Crane Country Day School is a co-educational Kindergarten-8th grade independent day school located on a beautiful 12-acre campus in Montecito, CA. Crane is dedicated to providing an experiential education characterized by a thoughtful balance of academic challenge and creative expression. We thrive as a community that builds character and confidence while celebrating the joy of learning. At Crane, we understand that how we teach is just as important as what we teach. It is a welcoming and supportive place to work—a rich environment where you will find enthusiastic cooperation, healthy relationships with colleagues, and active professional development.

Job Description

Crane Country Day School seeks an enthusiastic educator and innovative teacher who possesses a desire to work collaboratively with the Upper School Art Teacher and with the entire Upper School teaching staff. As a school, we have decided that art is an important part of a Crane education, and we view the art studio as a laboratory for both creative discovery and personal growth. Candidates should possess a love for artistic creation, art history, and diverse cultural perspectives in art. The ideal candidate is one who has an affinity for middle school-aged children and a deep understanding of art education.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instruction & Curriculum Design

• Design and implement a developmentally appropriate visual arts curriculum that aligns with Crane’s mission of experiential discovery.
• Direct classroom activities, including whole-group, small-group, and individualized instruction, to support a diverse range of artistic abilities and learning styles.
• Facilitate experiential learning that fosters authentic artistic expression and connects classroom work to real-world contexts.

Student Growth & Assessment

• Assess student progress in artistic skill and creative thinking through regular, grade-appropriate evaluations.
• Maintain transparent communication regarding student growth through the learning management system, conferences, and direct outreach to families.
• Manage a dynamic studio environment rooted in risk-taking, respect for materials, and a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Advising & Character Education

• Serve as an advisor for ten to twelve middle school students, acting as the primary point of contact for families and supporting each student’s social-emotional and academic development.
• Foster character education and personal integrity within the advisor group and the broader school community.

Collaboration & Professional Responsiveness

• Partner with Lower School Art instructor to create a cohesive and intentional K-8 art program for Crane.
• Organize exhibitions, showcases, and field trips that celebrate student work.
• Partner with "Staffulty" on curriculum planning and student support initiatives to ensure a cohesive student experience.
• Continually seek professional development opportunities to refine instructional practices and artistic knowledge.
• Participate in co-curricular opportunities, staff meetings, and campus duties (recess, lunch, assemblies, and class trips) as assigned by the Head of Upper School.

Work Environment

Crane Country Day School is an equal-opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, LGBTQ+ educators, and educators from historically underrepresented communities in independent schools. Crane is committed to sustaining a diverse and inclusive community where each member is respected and valued.

Requirements and Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject matter required. An advanced degree or teaching credential/certificate preferred.
• A minimum of three years or more of teaching experience.
• A candidate with fluency in a language other than English, preferably Spanish is desirable but not required.

Physical and Other Requirements

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking in the classroom and throughout campus.
• Occasionally lift 15-45 pounds.
• Regularly sit and stand on the floor throughout the day, and bend, kneel, or squat to be at eye level with children.
• Work in person on-site.
• Background investigation required via Live Scan.
• TB assessment required for employment in CA schools.

About Crane Country Day School

Crane Country Day School, ideally located in the small seaside village of Montecito, is just 90 minutes north of Los Angeles and 5 minutes south of Santa Barbara. Crane is the oldest independent school in the area, having just launched its 85th anniversary celebration. It is a co-educational day school serving 250 children. The Lower School (grades K-5) and the Upper School (grades 6-8) are both located on the same sprawling yet cozy 11-acre campus that is one of the school's best-known attributes. Honoring its founder's vision, Crane School is dedicated to providing an experiential education characterized by a thoughtful balance of academic challenge and creative expression. We thrive as a community that builds character and confidence, while celebrating the joy in learning.

Connections working at Crane Country Day School