Title: Middle School Fine Arts Teacher - Digital Graphic Design

Overview: As a fine arts teacher specializing in digital graphic design at the middle school level, you will inspire and instruct students in the fundamentals of graphic design while nurturing their creativity and technological skills. Your role involves designing a curriculum that integrates artistic principles with digital tools and techniques, fostering a supportive learning environment, and guiding students in creating original digital artwork. You will also collaborate with colleagues to enrich interdisciplinary learning experiences and prepare students for further study or careers in graphic design and visual arts.

Responsibilities:

1. Curriculum Development:

   • Develop a comprehensive curriculum that introduces students to the principles and techniques of digital graphic design.
   • Design lessons and projects that engage students in hands-on learning experiences using graphic design software and digital tools.
   • Integrate elements of art history, design theory, and contemporary trends in digital media into the curriculum.

2. Instruction:

   • Teach students how to use graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
   • Provide instruction on design fundamentals, including composition, color theory, typography, and image manipulation.
   • Guide students through the process of brainstorming, planning, and executing digital design projects.

3. Project-Based Learning:

   • Facilitate project-based learning experiences that allow students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world design challenges.
   • Encourage creativity, experimentation, and problem-solving in the design process.
   • Provide feedback and support to help students refine their work and achieve their artistic vision.

4. Technology Integration:

   • Incorporate technology into instruction by utilizing digital tools, multimedia resources, and online platforms to enhance learning.
   • Teach students digital literacy skills, including file management, digital imaging, and graphic file formats.
   • Stay current with advancements in digital technology and software applications relevant to graphic design.

5. Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Connections:

   • Collaborate with other teachers to integrate digital graphic design projects into interdisciplinary units or thematic studies.
   • Support cross-curricular connections by incorporating elements of mathematics, language arts, social studies, and science into graphic design projects.
   • Foster collaboration and teamwork among students by organizing group projects and peer critiques.

6. Assessment and Evaluation:

   • Assess student learning through the evaluation of digital design projects, portfolios, and presentations.
   • Provide constructive feedback to students to help them improve their technical skills, creative expression, and design concepts.
   • Monitor student progress and maintain records of grades and assessments.

7. Classroom Management and Culture:

   • Create a positive and inclusive classroom environment where students feel supported, valued, and empowered to express themselves creatively.
   • Establish clear expectations for behavior, participation, and collaboration in the digital design studio.
   • Promote a culture of respect, curiosity, and lifelong learning among students.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in art education, graphic design, visual arts, or related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Previous teaching experience at the middle school level, preferably in digital graphic design or visual arts.
• Proficiency in graphic design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Strong understanding of design principles, color theory, typography, and layout composition.
• Experience with project-based learning, hands-on instruction, and student-centered teaching methods.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of students.
• Knowledge of educational technology and its integration into the classroom.
• Passion for art education, creativity, and fostering the artistic development of young learners.

This job description outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications for a middle school fine arts teacher specializing in digital graphic design.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS        

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to sit; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT    

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to the risk of electrical shock.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

EVALUATION    

The performance on this job will be evaluated following school board policy and administrative regulations on the evaluation of personnel.