Upper School Art Teacher (Grades 9–12)
$70,000–$90,000 year
On-sitePotomac, Maryland, United States
Job Summary
Teach multiple sections of Upper School visual and digital arts courses, including Ceramics, Web & Graphic Design, and Yearbook publication. Spearhead the vision, curriculum development, and expansion of a modern, multi-disciplinary Digital Arts program. Manage the annual Yearbook production, guiding student editors through layout design, photography, copywriting, and vendor coordination. Design daily studio and digital projects utilizing differentiated instruction and executive functioning supports. Maintain a safe studio and digital lab, overseeing equipment maintenance for kilns, cameras, and software. Partner with the Learning Services team to implement accommodations for students with processing differences. Foster relationships with students and families regarding artistic progress. Curate student artwork displays and coordinate school-wide exhibitions. Serve as an Upper School Advisor, guiding a small cohort of students academically and socially-emotionally. Participate in departmental meetings, curriculum mapping, and professional development. Begin August 20, 2026.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts, Art Education, Graphic Design, Ceramics, or a closely related field
- hands-on expertise in ceramics instruction
- studio management
- kiln operation
- passion for developing a strong digital arts program
- deep appreciation for students with mild to moderate learning challenges
- commitment to fostering creative confidence and self-advocacy in our students as they prepare for success in college and beyond
- Teach multiple sections of Upper School visual and digital arts courses, including, but not limited to: Ceramics, Web & Graphic Design, and Yearbook publication
- Spearhead the vision, curriculum development, and expansion of a modern, multi-disciplinary Upper School Digital Arts program
- Manage all aspects of the annual Upper School Yearbook production, guiding student editors and staff through layout design, photography, copywriting, deadline management, and vendor coordination
- Design and implement daily studio and digital projects that utilize differentiated instruction, hands-on multi-sensory techniques, and executive functioning supports to meet the diverse needs of all learners
- Maintain a safe, well-organized studio and digital lab environment, overseeing equipment maintenance (including kilns, cameras, printing devices, and graphic design software suites)
- Partner with the Grades 9–12 Coordinator of Learning Services and school counselors to implement accommodations outlined in Student Learning Profiles
- Foster positive, supportive, and productive relationships with students and their families through regular, proactive communication regarding artistic progress and growth
- Curate and organize student artwork displays across campus and coordinate participation in annual school-wide art exhibitions
- Serve as an Upper School Advisor, guiding a small cohort of students academically and socially-emotionally throughout the school year
- Participate in departmental meetings, curriculum mapping, school-wide professional development, and supervise standard non-instructional duties (such as study halls or lunch duty) as assigned
Desired Qualifications
- A steadfast belief that every student can succeed in the arts and a genuine desire to get to know each student in the division
- Technical proficiency and teaching experience across both traditional mediums (specifically ceramics/3D arts) and industry-standard digital design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud, web design tools, and digital layout platforms)
- An understanding of how students with processing differences, anxiety, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges learn, alongside strategies to support them in project-based settings
- Familiarity with and passion for individualized, strengths-based approaches to teaching artistic concepts and creative problem-solving
- Strong organizational and project management skills necessary to meet strict publication deadlines for the yearbook
- An open-minded, flexible, and collaborative approach to McLean's uniquely successful ways of working with students' academic and social-emotional needs
- A commitment to embracing and implementing McLean's Abilities Model®
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