The Spence School

Lower School Art Associate Position

Full-time position to begin August 2026

Overview

The Spence School seeks a full-time Associate Art Teacher in our Lower School Visual Arts Program (Grades K-4). This position represents an opportunity to join a dynamic team of multidisciplinary artists who engage students in a curriculum grounded in artistic exploration, inquiry, and discovery.

The ideal candidate is a working artist and lifelong learner with a collaborative spirit committed to teaching students how art-making can be a transformative experience for themselves and their community.

The Associate Teacher Program at Spence provides the foundation for beginning teachers to prepare to become lead teachers in their classrooms. Art Associates typically remain at Spence for two years, allowing them to teach at different grade levels. Head Art Teachers provide mentorship in the following areas:  

• The craft of teaching and the development of art curriculum
• Teaching strategies, including differentiation of instruction
• Classroom management
• Professionalism
• Student assessment

Responsibilities 

Associate Art Teachers assist the Head Art Teachers with all day-to-day duties, including lesson preparation, implementation, and studio setup. Additional responsibilities include:

• Sharing in the upkeep of the art studio and kilns 
• Participating in department-wide initiatives concerning issues of equity, pedagogy, and curriculum
• Working collaboratively with head art teachers to develop and maintain a culture of openness, mutual respect, kindness, and inquiry in the art studio
• Attending all faculty and art department meetings
• Responsibilities will grow with experience and include leading lessons, supporting curriculum development, and serving as head teacher as needed
• Participating in school-wide events and professional development

Qualifications

• Has experience working with children 
• Find joy in working with students and in school life
• Has experience in teaching a range of media
• Approaches work with optimism, energy, kindness, and a sense of humor
• Demonstrates cultural competency and skills by engaging with and learning from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Regards collaboration as an essential component of professional growth and values working on a team
• Possesses (or is pursuing) a master’s degree or equivalent experience

Salary range: $58,000 - $63,000 annually

Spence is committed to an equitable program and a diverse faculty and student body. Therefore, we actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds. 

About The Spence School

The Spence School, founded in 1892, is an independent school for girls and young women with an enrollment of 750 students in Grades K–12. Spence is committed to an equitable and inclusive program and a diverse faculty, staff and student body. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

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