidence, and appreciation for the arts.
* Provide instruction to students with varying levels of artistic experience and ability.
* Introduce students to a variety of artists, artistic movements, cultures, styles, and creative career opportunities.
* Establish clear learning objectives and assess student progress through projects, portfolios, critiques, written reflections, presentations, and classroom participation.
* Provide timely and meaningful feedback that encourages artistic and personal growth.
* Maintain a positive, organized, and Christ-centered classroom culture that promotes creativity, respect, responsibility, and thoughtful expression.
* Develop and maintain course curriculum, lesson plans, grades, and student records in accordance with school expectations.

Digital Photography and Graphic Design
* Teach students how to use digital cameras and related photography equipment safely and appropriately.
* Instruct students in photography techniques such as exposure, focus, lighting, framing, composition, and editing.
* Guide students in creating meaningful photography projects that demonstrate both technical skill and creative expression.
* Teach students how to use graphic design and photo-editing software.
* Provide instruction in digital design concepts, including typography, visual hierarchy, layout, branding, and image manipulation.
* Help students create digital projects such as posters, advertisements, logos, publications, presentations, social media graphics, and other visual materials.
* Promote responsible and ethical use of photography, digital images, technology, and copyrighted materials.
* Stay informed about current digital art, photography, and graphic design tools and practices.
* Maintain and organize digital equipment, software, cameras, computers, and related classroom resources.

Visual Arts Program Development
* Help develop and strengthen visual arts opportunities for middle and high school students.
* Plan and coordinate student art shows, exhibitions, displays, competitions, and other opportunities to showcase student work.
* Display student artwork throughout the school in a thoughtful and professional manner.
* Encourage student participation in visual arts courses, clubs, competitions, publications, and school-wide projects.
* Create opportunities for beginning and experienced students to participate meaningfully.
* Support students who are interested in developing art portfolios for college applications or future creative opportunities.
* Recommend art supplies, cameras, software, technology, equipment, and instructional materials needed to support the program.
* Maintain an organized inventory of art supplies, photography equipment, technology, student work, and classroom materials.
* Ensure that student projects, images, displays, and instructional materials are appropriate for a Christian school environment.

School and Community Projects
* Collaborate with other teachers and departments on interdisciplinary projects.
* Assist with visual materials for school events, chapel, theater productions, publications, yearbooks, marketing projects, and special programs when appropriate.
* Provide students with opportunities to use their artistic skills in service to the school and broader community.
* Help students understand how art, photography, and design can be used to communicate ideas, tell stories, and positively influence others.
* Coordinate the submission, display, or publication of student artwork in accordance with school guidelines.
* Supervise students appropriately during art shows, field trips, competitions, and school events.

Collaboration and Communication
* Collaborate with the Middle and High School Principal, administration, faculty, and staff to support the school's visual arts program.
* Communicate regularly with students and families regarding classroom expectations, projects, student progress, exhibitions, and special events.
* Work with Educational Support Services and school leadership to provide appropriate accommodations and instructional support.
* Partner with other departments to incorporate visual art, photography, and graphic design into school-wide activities and projects.
* Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, department meetings, and school-wide planning.
* Develop positive relationships with local artists, photographers, designers, museums, churches, colleges, and community organizations when appropriate.

Student Development
* Build meaningful relationships that support students' academic, artistic, social, and spiritual growth.
* Encourage students to develop creativity, perseverance, confidence, responsibility, and attention to detail.
* Help students recognize and pursue their God-given gifts and abilities.
* Provide a safe and encouraging environment where students feel comfortable experimenting, making mistakes, receiving feedback, and improving.
* Teach students how to participate respectfully and thoughtfully in critiques of their own work and the work of others.
* Encourage students to develop strong time-management skills, creative discipline, and personal accountability.
* Serve as a positive Christian role model who reflects the mission and values of Brave Christian Schools.
* Participate in chapel services, faculty meetings, professional development, school events, and student activities.

Qualifications

Required
* Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
* California teaching credential or the ability to obtain one.
* Experience teaching middle school or high school students.
* Knowledge of visual arts instruction, curriculum development, classroom management, and student assessment.
* Experience with traditional studio art techniques and materials.
* Working knowledge of digital photography and graphic design.
* Ability to use digital cameras, photo-editing software, graphic design software, and related technology.
* Ability to effectively teach students with different skill levels and learning needs.
* Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to manage art supplies, digital equipment, technology, and classroom resources.
* Demonstrated Christian faith consistent with the mission and Statement of Faith of Brave Christian Schools.

Preferred
* Bachelor's or master's degree in Art Education, Fine Arts, Visual Arts, Graphic Design, Photography, Education, or a related field.
* Experience teaching drawing, painting, mixed media, sculpture, photography, or graphic design.
* Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, including Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom, or similar design and photo-editing programs.
* Experience with digital cameras, lighting equipment, printers, tablets, and other creative technology.
* Experience developing student portfolios or preparing students for advanced art courses, college programs, or creative careers.
* Experience planning art shows, exhibitions, competitions, or student publications.
* Experience working in a Christian school, private school, or college-preparatory environment.
* Experience building or expanding a visual arts program.

Desired Characteristics

The ideal candidate:
* Demonstrates a vibrant Christian faith and a passion for Christian education.
* Is an excellent teacher who understands the academic, social, and developmental needs of middle and high school students.
* Inspires students to develop their creativity, confidence, technical ability, and individual artistic voice.
* Maintains high expectations while providing encouragement and individualized support.
* Creates an organized, welcoming, and engaging classroom environment.
* Is comfortable teaching students with a wide range of artistic experience, from beginners to advanced students.
* Understands both traditional visual arts and current digital photography and graphic design practices.
* Possesses strong instructional, classroom-management, organizational, and communication skills.
* Is collaborative, flexible, resourceful, and solutions-oriented.
* Is excited about helping grow a visual arts program.
* Values teamwork and contributes positively to the faculty culture.
* Models integrity, humility, professionalism, creativity, and servant leadership.