Instructor In Studio Art

For the 2024-25 school year, The Hotchkiss School seeks a full-time instructor who will bring experience, conceptual rigor, experimentation, and vision to our Studio Art Program. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Studio Artist with strong commitments to high school teaching, creative work, mentorship, and active and inclusive pedagogies. They will foster innovative practices and teach the foundations of art-making to our students in grades nine and ten, in addition to upper-level studio classes.

Studio Art provides Hotchkiss students with a sustained exploration of the creative process in visual art. Our program is rooted in tradition all while scaffolding a progressive approach. Technical, perceptual, and aesthetic issues are addressed in historical and contemporary contexts. Studio Art Program faculty work closely with students in small classes, creating an environment that challenges students intellectually and technically while informing their work. The Program also works closely with Hotchkiss Special Collections and the Tremaine Gallery.

The Studio Art Program is part of the larger Hotchkiss Arts Program, which includes faculty in dance, drama, music, photography, film, and related media. Faculty members have access to robust programming and resources in addition to professional development including leadership development, mentoring, travel, and study stipends.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Masters of Fine Arts or in Arts Education strongly preferred.
• Minimum three years of teaching experience.
• Successful artist practice, as demonstrated by previous exhibits, lectures, publications, and/or projects.
• Submission of recent art portfolio required.
• Submission of student artwork required.
• Ability to demonstrate positive teaching, optimism, and belief that all students can learn.
• Ability to innovate and think creatively about education.
• Ability to use and adapt to a wide array of tools and techniques to support and deepen student learning and instruction.
• Interest in and demonstrated skill working with adolescents.
• Ability to work as part of a team, a sense of humor, and humility.
• A recognition that Hotchkiss is an inclusive community striving daily to practice diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Experience teaching design is a plus.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teach four classes in the Studio Arts program, including grades nine and 10.
• Demonstrate mastery of instructional skills, and resource-appropriate materials for courses taught.
• Ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds, from beginner to advanced levels.
• Actively collaborate with Tremaine Gallery and Hotchkiss Special Collections in relevant class activities.
• Create a safe, organized, positive studio space, supporting student-centered independent learning, collaboration, and choice, coupled with mutual respect.
• Stay abreast of current trends and best practices, continually modeling new assessment techniques.
• Be a lifelong learner, modeling a commitment to professional growth for colleagues and students.

Hotchkiss faculty participate actively in all aspects of community life through service in Hotchkiss’ residential, advising, and co-curricular programs. Typical responsibilities of a full-time faculty member at Hotchkiss include teaching four classes, coaching two seasons, or the equivalent, of a co-curricular team, regular duty in our residential program, and periodic participation in faculty committees and as an advisor to student clubs. Full-time faculty members are generally expected to obtain a public service endorsement on their CT driver’s license within the first year of employment, so that they may drive students in school vehicles.

Compensation:
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and education level. Full-time teachers are housed by the school. In addition, Hotchkiss provides a comprehensive benefit package -- a variety of insurance offerings, including, health, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability, HSA/FSA options, and retirement benefits through TIAA. Ample funding exists to support participation in professional conferences, workshops, summer study, and travel, as well as advanced degree work. Faculty are encouraged to enjoy meals in our dining hall while school is in session.
Application Information:
Through the online application which can be found at hotchkiss.org/careers, interested candidates should submit a cover letter that addresses interest in working at Hotchkiss, focusing on the ability and desire to participate fully in an intentionally diverse and inclusive residential community. Applicants should also submit their résumé/CV, a statement of teaching philosophy, relevant college and graduate school transcripts, and contact information for three references. The School is committed to building and supporting a diverse community where all feel safe, seen, and supported. Successful applicants will address their ability to contribute to a warm, inclusive, and exciting learning environment.

Additional Information:
The essential functions and basic skills have been included in this description. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This position description is subject to change at any time.
The Hotchkiss School is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities. The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all phases of the employment process (including recruitment, hiring, assignment, terms and conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, and termination).
In accordance with applicable law, the School does not discriminate against any individual based on age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

Department: Performing and Visual Arts
FLSA: Exempt
Reports to: Head of the Visual and Performing Arts Department
Schedule: Full-time, academic year, 9 months
Travel: Occasional