Position Summary:

The Siena School, MD is seeking a passionate, highly organized Part-Time Digital Photography Teacher to teach students in Grades 6–8.  The Siena School is one of the nation’s leading independent schools serving bright, college-bound students with mild to moderate language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia (www.thesienaschool.org). This is a hands-on, project-based role ideal for a photographer with strong technical skills, a deep understanding of photography as an art form, and a passion for developing young creatives.

This role includes delivering a structured curriculum, guiding students through digital portfolio development, and elevating student work through school exhibitions, community projects, and curated competitions. There is potential for this position to grow into a full-time role in future years to include high school instruction. This is a part-time, exempt position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teach digital photography to Grade 6 (quarterly rotation format) and Grades 7 & 8 (semester-based format).
• Create and deliver engaging multisensory lessons that use hands-on materials, visual aids, technology, and varied resources to support students’ understanding.
• Teach small classes (10-12 students), allowing you to truly get to know your students and personalize your teaching to meet their individual needs. Provide individualized and small-group instruction when necessary to deliver appropriate levels of challenge and support.
• Implement and adapt existing curriculum to meet learning goals and provide clear expectations
• Build a strong, positive classroom community where students feel comfortable taking risks and celebrating their successes.
• Through regular and consistent communication, advise students and work with students, families, and other teachers to fully develop a picture of students’ strengths and learning needs.  
• Incorporate differentiated instruction to support a range of learning needs and abilities
• Foster a student-centered classroom culture that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and visual storytelling.
• Instill a strong understanding of photographic concepts, including composition, lighting, technical skills, editing, and visual literacy
• Use technology (1:1 Chromebook program, learning software programs, school subscriptions) to enhance learning and engage students in 21st-century skills.

• Studio Management: Monitor and maintain all photography equipment and studio materials. Ensure safe and effective use of tools and technologies. Support students in responsible handling of cameras, lighting equipment, and editing software.
• Curate and display student work and coordinate school-wide exhibitions and visual displays to showcase student achievements.
• Organize and facilitate student participation in community art projects and state, county, and national-level curated competitions.

• Create and capture high-quality images for the school’s social media, email marketing, website, and digital communications
• Photograph school-wide events (preferred for additional fee-based arrangements)
• Photograph individual and grade-level student portraits (preferred for additional fee-based arrangements)

Other Responsibilities:

• Create a nurturing, inclusive, and supportive environment that fosters students' self-confidence, self-advocacy, and a positive attitude toward learning. Encourage students to take risks, ask questions, and celebrate their growth and achievements.
• Demonstrate patience, creativity, and flexibility in adapting lessons to individual students with language-based learning differences.
• Familiarity with assistive technologies and other resources for students with learning differences.
• Demonstrate commitment to valuing belonging and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Take pride in being part of a team that collectively works to bring together a diversity of backgrounds, thoughts, perspectives, and expressions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Schedule: 3.25 Hours/Day, 16.25 Hours/Week Monday–Friday, 8:15 AM – 11:30 AM

Qualification Requirements:

Required:

• A love of learning and teaching
• Bachelor's degree; advanced degree and classroom experience are a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills with students, families, and colleagues.
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills and a desire to grow professionally.
• Creativity, flexibility, and a student-centered mindset.
• Experience with creative and strong curriculum development and pedagogy, including designing and implementing individualized instruction and hands-on and student-centered projects preferred.
• Strong proficiency in digital editing software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom)

• Professional photography experience (preferred)

Flexibility and interest in growing role into a full-time opportunity (preferred)

Physical Requirements: Moderate physical work is required for this position including frequent walking, standing, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching and reaching. Must have the ability to lift, carry, push or pull equipment/boxes that weigh up to 20 pounds. Must be able to speak clearly and understand the speech of others.    

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification forms upon hire.

About The Siena School

The Siena School has become a national leader in educating bright, college-bound students with mild to moderate language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia. With three campuses in the Washington, DC, area, Siena serves grades 3-12 and has a strong national reputation and growing enrollment. Siena's Forest Glen (grades 5-12) and Satellite (grades 3-4) campuses are in Silver Spring, MD, and Siena's Northern Virginia (grades 3-12) campus is in Oakton, VA. The school enrolls approximately 36% students of color. Siena focuses on the professional development of its staff, who are regularly published and have presented at national and international conferences, including the NAIS Annual Conference. Siena is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The Siena School is committed to equitable hiring practices, and enthusiastically encourages professionals of all backgrounds to apply.

Connections working at The Siena School