Art Teacher: Heron Creek - 2026/27 School Year

Art Teacher, Functional Therapeutic School - Heron Creek 
Location: Heron Creek Campus, 17600 Pacific Hwy, Marylhurst, OR 97036
Schedule: 8 hours per day / 5 days per week / 190-day Instructional Calendar
FOR 2026-27 SCHOOL YEAR

Clackamas ESD strives to infuse equity in all our programs and bodies of work by maintaining an inclusive, barrier-free environment in which everyone participates and fully benefits.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be the one who comes from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact Human Resources at hr@clackesd.k12.or.us to discuss your application.

Find your "why" with Clackamas ESD
At Clackamas Education Service District, our mission is to lead, serve and innovate for learning. Clackamas ESD provides services in early learning, special education, technology and teacher/staff support to Clackamas County school districts. We ensure students and families in all of our communities -- big and small -- have access to equitable education services. Learn more about CESD here.

About the program:
The Heron Creek Programs assess the collective strengths of students, families, schools and the community to develop collaborative plans, enabling students with significant social, emotional, behavioral and academic challenges to learn and use skills to meet their educational goals in the least restrictive environment. The Heron Creek Programs will be differentiated from behavioral classrooms in the inclusive approach of the team. The programs are evidence-based with an emphasis on family participation; integration of education and school based mental health service throughout the day, as well as the maintenance of continuous connections between the student, family and local school district personnel. The program will emphasize strengths-based assessment and collaboration with local systems of care.

About this position: 
The Art Teacher plays a vital role in fostering artistic expression and growth among students, particularly those with diverse learning needs. Embracing a collaborative approach, the Art Teacher works alongside the Instructional Team to design and implement engaging art experiences aligned with Individual Education Program (IEP) goals. From planning and preparation to instructional design and professional responsibilities. This role is dedicated to creating inclusive, motivating, and safe artistic learning environments.

Essential functions: 

1. Planning and Preparation:

• Develop and demonstrate expertise in art pedagogy and evidence-based practices tailored to students with diverse learning needs.
• Collaborate with the Instructional Team to create a comprehensive schedule of art events, activities, and lesson plans aligned with Individual Education Program (IEP) goals.
• Implement and model the use of individualized service protocols to inform art instruction for each student.
• Support the development of a data system to evaluate the impact of art instruction on student outcomes.
   

2. Development of the Artistic Learning Environment:

• Model and support the creation of an inclusive and respectful artistic learning environment.
• Establish classroom procedures and behavioral norms to foster a positive and professional climate.
• Promote motivating learning environments guided by the principles of Universal Design for Learning to ensure equitable access to artistic opportunities.
   

3. Instruction:

• Teach art classes for 8 to 12 students per classroom with lagging skills in the area of behavior.
• Design, implement, and model effective art instruction for all students.
• Support age-appropriate community-based art experiences, including outings related to social, leisure, and vocational activities.
• Individualize and scaffold activities to meet a variety of interests and abilities.
• Participate in positive school culture
• Demonstrate a growth mindset through reflection and responsiveness to classroom dynamics, guiding modifications to instructional practices.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop, evaluate, and refine the art education program's instructional model.
   

4. Professional Responsibilities:

• Cultivate healthy working relationships through effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders.
• Model and promote a growth mindset by engaging in professional learning communities and ongoing professional development.
• Represent the CESD and the art education program at Annual Art Show, meetings, conferences and professional activities, ensuring alignment with ethical, legal, and programmatic standards.
• Participate in the development and implementation of the Continuous Improvement Program (CIP) to guide program evaluation and goal achievement.
• Inform the Leadership Team of significant issues that may impact the art education program or affiliated school districts

Minimum qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in Art Education or related field.
• Appropriate teaching license as required by Teacher Standards and Practices Commission.
• Art education experience, demonstrating leadership and classroom management skills.
• Familiarity with complex and low incident disabilities.
• Understanding of alternative frameworks for teaching academic, social, communication, leisure, and vocational skills.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities, including a growth mindset, resilience, emotional intelligence, and effective communication skills.

Salary: Salary based on experience and education. The 2026-27 salary schedule is still being determined. For reference, the 2025-26 salary schedule was between $54,260 - $105,122 per year. See the Licensed Salary Schedule. 

Benefits:  

• Full medical, dental, and vision insurance with generous district-paid contribution
• Retirement through the Oregon Public Retirement System (PERS) includes pension and individual account program
• Paid time off, including paid holidays, sick leave, and other personal leave
• Opportunities to grow with us with generous professional development expense reimbursements
• Clackamas ESD covers the full cost of fingerprinting for new employees, saving you $82.50 - a benefit not offered by most other districts
• Read more about our benefits here

Retirement plan contributions:
Clackamas ESD employees working 600 or more hours in a calendar year are eligible for the Oregon Public Employee Retirement, or PERS. There are two components to PERS, including the pension, which is primarily funded by CESD and The Individual Account Program, or IAP, which is funded by a six-percent deduction from your paycheck. If you are new to PERS, your PERS deduction will begin automatically after a six-month waiting period.

How to apply:
Submit your application at https://www.applitrack.com/clackesd/onlineapp/. Applications for this position must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the listed closing date.

Clackamas Education Service District is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We respect and seek to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences within our workforce along with the students and families that we serve.

Clackamas ESD policy provides veterans and disabled veterans with preference as required by law.
Clackamas ESD Notice of Nondiscrimination