Posted: 06-Feb-26
Location: Denver, Colorado
Type: Full Time
Salary: 58,000 - 83,500
Categories:
Required Education:
Position Overview
Graland Country Day School is seeking a K-8 visual arts teacher. In addition to possessing a degree in the visual arts, the successful candidate will be an experienced teacher who understands school environments and the unique needs of both Lower and Middle School students. This candidate thrives when working collaboratively, has innovative ideas, integrates learning and is skilled at working and building relationships with students, faculty and families. Additionally, the candidate should be experienced at creating a culturally responsive classroom. Teachers are responsible for fostering students' love of learning and the development of academic and social-emotional skills necessary to thrive.
The visual arts curriculum at Graland blends best practices in traditional and contemporary pedagogy with experiential and innovative instructional practices. Graland’s curriculum is scaffolded from year-to-year and often integrates with core classroom curricula. Drawing, painting, multimedia, sculpture, ceramics, and printmaking dominate the covered concepts.
This position is one of three visual arts teachers within the larger Visual and Performing Arts team. Together, the visual arts teachers collaboratively plan curriculum and the annual art show. Additionally, it comes with the opportunity to work with various departments across the school, such as Gates Innovation, After School Programming, and Middle School Advisory. This position has the potential to chaperone trips and lead Middle School clubs, and will support daily operations with supervision duties of recess or the lunchroom. Teaching across the K-8 landscape requires faculty members to be knowledgeable about the developmental stages of growth, be flexible thinkers and able to transition their focus easily. Lower School classrooms are grounded in the Responsive Classroom approach which builds relationships and strong classroom communities. Being adept at collaborating not only with departmental teams, but also with core classroom teachers and innovation coaches is an expectation. We celebrate collaboration and faculty who support initiatives outside of their immediate realm.
Reports to: Artistic Director
Terms: Full-time, school year, starts August 2026
Professional and Personal Qualities
- A collaborative and supportive member of the Graland Community who…
- Models caring, respect, patience, and appreciation of differences.
- Provides a safe environment for students.
- Recognizes the importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity (DEI) work and continues growth as a culturally responsive educator.
- Represents school in position and in community.
- Participates in effective communication that is responsible, descriptive, and nonjudgmental.
- Demonstrates a growth mindset, open to feedback and new learning.
- Supports collective efforts of the school in addition to team responsibilities.
- Believes in an educational approach that is aligned with the Graland mission and philosophy.
- Builds positive relationships with students by demonstrating respect and care, while creating a safe environment that promotes intellectual risk-taking.
- Fosters a learning environment that inspires active student participation, curiosity and initiative.
- Possesses strong interpersonal skills and collaborates with colleagues. Has the ability to motivate, support and lead others.
- Utilizes a variety of instructional approaches to engage students.
- Approaches situations with flexibility and creative thinking to identify solutions.
- Understands the big picture and requires planning for seamless execution.
Qualifications
The next Visual Art Teacher at Graland Country Day will:
- Be an experienced educator, experience with K - Grade 8 students preferred;
- Have a bachelor’s degree and/or master’s degree in fine arts or art education preferred;
- Have passion and expertise in experiential and expeditionary learning;
- Possess strong organization and communication skills;
- Ability to interface and maintain effective relationships with students, faculty, administration and parents/guardians;
- Willingness to pursue ongoing professional development opportunities;
- Have the ability to see the big picture and understands logistics planning for seamless execution;
- Have the ability to motivate, support and lead others;
- Bring a growth mindset and excitement to further the school’s vision.
About Graland
A great school never sits still. It keeps going, growing and evolving. Graland Country Day School is an independent school in Denver that serves students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Since the school’s founding in 1924, Graland has delivered an intellectually robust, character-based educational experience derived from current research about how children learn.
While so much in the world is changing, the school’s focus remains the same: Graland is faithful to the enduring aspects of its mission while seeking new ways to promote character and intellectual excellence. We inspire students to pursue excellence with passion and intent - academically, creatively and in their personal growth as engaged citizens and thoughtful leaders so that they learn to value individual differences and divergent thinking. We are constantly looking for ways to improve our program and keep it relevant for the next generation of students. Guided by our mission, values, Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Philosophy Statement and strategic plan, we go to extraordinary lengths to give children the best education possible.
Our current enrollment totals 700, and we have just over 100 faculty members, 70 percent of whom have advanced degrees. Graland’s faculty and staff enjoy a collaborative, supportive environment where each member is encouraged to be a lifelong learner. Professional development, onsite childcare, a desirable location in the heart of Denver and other benefits make Graland a dynamic, inclusive and innovative workplace.
Our Mission
Achieve intellectual excellence,
build strong character,
enrich learning through the arts and athletics,
and prepare our students to be
engaged citizens and thoughtful leaders.
Our Motto: Ascende Omnem Montem - Climb Every Mountain
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Salary is between $58,000 - $83,500. Benefits include professional development, employer-paid health, vision, dental and life insurance, paid time off for school holidays and school vacations, as well as participation in a retirement plan. Daily free lunch, access to an on-campus workout facility and opportunities based on availability for subsidized on-site child care.
Graland Country Day School is an Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of Graland Country Day School to comply fully with all laws barring discrimination against employees, or applicants, for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, military discharge status or physical or mental handicap, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran. This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, discipline, demotion, rates of pay or other compensation, employee benefits, tuition assistance programs and termination of employment.