Visual Arts Instructor - GSCA

OVERVIEW

As the first visual and performing arts school along the Grand Strand, the Visual Arts Instructor at GSCA will be responsible for the conception and development of the Visual Arts discipline. The ideal candidate will inspire excellence in creation, analysis, and expression while fostering a rigorous pre-professional VA program. This role will include teaching courses in alignment with the SC Career-Ready Standards and National Core Art standards in Visual Arts. In addition, this role will advance knowledge through scholarly activities which include but are not limited to: active involvement in regional, state, national and international art sector and education committees, student mentorship, recruitment and retention initiatives, outreach activities, and partnership development along the Grand Strand. This role offers a unique opportunity to train aspiring artists for acceptance into prestigious programs and top-tier institutions. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  TEACHING AND CURRICULUM

• Teach daily courses (theory and practice) that demonstrate mastery of all state academic standards and competencies for musical theatre
• Develop and implement a rigorous visual arts curriculum designed to prepare students for competitive collegiate programs and professional careers.  
• Teach art, such as painting, sketching, designing, and sculpturing techniques with an emphasis on professional-level creation.  
• Mentor students in art portfolio preparation.
• Create an effective environment for learning through functional and attractive community displays such as bulletin boards, interest centers, art gallery, art walk, etc.
• Provide individualized coaching to support students in achieving their artistic goals.  
• Prepare students for participation in local, regional, and national festivals and competitions. 
• Build partnerships with local and professional organizations to provide masterclasses, workshops, and guest artist opportunities.  
• Foster a supportive environment for students’ artistic and personal growth while promoting discipline and collaboration. 
• Evaluate student development individually using: diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments, creative rubrics, portfolios, and performance evaluations 
• Develop curriculum and lesson plans in alignment with state standards. 
• Collaborate with other departments, including other arts disciplines and core subjects to create arts-integrated curriculum and activities.
• Willingness to accommodate a variety of learning styles and strategies instructional delivery and learning activities, including online and blended learning, flexible teaching methods, and applied learning approaches.
• Maintain student portfolios, learning plans, and creative documentation. 
• Demonstrate consistent attendance and punctuality.
• Demonstrate efficiency and oral and written proficiency.
• Pursue further education and supplemental credentials
• Maintain and promote a safe learning environment.
• Continually assess students' development (academic, artist, and socio-emotional) through clearly defined rubrics.
• Promote critical thinking skills and character education.
• Promote and enforce Code of Conduct.
• Establish, maintain, assess, and (if needed) modify individual student progression plans.
• Identify those students who exhibit exceptional thinking styles and behaviors and implement and/or accommodate those exceptional needs.
• Attend and lead parent/teacher meetings and conferences.
• Initiate opportunities for professional development.
• Initiate and present innovative ideas for special projects, school functions, field trips, extracurricular activities, and clubs.
• Document parent phone calls, conversations, and conferences.
• Work as partners to create behavior modification plans.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Capable of lifting/carrying 20 lbs. and occasionally up to 50 lbs.; some physical activity required.
• Follows adopted policies and procedures in accordance with board priorities.
• Conducts him/herself in the best interest of students and the school, in accordance with the highest standards pursuant to the school’s mission and governing principles and in support of the GSCA’s Mission Statement

  PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH

• Fundraise annually or each semester for continued program growth and departmental needs 
• Foster organic relationships to recruit new students and to retain students.
• Research and write grants for assistance in program needs for GSCA, collaborations, and new opportunities for student's learning. 
• Prepare students for participation in local, regional, and national competitions and intensives. 
• Build partnerships with professional organizations to enhance student learning and opportunities.
• Understand the growth trends of Horry County and contribute programming and education where necessary for continued expansion of the arts sector along the Grand Strand. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Arts Education, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of professional art experience, including creation of new works, gallery showings, commissions, sales, etc. 
• Minimum 3 years of teaching experience in a pre-professional or collegiate-level theatre program. 
• Experience preparing students for competitive auditions, including resume development, prescreen videos, and personal statements.  
• Understand the versatility of painting mediums including dry brushing, staining, layering, underpainting, etc.
• Expertise in design and modern principles of art, including 2-D and 3-D fundamentals and color theory. 
• Expertise in art history.
• Knowledge of a variety of art mediums, such as painting, drawing, sculpting, digital and graphic design, woodworking, metalworking, ceramics, printing, etc. 
• Strong connections to professional art networks, artists, and higher education institutions. 
• Experience collaborating with other artistic disciplines, artists and faculty. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Fine Arts, Arts Education, or a related field
• South Carolina certification for grades 6-12.
• Leadership experience in arts programs, or in artistic entrepreneurship. 
• Evidence of a commitment to culturally relevant, diverse, and inclusive teaching practices.

REQUIRED APPLICANT MATERIALS

• Cover Letter addressing your relationship to the community and the arts sector, qualifications for this position, teaching philosophy including approaches to inclusive pedagogies in visual arts, statement on Research/Creative Activity Interests on how you intend to build the Visual Arts program, and relevant expertise.
• Curriculum Vitae
• A Digital Portfolio including: a demonstrated teaching reel (in any genre) and up to 3 varied examples of created works
• Sample Syllabus and/or Lesson Plan

Grand Strand Charter Arts is the first performing and visual arts school in Horry County. Grades served will be 8-11 in Year 1, 8-12 in Year 2, and 7-12 in Year 3. 

www.grandstrandcharterarts.org