Elementary Visual Arts Teacher
Visual Arts Teacher / Elementary School
Job Description
Position Logistics
- Full-time position
- Exempt, 12-month position
- Reports to Head of School and Academic Administration
- Salary commensurate with experience, and competitive with comparable positions locally and regionally
Organization Overview
Founded in 1938, Manzano Day School is an Independent, nonprofit elementary school for pre-K through 5th-grade, nestled between Old Town Albuquerque and downtown. Our historic six-acre campus is a charming blend of adobe and contemporary buildings, warm and inviting classrooms, spacious play and meeting areas, and unique learning spaces like our Placita, garden, and meadow. We are a community of professionals who work together to provide an exceptional educational experience for approximately 460 students, where our mission, core values, and Joy in Learning® are at the center of our work. The Philanthropy & Engagement team works to strengthen relationships, engagement, and philanthropic support across our diverse community, enabling our school to fulfill budgetary needs and the strategic goals and priorities set for our future.
Position Overview
The Visual Arts Teacher is responsible for designing and delivering a developmentally appropriate, engaging visual arts program for elementary school students in grades 2-5. The teacher fosters creativity, artistic skill development, and visual literacy while supporting the school’s mission and values. The role emphasizes inquiry-based learning, experimentation with materials, and integration of visual arts with broader curricular themes and content. The teacher collaborates with colleagues across grade levels and specialty domains to provide this integrated experience.
Key Responsibilities
Instruction & Curriculum
- Design and implement a comprehensive elementary visual arts curriculum for grades 2-5 that is aligned with best practices in art education and the school’s philosophy
- Teach a range of media and techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, mixed media, and digital art (as appropriate)
- Differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning styles and developmental needs
- Integrate art history, cultural studies, and contemporary art into lessons
- Collaborate with the lower school visual arts teacher to align curriculum across divisions
- Collaborate with classroom teachers to support interdisciplinary learning and school-wide themes
Student Development
- Foster creativity, self-expression, and confidence in young artists
- Encourage experimentation, problem-solving, and reflective thinking
- Create a safe, inclusive, and respectful classroom environment
- Assess student learning using developmentally appropriate methods and provide meaningful feedback
Classroom & Program Management
- Maintain an organized, safe, and inspiring art studio
- Manage materials, supplies, and budgets responsibly
- Display student artwork throughout the school and curate exhibitions
- Support and participate in school events such as art shows, performances, and community gatherings
Professional Responsibilities
- Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and school events
- Communicate effectively with parents and caregivers about student progress
- Collaborate with colleagues and contribute positively to school culture
- Stay current with best practices in art education and child development
The Ideal Candidate: Skills, Qualifications, and Characteristics
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education, Fine Arts, or a related field
- Experience teaching visual arts to elementary-aged students
- Strong knowledge of child development and age-appropriate pedagogy
- Excellent classroom management and communication skills
- Passion for working with young children
- Creativity, flexibility, and a growth mindset
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging
- Enthusiasm for collaboration and lifelong learning
- Experience integrating various content areas with visual arts instruction
Application Process
If you meet the requirements of the position and are inspired by the opportunity to help a school build structures and processes that empower all learners, energized by a mission-driven community and dedicated faculty, and eager to be a part of an organization making a lasting impact in the lives of children, we invite you to apply.
Please submit your cover letter, resume, and list of 3 references (references will not be contacted without prior notice and permission) to Leanne Kimbrough, Assistant Head of School, at lkimbrough@manzanodayschool.org.