Westerly School
Visual Arts Teaching Associate
Start Date: August 22, 2024

Our School
Westerly School is an independent, non-sectarian Kindergarten through 8th grade school focused on whole child education. Through inquiry-based pedagogy and practices, Westerly School strives to recognize and meet the needs of every individual student to ignite within each child a lifelong love of learning as they discover their full and unique potential. Founded in 1991 by a group of parents who wanted to provide an alternative to the Long Beach Unified School District education, Westerly remains the only independent school in Long Beach. Westerly currently enrolls 180 students. 

Position Description
Westerly School is seeking a Visual Arts Teaching Associate for the 2024-2025 school year to work with a lead teacher to guide learning for K-8 classes of approximately 20-24 students each.  In collaboration with the Lead Teacher, the Teaching Associate is responsible for inspiring young learners, delivering robust 2D and 3D art instruction and ensuring student progress.  Candidates must have a strong understanding of child development, enjoy close partnership with parents, and be able to make learning connections for students. The ideal candidate would be available to begin on August 22, 2024.

Responsibilities include:

●      Assisting the lead art teacher in implementing 2D and 3D art curriculum

●      Communicating with families regarding students’ social/emotional and academic progress/concerns

●     Assisting the lead teacher with grade and data entry

●      Helping the lead teacher to differentiate curriculum to students with varying needs and learning styles

●      Co-teach 3D art lessons/projects

●      Working with students one-on-one, in small groups, and helping with large group facilitation

●     Supervising students at recess, lunch, pick-up, and drop-off

●      Assisting in drafting and publishing newsletters throughout the school year

●      Documenting and preparing artwork for online and in-person display

●      Assisting the lead teacher/administration in various capacities including attending school-related events

●      Help implement RULER social-emotional learning tools

●      Attending faculty meetings and professional development days

Qualifications and Skills:

●        BA degree and strong background in 2D art and/or 3D art (preferred)

●        Experience working in an educational setting

●        Professional and collaborative demeanor with strong self-confidence and initiative

●        Motivation to grow as an educational professional

●        Strong organizational and planning skills

●        Ability to establish rapport with families, children, and colleagues 

Job Information
Job Type: Full-time (36.25 hours/week)
Compensation package:

Pay range -      $22 to $27.50 per hour commensurate with skills and experience
Benefits -         Medical, Dental, Vision and Life insurance; Flexible Spending Account;
                        403(b) retirement plan, vacation and paid sick leave

Westerly School is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit.  School policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on age, color, creed, disability, gender, marital status, national origin or ancestry, race, religion, registered domestic partner status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, a medical condition including genetic characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.

Applicants, please submit a cover letter, resume, and at least 3 written letters of recommendation to: Toni DiNapoli, Director of Finance at tdinapoli@westerlyschool.org with "Art Teaching Associate - (your name)" written in the subject line.