Art Teacher - Archdiocese of Philadelphia

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Art Teacher - Part Time

Merion Mercy Academy, an independent Catholic college preparatory school for girls in grades9-12 outsidePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, seeks a dynamic and student-centered educator versed in current trends, research, and emerging ideas in education to serve as a part-time art teacher to teach introductory courses in the visual arts for the 2024-2024 school year and to moderate the student yearbook.

The ideal candidate will embrace the school's Mercy mission to promote a holistic education that is student-centered and encourages both academic and personal excellence. He or she will be enthusiastic about teaching girls, be able to teach students both at school and online, and enjoy working within a team setting of shared ideas and constructive feedback in a collaborative manner. The candidates will demonstrate skills in cross-cultural teaching and leadership practices, and be dedicated to working in a diverse community. He or she will contribute to and be committed to diversity and multicultural educational practices.

Candidates should be committed to encouraging creativity and self-expression among students and fostering an interest in the fine arts. He or she must be a team player with initiative, judgment, and problem-solving skills. Personal characteristics necessary for the position include positivity and enthusiasm for all aspects of school life; warmth and a good sense of humor; patience and persistence; and excellent communication skills.

Reporting directly to the Assistant Head of School for Academics, the Art teacher:

• Creates and delivers engaging curricula in a secondary school context;
• Reflects the school's mission and core values as a Catholic school founded by the Sisters of Mercy;
• Establishes a culture of positive communication with students, colleagues, and parents;
• Teaches two sections of Principles of Design, one section of Digital Design, and Yearbook Design and Production.
• Provides instruction in computer graphics, concept design, and layout in digital design;
• Communicates effectively with a diverse student population and is committed to developing inclusive teaching and leadership practices;
• Possesses a willingness to teach virtually;
• Develops varied assessment tools (both formative and summative) to consistently and effectively provide feedback and evaluate student progress;
• Practices a positive approach to classroom management;
• Invests in the life of the school by participating in the advisory program, department and faculty meetings, and any and all aspects that support the student experience;
• Uses a range of instructional techniques and media consistent with available resources and student needs and capabilities;
• Incorporates new technologies and tools in the creative process;
• Teaches students how to identify elements and techniques used to create concepts;
• Teaches students to apply elements of design and modern principles of art;
• Furthers the students' knowledge of visual arts and media through art theory and history;
• Develops an aesthetic understanding and appreciation that allows students to make qualitative judgments about art;
• Enables students to create a functional portfolio of their artworks;
• Plans, coordinates, and prepares art displays and exhibitions for the school and community;
• Assists students with effective display and presentation of their works;
• Instructs students in the proper use and maintenance of materials, equipment, and tools;
• Engage in professional development opportunities to further develop inclusive teaching and leadership practices;
• Demonstrates a collaborative mindset that seeks out opportunities to work as a part of a high-functioning team;
• Conferences with parents and responds to messages in a timely manner;
• Maintains current and accurate records.

Qualifications include:

• A bachelor's degree in Fine Arts or a related subject, master's degree preferred.
• 5+ years of teaching.
• Demonstrated knowledge of subject content, curriculum, and methodology of effective teaching.
• Experience with design applications including, but not limited to, Adobe InDesign and Photoshop
• Ability to establish and maintain effective collaborative relationships with students, peers, administrators, and parents.
• Independent school/girls' school experience preferred.

Merion Mercy Academy embraces diversity and inclusion through its mission, Mercy identity and student body. Merion Mercy Academy is committed to providing an educational and working environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Members of the community, applicants for employment or admissions, guests and visitors have the right to be free from harassment or discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, national origin, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter, and statement of educational philosophy along with three professional references to Anne Gregg Administrative Assistant to the Head of School at agregg@merion-mercy.com.

More information about working at Merion Mercy Academy can be found at: www.merion-mercy.com/careers.

Merion Mercy Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its hiring practices.