Middle School Art & Design Teacher (IB-MYP)

Position Overview

The role of the Art & Design Teacher is to develop curriculum consistent with the MYP Design Subject Guide and design of units of inquiry relating to technology and design. This position supports and implements the daily program in accordance with the policies and philosophy of the School under the supervision and direction of the Division Director and the Head of School.  Description is subject to change without notice as the School's needs may require. The Art & Design Teacher works to implement the IB-PYP and IB-MYP Curriculums within the Reggio Emilia philosophy.

The ideal candidate will be a lifelong learner with an innovative mindset, a wide range of technical skills in product and/or digital design, and a track record of encouraging and supporting students to pursue their individual and unique interests and make transdisciplinary connections in design and related fields. The individual will model and promote the IB learner profile and teach across a range of ages and abilities.  The Art & Design Teacher usually has a background in visual arts (or dance, engineering, science, design, etc.)  

 

Role & Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Teach and develop MYP Art & Design courses in Grades 6, 7, 8. Potential elementary support as needed.
• Review and modify  written curriculum in IB Art and Design in collaboration with the IB MYP Coordinator and Lead Atelierista. Assess students according to the requirements of the MYP Design and Art Subject Guides, and maintain a gradebook in Toddle.
• Research opportunities to bring learning into the broader community through volunteer work, guest teachers, experiences and community partnerships.
• Collaborate closely with the Atelierista, the Pedagogical Leadership team, the IB-Coordinator, faculty, the Technology Coordinator, and IT Systems Administrator to optimize learning outcomes.
• Integrate the 100 languages of students, especially digital and technological languages in the Design Curriculum, e.g. graphic design, coding, robotics, etc. Collaborate with other Departments and colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units and inquiries across the 100 languages.
• Participate in and actively contribute to the Professional Development of all faculty to encourage learning through creative expression, documentation and the cultivation of the environment. 
• Contribute to community learning events (Parent Education, Spotlight Series, Admission Events, the Exhibit, etc.) by highlighting creativity in student learning through student work. 

As a La Scuola faculty member, you are committing to:

1. Designing, planning & implementing appropriate curriculum goals and long-term projects within the IB-MYP guidelines, including but not limited to:

• Creating a flexible program and class environment favorable to individualized learning and personal growth.
• Using structured purposeful inquiry as the leading vehicle for learning.
• Teaching in English and Italian or Spanish as applicable.
• Balancing the needs of students with different Italian and English language skills.
• Using technology to enhance learning.

 

2. Setting educational and developmental goals for the children, both as a group and individually, including but not limited to:

• Establishing a personal connection with each student
• Striving to understand each child’s individual temperament and evolving developmental level/needs.
•  Supporting each child’s social, emotional, academic, language, cognitive, and physical development within the context of La Scuola's Reggio Emilia inspired “pedagogy of relationships.”
• Encouraging positive social interactions among children and guiding children towards more appropriate behavior.
• Participating in and supporting the school’s positive behavior policy and general ethos of respect for all.
• Promoting international-mindedness and encouraging students “to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.”
• Balancing the necessity of classroom rules and norms with the need to respond to specific individuals appropriately (i.e., balance the needs of the group with the needs of the individual).
•  Incorporating each child’s current needs into planning for the overall group curriculum/ activities.
• Assessing each child’s progress frequently and accurately throughout the year.
• Assessing the group dynamic on an ongoing basis, as well as individual academic progress toward group and individual goals as required.
• Reporting on students’ progress along the continuum and as compared with the learning outcomes and IB PYP Scope & sequence.

3. Preparing the environment (indoor and outdoor) so as to support the educational objectives/goals including, but not limited to:

• Maintaining a provocative and thoughtful environment to support the Reggio Emilia inspired learning goals.
• Following classroom environment guidelines and La Scuola high standards in maintaining an aesthetically pleasing and beautiful classroom.
• Making the learning process visible through documentation of student  work
• Providing different activities, materials and projects for learning and exploration.

4. Establishing and maintaining a personal connection with each parent, child's family, including:

• Seeking to understand the family needs, styles and priorities for their child in the school.
• Conducting professional and insightful parent/teacher conferences (assess students ahead of time, pinpoint areas of concern, if any, and have all written materials prepared and printed out prior to the conference).
• Communicating individual and group accomplishments and projects (interests, pursuits) in a timely manner through Toddle, email, conversations, newsletters, and other documentation.
• Participating in all-school community events.

5. Maintaining open lines of communication with students and families.

• Keeping a constant record of expectations, learning activities, assessments, deadlines, rubrics and feedback on Toddle.
• Communicating directly with students and parents via email to provide necessary information on the student’s progress.

• Requires Master of Arts, or Arts Management or Arts Psychology or the equivalent)
• Requires a minimum 24 months of experience with Reggio Emilia Approach (or equivalent)
• Familiarity with International Baccalaureate is a plus 
• Italian language proficiency preferred

Start Date: August 2026

Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000 annual salary, commensurate with experience and credentials.  Relocation may be reimbursed up to $3,000 for international and up to $750 for domestic moves with proof of qualifying expenses. 

Benefits & Compensation

Full time positions receive generous compensation and benefits package, including medical, vision and dental coverage. The school also offers an Employer-Matched Retirement Account (up to 5%), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), Commuter Benefits, Group Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, World Travel Assistance. 

Other benefits include Personal Time Off, Paid Federal Holidays and School Closures, daily warm lunch while on site, Employee Referral Bonuses, Outstanding Professional Development and Mentorship throughout the year, Free Employee Childcare for students enrolled at La Scuola during Professional Development Days.

How to Apply

Refer to the Employment Opportunities within and apply online. Please include a cover letter sharing your background and interest and your résumé as a first step. Applicants should be prepared to share three professional references and a teaching demonstration. As part of the interview process, you can expect to meet with our Human Resources team and other key members of the School Leadership team, including Head of School. 

Additional Information

Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.  Prior to beginning work and as a condition of employment in order to comply with the law, all employees must provide documentation to prove eligibility to work in the United States.

La Scuola may be able to offer a teachers exchange visa for teachers with a BA in education/teaching credentials in their country of origin AND a minimum of two years of teaching experience.

Final candidates will need to pass both Criminal Justice Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation Fingerprint Clearance and a physical exam, and provide a recent copy of a negative TB test and other immunization records.