Synapse School is hiring: Middle School Visual Arts & Design Specialist in Calif

SYNAPSE SCHOOL POSITION OVERVIEW:

Middle School Visual Arts & Design Specialist

The Synapse School in Menlo Park, CA, an innovative TK-8 independent school located in the heart of Silicon Valley, dedicated to rethinking and reimagining education, seeks a MIDDLE SCHOOL VISUAL ARTS & DESIGN SPECIALIST to fill a lead teaching position.

Synapse educates a community of change makers by combining social-emotional learning, leading-edge academics, and the practice of innovation. We have an unwavering belief in the capacity of children, and our teachers work alongside our students to unlock their powers of curiosity, discovery, and creativity.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Synapse School is seeking a creative and enthusiastic teacher with a minimum of three years of experience in the art classroom. The Middle School Visual Arts & Design Specialist will work with faculty, the Fine Arts team, and the Director of Fine Arts to develop an integrated, constructivist, project-based curriculum. They will provide direct instruction, document curriculum, prepare students for three formal presentations a year, and communicate student progress with narrative reports in addition to other school responsibilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

1. Collaborate with teachers and directors to design, develop, teach, document and assess project-based curriculum.
2. Teach Visual Arts & Design classes that will include but are not limited to:
1. Support TK-4th Grade Visual Arts as needed.
2. Teach additional Middle School electives.
3. Prepare and support students for three portfolio presentations in addition to other community projects and events.
3. Collaborate and communicate effectively with students, teachers, and parents.
4. Provide timely and thoughtful feedback to students and parents in the forms of assessments, written narrative feedback, student-parent-teacher conferences, and meetings/conferences with parents.
5. Attend student check-in meetings, weekly team and faculty meetings, professional trainings, and other meetings as needed.
6. Serve as a middle school advisor, including mentoring middle school-aged students to support their personal and social-emotional growth.
7. Other tasks and responsibilities required to support goals and objectives of the Fine Arts Department, as defined by the Director of Fine Arts.

AN IDEAL CANDIDATE WOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Minimum of three years of teaching experience, preferably in middle school and in independent school.
2. Bachelor’s Degree is required.
3. Experience designing and implementing project-based, problem-based curriculum, as well as explicit skill development.
4. Desire to be innovative and creative in curriculum design and pedagogy.
5. Model flexibility in implementing best learning practices.
6. Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion in education.
7. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
8. Creativity, flexibility, a sense of humor, and a love of learning.
9. Demonstrate kindness, enthusiasm, a sense of humor, investment in continued learning and professional growth, and a passion for supporting children as they grow and learn.
10. A passion to work cooperatively with colleagues on a consistent basis and actively cultivate an inclusive environment and support a school community grounded in empathy, social responsibility, and an appreciation and respect for individual differences.

SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS:

$92,300 to $120,200. Synapse offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, and retirement, as well as additional lifestyle perks. Housing stipends available to those who qualify.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applicants should email a cover letter detailing experience and interest in the position, a résumé, and any other supporting materials you would like to share, via email with the subject line “Middle School Visual Arts & Design Specialist” to Natalie Einhorn, Director of Fine Arts, natalie.einhorn@synapseschool.org.

Synapse School does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability and familial affiliation or any other characteristic protected by law. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.