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Details
Posted: 14-Jul-25
Location: Beverly Hills, Michigan
Type: Full Time
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Categories:
Visual/Performing Arts
Required Education:
4 Year Degree
Detroit Country Day School is a private, independent, co-educational, non-denominational, preschool through grade 12, college preparatory school focused on a well-rounded liberal arts education. Emphasis on academics, arts, athletics, and character development is prevalent across the curriculum. DCDS believes diversity, equity, and inclusion are educational imperatives for the intellectual, social, and moral growth of every child. We honor the dignity of every human being and value differences that exist and are expressed throughout our vibrant school.
Position Summary
Detroit Country Day Upper School’s Visual Arts Department seeks an experienced and qualified visual art educator with a background in Ceramics and Sculpture to join its talented faculty. The Visual Arts Department consists of five working artists and educators. Our department is a collaborative and passionate group that supports one another and their students, alongside our Performing and Communication Arts Department.
Candidates should demonstrate active professional creative practice in ceramics, sculpture, and/or related fields and be knowledgeable in contemporary and historical issues related to 3D media. Applicants should display evidence of practical interpersonal and communication skills, active engagement with students, and an interest in educational and professional opportunities.
The Visual and Performing Arts department at DCDS is widely known for being at the forefront of creative arts teaching, both locally and nationally. As a college preparatory school, our visual arts program, by design, reflects the rigor and depth of college-level studio practices. Our classrooms and studios are well-equipped to support ambitious creative work, and faculty members are encouraged to engage in professional development and collaborate on interdisciplinary projects that enrich the student experience.
Reporting Relationships
Reports directly to the US Visual Arts Department Chair as their immediate supervisor and the Upper School Director.
Essential Duties
- Teach and develop curricula for a full-time teaching load of Upper School visual arts courses with a focus on Ceramics and Sculpture, at the Introductory through AP levels.
- Maintain a safe, functional, and inclusive 3D studio environment, including oversight of kilns, tools, and materials.
- Develop and implement engaging, student-centered curricula that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and personal expression.
- Develop new courses and revise existing courses to meet future school needs.
- Assess and evaluate student work regularly, providing meaningful feedback to support individual artistic growth.
- Collaborate with other faculty on interdisciplinary initiatives, curriculum design, exhibitions, and school-wide arts events.
- Sponsor or co-sponsor student clubs or extracurricular activities, as assigned.
- Maintain ongoing communication with parents, students, and colleagues to support student development.
- Participate actively in department meetings, professional development, and school community events.
- Exhibit personal and professional integrity, model positive behavior, and contribute to a respectful and supportive learning environment.
- Maintain records of student progress and growth through project-based assessments and evaluations.
- Provide constructive feedback to the students that encourages continued growth.
- Communicate effectively and professionally with students, parents, faculty, and staff.
Instructional Skill Sets & Competencies
Candidates should have the expertise and ability to teach and incorporate the following instructional competencies:
- Materials, techniques, and methods of ceramics and sculpture encompass both traditional and contemporary art media.
- Effective use of ceramic and sculpture materials and techniques to communicate concept and content.
- Safe handling practices in working with, recycling, and disposing of materials.
- Knowledge of the health and safety issues and practices relevant to ceramics and sculpture studio environments.
- Instructional ability and technical knowledge to repair, maintain, and operate studio equipment, including electric and gas kilns, pug-mill, and studio equipment/space.
- Understanding of the diversity of historical and contemporary ceramic and sculptural practices, including their context within the broader field of visual arts.
Qualifications
- Minimum of a Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Arts Education Degree with emphasis on ceramics and sculpture instruction; Master's Degree preferred.
- Minimum of three years’ teaching experience at the secondary or post-secondary level.
- Demonstrated ability to teach beginning and advanced wheel-throwing, hand-building, glaze chemistry, sculpture, and mixed media.
- Strong record of creative achievement in ceramics and related fields, as evidenced by exhibition record, awards, grants, or commissions.
- Ability to address interdisciplinary work when teaching capstone and advanced courses (i.e., AP Art and Design), and to develop special topic courses of the candidate's choice.
- Strong knowledge of the foundations of art and design as applied in our curriculum, including: Foundations of Studio Art, Introduction to Ceramics, Introduction to Sculpture, Advanced Ceramics, Advanced Sculpture, Directed Studies, Portfolio Development, Honors Studio Art, and AP Art and Design.
- Task-oriented, organized, and professionally adept with the ability to collaborate with fellow visual and performing arts faculty and Performing Arts Center staff.
- General familiarity with both Apple and Microsoft platforms, including presentation, internet, spreadsheet, and word processing tools.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and classroom management skills.
- Willingness to embrace and support the mission, philosophy, and values of Detroit Country Day School.
- The desire to mentor students, both in class and to participate in other areas of school life, such as clubs, activities, or coaching, is valued.
Application Process
For consideration, candidates should apply by completing an application and uploading the following materials at https://www.dcds.edu/about/careers:
- Cover Letter
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Letter discussing teaching philosophy, including a statement on creative work and sample syllabi of relevant courses taught.
- Portfolio of 20 images of personal work (PDF format, one image per page, with title, size, medium, and year)
- Portfolio of 20 images of student work (PDF format, one image per page, with title, size, medium, and year).
- Names and contact information for three professional references (please do not include letters of recommendation at this time).
About Detroit Country Day School
Founded in 1914, Detroit Country Day School is a top-tier, nationally ranked co-educational independent school for students in grades PreK3-12. The School offers an exemplary education rooted in academic rigor and a commitment to the full development of each student’s potential. The School develops citizens and leaders of the world in a culturally diverse environment of academic rigor, competitive athletics, and artistic expression, built on a foundation of service and character.
In 2020, the student community of 1460 includes 300 students in the Lower School in grades PreK3-grade 3; 500 students in the Middle School in grades 4-8 and 660 students in the Upper School in grades 9-12. The School has an extremely diverse student population, of which approximately 40% identify as students of color. In all three divisions, Detroit Country Day School is known for its strong academics and the opportunities available to students in outstanding offerings in athletics, dance, instrumental and vocal music, drama, and the visual arts. Students achieve regional, state, and national recognition for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and athletics, as well as their participation in ...community service. The School has approximately 270 employees. Sixty-nine percent of faculty members have earned advanced degrees.
Detroit Country Day School’s facilities are situated in two locations approximately three miles apart and less than one half hour from the center of Detroit. The Upper School (9-12) and Middle School (4-8) share adjoining campuses in Beverly Hills, where the administrative offices, facility services, safety and security services, and the main arts and athletics facilities are located. The Lower School (PreK-3) is located nearby in neighboring Bloomfield Hills. Both Beverly Hills and Bloomfield Hills are in Oakland County, which has the highest per capita income of any county in the state of Michigan and is one of the most affluent counties in the United States.
The Detroit Country Day Upper School offers a strong and varied program that provides numerous opportunities for students to demonstrate their individual strengths and develop their potential. The rigorous college-preparatory program, which includes Honors and Advanced Placement courses in each discipline in addition to a diverse selection of electives, prepares students for college and beyond. In addition to a series of honors and Advanced Placement courses, students at Detroit Country Day Upper School may pursue an International Baccalaureate Diploma.
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