"Alerted.org

We are seeking a passionate and skilled Substitute High School Art Teacher to teach a range of 2-D visual art courses, including Art Foundations, Advanced Art, and Advanced Topics in Art.

The ideal candidate will have:

+ Expertise in hands-on two-dimensional drawing and painting media, including pastel, colored pencil, watercolor,and acrylic paint.

+ Knowledge of digital rendering tools such as Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop.

+ The ability to guide students through life drawing exercises to help them develop skills in rendering what they see with a degree of realism across various media. Teaching students to look closely and critically to form a strong foundation for their drawing and painting practice.

+ A commitment to using student sketchbooks as a tool for recording artistic progress, demonstrating skill development, and encouraging thoughtful ideation around concepts and themes.

+ A passion for fostering creativity and critical thinking in students of all skill levels.

+ Extensive knowledge of art historical and contemporary art movements to share with students to enrich their self-reflective creative practice

This position requires a dynamic educator who can inspire students, support their artistic growth, and create an engaging and inclusive classroom environment that supports both the novice and experienced.

Courses to be Taught

Art Foundations (Yearlong Course) Open to all students; no prerequisites

This course focuses on building foundational skills in drawing, painting (including watercolor, acrylics, and water-based oils), and digital art.

Students will:

+ Participate in observational drawing, color mixing, and maintain a sketch journal as a tool for recording skill development and the emergence of personal voice.

+ Engage in critical dialogue through art critiques and group discussions

+ Research and present on both historic and contemporary artists

Advanced Art (Yearlong Course) Prerequisite: Teacher permission and portfolio review

This course focuses on deepening artistic practice by developing a personal style through the creation of a cohesive portfolio centered around a self-selected theme or method of material exploration.

Students will:

+ Maintain a sketchbook or visual journal that demonstrates ongoing, thoughtful, and personal experimentation

+ Self-reflect through writing and revise a clearly defined artist statement

+ Create 5–6 original artworks across a range of media, including graphite, charcoal, pastels, acrylic, oil, mixed media, and digital art

+ Engage in collaborative projects that explore art as a tool for community building

+ Participate in the installation and breakdown of at least two school art exhibitions

+ Conduct research on contemporary artists and participate in museum visits

+ Take part in both informal and formal critiques

Advanced Topics in Art (Yearlong Course) Prerequisite: Submission of project proposals, a portfolio review, and a meeting with the instructor. Completion of Advanced Art is recommended. Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors

This honors-level, independent creative inquiry offers students the option to prepare and submit an AP Art and Design portfolio.

Students will:

+ Develop a cohesive body of 10–12 original artworks centered around a chosen theme or material-based inquiry

+ Engage in material experimentation and use written reflection to document artistic growth and the development of personal voice

+ Present completed work in a spring art exhibition and participate in a public presentation

+ Assist with the installation and breakdown of visual arts exhibitions, with curatorial opportunities available for interested and invested students

+ Conduct research on contemporary artists and participate in museum visits

+ Participate in regular group critiques and peer sharing within the larger Menlo community

Responsibilities and Qualities of an Ideal Educator

We seek an inspiring and reflective art educator who:

+ Teaches foundational and advanced techniques in drawing, painting, life drawing, and color theory

+ Designs creative, standards-based learning experiences and assessments aligned with core competencies

+ Guides students in maintaining sketch journals and digital portfolios with regular reflection

+ Leads critiques and facilitates dialogue on art, design principles, and contemporary practices to build visual literacy

+ Encourages both independent and collaborative work, responsive to diverse learning needs

+ Supports students in researching artists, developing personal projects, and preparing for exhibitions

+ Builds an inclusive, creative, and supportive classroom environment that reflects a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

+ Maintains high expectations, motivating students to develop skill, voice, and confidence through risk-taking and personal expression

+ Differentiates instruction to accommodate varied learning styles and abilities

+ Supports students’ academic, emotional, and organizational development

+ Communicates effectively with students, families, and colleagues

+ Embraces technology in the classroom, including MacBooks, PowerSchool, and Google tools

+ Participates fully in the life of the school through extracurriculars, committees, and community initiatives

+ Collaborates with colleagues through active listening, reflection, and shared purpose

+ Commits to ongoing professional growth and models high ethical standards

Qualifications

+ Bachelor’s degree in Art Education, Fine Arts, or related field (Master’s preferred)

+ Experience teaching drawing, painting, and mixed media at the secondary level

+ Strong knowledge of art history, contemporary art, traditional and digital art tools

+ Ability to manage multiple classes and skill levels, from foundational to advanced

+ Excellent communication, organization, and classroom management skills

+ Commitment to fostering student growth, creativity, and critical thinking

We Offer:

+ An exceptional work environment and caring community

+ Excellent professional development opportunities

+ Highly competitive salary

+ Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous contributions to a retirement plan. Learn more by going to https://www.menloschool.org/employment-benefits.php.

+ Free lunch on campus when school is in session

+ On-campus child care center

+ Tuition remission

+ Many other perks and benefits

To be considered for this position please submit your resume and cover letter through our portal.

We look forward to hearing from you!

About us:

Menlo School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory school for students in grades six through twelve. Located in Atherton, California, and established in 1915, the School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National and California Associations of Independent Schools.

Menlo is dedicated to providing a challenging academic curriculum complemented by outstanding creative arts and athletic programs. The School helps students develop positive values and nurtures character development in a supportive environment that upholds the highest moral and ethical standards. Our program encourages students to reach their fullest potential and to develop the skills necessary to respond intelligently and humanely to the complexities of a diverse and increasingly interconnected world.

At Menlo School, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging are at the core of our organizational identity. Through our daily efforts, the School demonstrates a shared commitment to the development of all stakeholders by supporting a campus ethos where equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging reflect the major cornerstones of our community.

Our equal opportunity employment policy:

Menlo School is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants. We administer all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or domestic partnership status, disability, protected veteran status or military status, genetic information, or any other category protected under applicable law.

Pay range:

In the spirit of pay transparency we share the base salary range for this position for the 2025-2026 academic year. Our Faculty have a wide range of experience. We have teachers who are relatively new to the profession and those who have expertly taught for over 30 years. The full pay range, which encompasses all experience levels is $95,506 - $181,896. Within this broad range, we pay each Faculty member in accordance with what could be reasonably expected based on an individual's experience level. Base salary is exclusive of fringe benefits, retirement plan employer contributions or potential stipends (for eligible employees). Pay ranges at Menlo are reasonable estimates of what the School anticipates paying for a role but are not guaranteed. If hired at Menlo School, your final base salary will be determined by factors such as skills, education, experience, job level, part-time status and number of months of work per academic year. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity with our current employees as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that the generous range mentioned above is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical for Menlo School in order to allow for future and continued salary growth.

Job ID: 338