Position Summary

The Tunstall Upper School of Norfolk Academy is seeking a passionate and creative full-time art teacher beginning in August 2026. Successful candidates must embrace student-centered pedagogy, model curiosity and a desire for continuous professional growth, and cultivate meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, administrators, and parents in a manner consistent with the Academy’s philosophy and objectives. We value honor, integrity, and relationships as a school community, and alignment with those values is expected of all faculty and staff.

The Fine Arts Department at Norfolk Academy is dedicated to inspiring students through visual art, music, and drama. Our visual arts program emphasizes both technical skill and personal expression, guiding students through foundational and advanced coursework in a range of media, including drawing, painting, sculpture, digital art, and portfolio development. The ideal candidate will be an experienced visual artist and educator who is enthusiastic about teaching across a range of studio disciplines and supporting students as they develop creative confidence, critical thinking skills, and a deeper understanding of the artistic process. The ability to engage students at all levels of experience, while contributing to the broader life of the school is essential.

Position Category: 10 months (mid-August to mid-June)

Responsibilities include:

• Teaching four to five sections of studio art in the Fine Arts Department
• Designing and delivering curriculum that engages a diverse range of student interests and abilities
• Maintaining an organized and inspiring studio environment
• Participating actively in department collaboration and exhibitions
• Curating artistic spaces on campus
• Serving as a faculty advisor to Upper School students
• Contribute to Norfolk Academy’s Maymester program by supporting experiential learning opportunities for students
• Contributing to the larger school community by coaching two seasons or sponsoring extra-curricular programs
• Presiding at a table with students for daily family-style lunch
• Attending faculty meetings and fulfilling other professional obligations
• Performing other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art, Art Education, or a closely related field; master's degree preferred
• Previous classroom experience teaching visual arts required, with high school level preferred
• Experience coaching or leading extracurricular activities

Required Competencies:

• Deep appreciation for the creative process and for nurturing student voice and expression
• Dedication and commitment to the well-being and growth of children
• An understanding of and a commitment to the school’s values, as outlined in the Philosophy, Objectives, and Diversity, Equity, & Justice Statement
• A comprehensive understanding of the field of education and a demonstrated willingness to explore and embrace new pedagogical practices, technologies, and developing trends
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage various audiences, as well as clearly share insights about students and student needs
• Ability to cultivate meaningful relationships with all constituents with a focus on what is best for each child
• Self-starter who is adaptable, possessing a growth mindset with the ability to think critically, problem-solve, and plan effectively

About Norfolk Academy

Founded in 1728, Norfolk Academy (NA) is the oldest independent school in Virginia and one of the most respected in the nation. For three centuries, the Academy has prepared young people for lives of leadership and service, earning a reputation for academic strength, character education, and a close-knit community. Today, 1,200 students in Grades 1–12 benefit from the guidance of devoted faculty and staff whose influence extends beyond the classroom into athletics, the arts, advising, and clubs. This deep level of engagement has created a strong sense of pride across campus and the broader Tidewater community. In 2023, Travis Larrabee became only the fourth Head of School since 1950, a reflection of the school’s continuity and stability. As the Academy looks ahead to its 300th anniversary, it does so with both gratitude for its history and rich traditions and enthusiasm for the future.

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