The Blake School seeks a talented and committed Upper Elementary visual art teacher. This is a one-year, full-time, benefits-eligible position for the 2026-2027 academic year, running from August 19, 2026, through June 11, 2027. This full-time position is based on the Blake campus in Hopkins, Minnesota, and reports directly to both the Upper Elementary director and the PK-12 director of visual and performing arts.

Blake is particularly interested in candidates who will enrich the diversity of identity, lived experience and thinking that makes a community strong and empowers students to engage across differences. Blake offers highly competitive salary and benefits packages as well as significant support for local and national professional development opportunities. The salary range is typically $57,000–87,000, which reflects 4-15 years experience.

This salary range includes the expected annual salary for this position. In making a salary determination, we consider professional experience, applicable qualifications and other job-related factors. Based on these factors, a candidate's salary offer could exceed this range.

Applicants must complete the online job application and provide links to a digital portfolio that highlights their work as an actively practicing artist as well as examples of student artwork from recent elementary classes led by the applicant.

Application review will begin immediately. Blake will typically cover travel and lodging costs for finalist candidates visiting from out of town.

Responsibilities

• Teach & Inspire: Teach visual art to Upper Elementary students (grades 2-5), fostering creativity while guiding students in developing their artistic skills, critical thinking and cultural awareness.
• Curriculum & Mission: Design and lead an engaging, inclusive visual art curriculum that actively supports and integrates the school’s mission.
• Collaborative Learning: Lead community arts projects and work in partnership with homeroom teachers and arts specialists to support and enrich project-based learning across the Upper Elementary division.
• Showcase Student Work: Maintain gallery displays of student art in hallways, lobbies and other community spaces.
• Student Mentorship: Mentor student art clubs based on student interest and support Upper Elementary community initiatives. 
• Departmental Collaboration: Serve as an active member of the department of visual and performing arts by attending meetings and supporting the department's broader work.
• Mission & Community Alignment: Support the school, its mission and its leadership.
• Community Engagement: Participate in required faculty meetings, trainings and staffings and engage fully with the community-based experience of an independent school.

The Blake School believes that a diverse society enriches all individuals and communities. Diversity of race, ethnicity, national origin, geography, religion, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, age, physical ability, and marital, parental or economic status forms the fabric of our society. As a result of these beliefs, The Blake School actively seeks students, families and employees who value and contribute to the fullness of a diverse community within the context of its mission. In doing so, we recognize our responsibility to help make each person's experience a success.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Undergraduate degree (BA/BS/BFA) is required; a master’s degree is an advantage.
• Professional Background: Must be an actively practicing artist.
• Teaching Experience: Significant elementary classroom experience, specifically in teaching foundational components of 2D/3D visual art.
• Student-Centered Focus: A deep understanding of the developmental needs of upper elementary learners and a genuine enthusiasm for working with children in this age group.
• Pedagogical Skills: Ability to integrate technology and innovative curricula, employ best pedagogical practices and differentiate instruction to reach all learners.
• Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with all members of the school community, including students, families and colleagues.
• Communication & Organization: Excellent written and oral communication skills alongside proven organizational abilities.

About The Blake School

Blake is an independent, nonsectarian, coeducational day school for students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Founded in 1900, Blake offers a rigorous education grounded in shared values — curiosity, kindness, inclusivity and resilience. Our campuses in Hopkins and Minneapolis unite 1,316 students from 50 neighborhoods served by 300 faculty and staff, creating a diverse and inclusive community. Blake’s mission is to engage students with a dynamic, academically challenging education in a diverse and supportive community committed to pluralism and a common set of values. Students pursue an integrated program of academic, artistic and athletic activities, preparing for college, lifelong learning and purposeful lives as community and global citizens. The school community is also guided by its Commitment to Pluralism and core values.

Connections working at The Blake School