Elementary Art Educator (District-wide)

Elementary Art Teacher

Position Type: Full-Time Elementary Visual Art Teacher (Districtwide)

Locations: Waltham Public Schools Elementary Schools

Position Overview

Waltham Public Schools is seeking a passionate, creative, and student-centered Elementary Art Teachers to join our Fine and Performing Arts Department and elementary school teaching teams. The ideal candidates will inspire young learners through engaging and developmentally appropriate visual arts instruction that fosters creativity, curiosity, critical thinking, and artistic expression.

Elementary art teachers will provide students with foundational experiences in visual arts while helping students build confidence, problem-solving skills, and appreciation for diverse artistic traditions and perspectives. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to inclusive, standards-based instruction and the ability to create welcoming classroom environments that support the needs of all learners.

A valid Massachusetts teaching license in Visual Arts is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement engaging, standards-based visual arts lessons appropriate for elementary-aged students.
• Teach foundational art concepts and techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, printmaking, ceramics, mixed media, and introductory digital art experiences.
• Foster creativity, craftsmanship, self-expression, and artistic confidence in young learners.
• Create a positive, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment that encourages exploration, collaboration, and creative risk-taking.
• Introduce students to artists, artistic traditions, and visual cultures from diverse historical and global perspectives.
• Differentiate instruction to support students with varied learning needs, interests, backgrounds, and abilities.
• Integrate opportunities for cross-curricular connections and collaboration with classroom teachers and school staff.
• Assess student growth through projects, portfolios, observations, student reflections, and classroom participation.
• Organize and display student artwork throughout the school and community to celebrate student creativity and learning.
• Maintain and manage classroom materials, tools, equipment, and supplies to ensure safe and organized learning environments.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, colleagues, and administrators to support student growth and engagement.
• Participate actively in school initiatives, professional learning opportunities, and collaborative team meetings.
• Stay current with best practices in elementary art education and incorporate technology and contemporary practices into instruction when appropriate.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Art Education, Fine Arts, or a related field required. Master's degree preferred.

Certification

Valid Massachusetts teaching certification/licensure in Visual Arts.

Experience

• Prior experience teaching elementary visual art preferred.
• Experience working with diverse student populations and inclusive classroom practices preferred.
• Experience organizing student art displays, exhibitions, or school-wide arts events is a plus.

Skills

• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate art instruction for elementary students.
• Proficiency in a variety of traditional and contemporary artistic media and techniques.
• Ability to create engaging, culturally responsive, and student-centered learning experiences.
• Strong classroom management, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• Commitment to fostering creativity, inclusion, and equitable access to arts education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience integrating technology into visual arts instruction.
• Experience supporting multilingual learners and students with diverse learning needs.
• Background as a practicing artist, designer, or creative professional.
• Experience collaborating across grade levels and interdisciplinary teams.

Why Join Us?

At Waltham Public Schools, we are committed to fostering vibrant and inclusive arts programs that provide all students with opportunities to explore creativity, develop artistic skills, and express themselves through the visual arts. Our elementary art teachers play an important role in helping students build confidence, imagination, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative school community dedicated to supporting student learning, creativity, and belonging.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• References

Salary: As per the WEA Contract

Salary ranges can be found at:

Waltham Public Schools Contracts and Evaluations

Non- Discrimination Notice: Waltham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Waltham Public Schools has partnered with the Massachusetts Partnership for Diversity in Education (MPDE) in our effort to welcome diverse candidates to our school system. We value and prioritize the hiring of educators who bring a wealth of perspectives and experiences to our schools, and who reflect the diversity of the students we serve.

MPDE is a collaborative of public school districts with a 40-year uninterrupted history committed to supporting the interest of its members to increase the numbers of teachers of color for their schools by providing recruitment support and related services.