Art Teacher, Middle School (Immediate)

We are seeking an innovative, student-centered Fine Arts Teacher to inspire middle and high school students through a dynamic visual arts curriculum. The ideal candidate will have experience teaching both middle school and high school learners and possess expertise in traditional fine arts and contemporary design practices. This educator will foster creativity, critical thinking, craftsmanship, and artistic confidence while helping students develop strong technical skills and personal artistic voices.

The successful candidate must demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and related applications) and integrate digital design, visual communication, and creative technology into the art curriculum. Candidates should also possess expertise in drawing, painting, mixed media, and human-centered design, with specialized experience in at least one of the following areas:

Ceramics, Clay, and Sculpture

Book Arts and Bookmaking

Full-time faculty teach four sections in Upper School, Middle School, or a mixture of both divisions with two or three different course preparations, participate in coaching two sports/activities or the equivalent, and serve as an advisor. Teachers also collaborate and innovate with colleagues across different curricular areas and divisions, and attend weekly staff meetings for subject areas and divisions.

Teaching and learning revolve around a competency-based education system aligned with our Pillars: This system assesses "Pillar" competencies applicable across all academic departments, as well as department-specific competencies, to demonstrate expertise in a particular subject. The NEIA values of equity, agency, and adaptability are deeply embedded in this approach, ensuring that students develop skills crucial for the next generation of leaders. NEIA's educational process extends beyond traditional classrooms, encompassing activities such as advocacy groups, after-school activities, residential programs, service projects, expeditions, and internships. Teachers invest deeply in the school's community by participating in the advising (called Advocacy at NEIA) program with a group of five to eight students, contributing to social and emotional learning initiatives, participating in extracurricular activities such as explorations and clubs, and chaperoning weekend activities once or twice each term. The role is integral to enhancing the overall student experience and requires a commitment to the various facets of school life at NEIA.

Under the supervision and guidance of the Dean of Innovation, Design & Entrepreneurship & IDE Academy, teachers are responsible for preparing lesson plans, regularly updating curriculum, and collaborating with colleagues. Their duties include assessing student work and performance through NEIA's competency-based model, providing feedback, documenting student progress, writing student report notes, and assigning learning extensions. Teachers are expected to create and manage a learning environment that guides and encourages students to develop and fulfill their academic potential and accomplish the learning goals of NEIA. Finally, teachers are also expected to understand and apply human-centered design as a process, and to embed it as an ethos across our program.

Embody NEIA's principles of empathy, equity, personalization, authentic work, and collaboration in all work activities and actions.

Adapt teaching methods and instructional techniques to accommodate students' diverse needs and learning styles, aligning with individual learning plans where applicable.

Regularly assess student progress through NEIA's competency system, providing timely and constructive feedback and informing students about their performance.

Build positive relationships with students to foster their academic growth and development.

Collaborate with other teachers, administrators, and school counselors to enhance student learning experience.

Identify students facing learning or emotional challenges or home situations, and work with the Student Support Team to provide necessary resources and support.

Stay informed about and actively utilize individual learning plans in teaching and student interactions.

Communicate effectively with parents and guardians regarding students' performance and needs.

Strive to achieve school and course-wide performance goals for every student in class.

Engage in ongoing professional learning in accordance with the school’s professional growth framework.

Support the initiatives and strategic goals set forth by the School Leadership.

Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned and required by the position and the School.

Expectations for all Teachers
Teaching staff are employed on a 12-month, exempt basis, featuring a distinct vacation and paid time off (PTO) structure compared to non-teaching staff. Their vacation days align with school vacation periods, subject to a few key conditions:

Preparation for Class Resumption: Teachers must be prepared to resume teaching immediately after school vacation.

Responsiveness to Work Communications: Teachers are expected to respond to work-related communications within a reasonable timeframe when school is in session — ideally within 24-48 hours.

Summer Vacation Responsibilities: Teachers are expected to prepare for the upcoming academic year during the summer break. This preparation includes tasks such as updating course outlines, organizing classes on Google Classroom, and planning lessons. As the school and academic programs grow, teachers are expected to develop new curricula, under the oversight of the Director of Curriculum & Professional Learning.

During the academic year, teaching staff are entitled to five (5) days of PTO, which can be used for sick or personal days. During the roughly 32 weeks of the school year, teaching staff should expect to work up to 55 hours per week.

Serve as an Advocate (advisor) for a group of students and implement programming as required.

Monday-Friday); standard work hours during two seasons of sports/after-school activities: 7:45 a.m. Follow Teaching Best Practices and manage platforms like Google Classroom and Otus.

Document year-long curriculum.

Attend all-school and division meetings, weekly teacher meetings, subject-area meetings, and US and MS meetings.

Lead or assist in two seasons of After-School Activities (ASAs) and one Club annually.

Chaperone student events, assist with athletic events, supervise recess and other non-structured times, and support ResLife weekend activities. 2 shifts per semester.

Participate in Opening Meetings, Off-site Orientation Trips, Family Weekend, Monthly Professional Days & Afternoons, PIN Points, Dive into NEIA, Accepted Student Days, Admission Open House Events, Graduation, NEIA Expo, and End-of-School Meetings, and other events as needed.

Embody NEIA’s principles of empathy, equity, personalization, authentic work, and collaboration.

Use varied and innovative teaching methods and instructional techniques to cater to diverse learning styles.

Identify and support students facing challenges, liaising with the Student Support Team as needed.

Maintain effective communication with parents and guardians about student performance and needs.

Oversee evening hours, ensuring safety and a quiet environment from lights out.

Serve as the overnight on-campus presence for student safety and order.

Act as an emergency contact for residential students’ guardians outside school hours (5:30 p.m. - on weekdays).

Attend residential life house and staff meetings.

Note: Additional duties may be assigned by the Head of School as needed.

The Fine Arts Teacher does not supervise any other employees at NEIA.

Ability to create a welcoming and supportive community for a diverse student body.

Ability to work with professionalism, discretion, sound judgment, equity, honesty, and personal accountability at all times.

Proficient knowledge of teaching strategies and methods.

Ability to use technology effectively in teaching, learning, and administrative functions and willingness to stay current in technology skills and learn emerging technologies as needed.

Strong administrative and organizational skills.

Strong creative and critical thinking skills.

Understanding and adhering to applicable laws, codes, policies, regulations, and safety practices and procedures.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Art Education, Fine Arts, Design, or a related field required; Teaching certification or eligibility for certification.

Minimum of 3 years of experience teaching visual arts to middle school and/or high school students required. Experience teaching advanced Fine Arts, Fine Art Electives, and Portfolio Development preferred.

Demonstrated expertise in drawing, painting, mixed media, and studio art practices.

Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, with the ability to teach digital design concepts and creative workflows to students.

Experience integrating technology into visual arts instruction.

Expertise in at least one of the following: ceramics/sculpture, printmaking, or book arts/bookmaking.

Experience curating student exhibitions and managing studio spaces preferred.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Capable of moving around the classroom while teaching a class.

Capable of adapting to frequent changes in position throughout the workday.

Hearing and speaking to understand and exchange information in person or on the telephone.

Use hands and fingers for manipulation, educational tools, play equipment, keyboarding, first aid, and CPR performance.

Fine Arts Teacher

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