Visual Arts Teacher (K-8) - Northwestern Academy of Visual and Performing Arts

Great things are happening at Battle Creek Public Schools!

Battle Creek Public Schools (BCPS) is located in Calhoun County, Michigan (between Chicago and Detroit), serving the City of Battle Creek as well as parts of Emmett, Pennfield and Bedford townships, and the City of Springfield. With a bold goal of achieving 100% success for every Bearcat, we offer a broad range of educational experiences to meet the individual needs of students at all levels, including experiential learning, individualized instruction, advanced and accelerated curricula, and outdoor education.
 
In 2017, BCPS received an historic investment from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and we are continuing our transformation plan, advancing bold, top-to-bottom changes to provide a world-class career, college, and community-ready education for every student, in every grade, at every school. In May of 2023, we were thrilled to announce an average teacher pay increase of more than $10,000, positioning us as one of the best-paying districts for teachers in Southwest Michigan.

We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits (including up to $20k in home purchase assistance), and opportunities for professional development. Apply now and join the Bearcat family!

 
Position Summary:
The Northwestern Academy of Visual and Performing Arts is seeking a dedicated and innovative Visual Arts Teacher for grades K-8 to inspire students in creative exploration and the development of foundational artistic skills. This role emphasizes integrating visual arts with core subjects such as language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and technology, helping students connect academic concepts with artistic expression. The ideal candidate will foster self-expression, critical thinking, and cultural understanding through art while collaborating with classroom teachers on portfolio development, organizing art displays, and promoting community-based learning. Students will engage in multidisciplinary arts integration, using music, dance, visual arts, and digital media to build skills in storytelling, sequencing, scientific exploration, and technological proficiency, all within an inclusive and joyful learning environment that encourages collaboration and creativity.


*Please note: This position is for the 2025-2026 school year.*

 
Position Responsibilities:

Instructional Delivery

• Artistic Techniques and Media Exploration: Teach essential foundational skills in various art forms and media, including drawing, painting, and sculpture, promoting creativity, safety, exploration, and craftsmanship in a studio-like environment.
• Arts-Integrated Curriculum Development: Collaborate with colleagues to design interdisciplinary lessons that integrate visual arts with core academic subjects, enriching student learning using a holistic approach.
• Cultural and Historical Context: Expose students to diverse artistic styles, cultures, and historical traditions, fostering an appreciation for global perspectives in art and culture.

Student-Centered Learning

• Studio-Like Environment: Create a welcoming, hands-on classroom that encourages exploration, collaboration, self-expression, and creativity.
• Differentiated Instruction: Adapt lessons to accommodate diverse developmental needs and learning styles, providing age-appropriate challenges that support individual growth.
• Classroom Management: Maintain a positive and respectful atmosphere where students feel safe to explore and express their ideas.

Performance and Creation

• Portfolio Development: Encourage students to document their artistic journey, building personal portfolios that reflect growth and creativity.
• Art Exhibitions and Showcases: Organize displays of student work within the school and community, celebrating achievements and building pride.
• Leadership Engagement: Support art-related activities or clubs that promote students’ interests in the arts beyond the classroom.

Assessment and Reflection

• Holistic Assessment: Use varied assessment methods to evaluate students’ technical skills, creative expression, and interdisciplinary learning through portfolios, reflections, and peer feedback.
• Reflective Practices: Guide students in discussing their artistic choices, fostering critical thinking and confidence through critiques and constructive feedback.

Classroom Environment

• Safe and Inclusive Space: Cultivate a classroom culture that values creativity, diversity, and respect, allowing all students to feel empowered to express themselves.
• Resource Management: Efficiently manage materials and resources to create a student-accessible well-organized, effective learning space.

Collaboration and Professional Development

• Professional Growth: Engage in continuous learning to refine arts-integrated instruction, DEI principles, student-centered learning, and climate management practices.
• Professional Learning: Participate in ongoing professional development to stay current on best practices in dance, physical education, and arts-integrated instruction.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Partner with faculty across arts and academic departments to design integrated curricula that link dance and physical education with artistic practices and academics.
• Collaborate with Colleagues and Community Partners: Work with other educators and community organizations to provide integrated educational experiences connecting social studies and culture with broader learning goals that support authentic, interdisciplinary learning experiences, experiential learning opportunities, and community sustainability.
• Parental Communication and Engagement: Maintain regular communication with parents on student progress and development, while fostering an actively supportive and informed school community.

Event Coordination and Participation

• Showcases & Exhibitions: Plan events highlighting creativity and collaboration, showcasing students' projects and connections to real-world themes.
• Activity Leadership: Guide students in activities encouraging creativity, cultural appreciation, and community involvement.

Qualifications:

• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with an Art/Visual Arts Education (LX, LQ, or LZ) endorsement required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Art Education, Fine Arts, or a related field. Master’s degree in Art Education or related field preferred.
• Familiarity with the State of Michigan fine and performing arts and academic educational standards.
• Experience with interdisciplinary or arts-integrated teaching.
• Prior experience in student-centered teaching, arts integration, project-based learning, culturally responsive teaching, SEL, and trauma-informed practices.
• Experience teaching visual art at the elementary level, preferably in an urban setting.
• A practicing visual artist with a passion for arts education and student-centered learning.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate art techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to engage the interest of school-age children.
• Demonstrate commitment to all students' well-being and success, including adaptability in lesson planning and teaching to support students with diverse needs and skill levels.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development, eagerness to learn, and effectively collaborate with colleagues, arts partners, and community members. 
• Excellent verbal/written communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Patience, flexibility, and a willingness to take risks.

 
Core Values and Professional Standards:

• Commitment to School Vision: Align instruction and culture-building efforts with the school’s mission to nurture adaptable, compassionate global citizens, fostering growth in creative, intellectual, and social-emotional domains.
• Student-Centered Teaching and Learning: Provide opportunities for students to take ownership of their education through active participation, personalized instruction, and collaborative reflection.
• Arts-Integrated Education: Actively use creative expression to foster social responsibility and holistic student development, integrating arts practices across disciplines to deepen understanding and enhance learning.
• Collaborative Leadership: Engage with colleagues, families, and community partners to create a supportive, inclusive, and dynamic learning environment that reflects shared values and promotes collective success.
• Excellence in Teaching: Commit to developing students into creative, intellectual, and responsible global citizens through high-quality instruction, effective climate management, and arts-integrated practices.
• Commitment to Fairness and Opportunity: Advocate for fairness and the equal treatment of all students, ensuring opportunities for success in the arts and beyond while fostering a supportive and welcoming environment.

Salary: $50,000 -$82,010 (Potential for additional stipends)
Additional signing bonus of up to $1,500 for New Hire teachers, payable upon commencement of employment

Contract: 188 Days (10 months)
 

SCHOOL SAFETY CLEARANCE: The successful candidate will be subject to a fingerprint and background check as a condition of employment.  All fees required for this check (estimated $73.00) will be the responsibility of the successful applicant.
 

The Battle Creek Public School District is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, handicap, sex, age, religion, national origin, weight, height, or marital status in its employment practices.