Middle School Art Teacher 2026-2027

UNITED COMMUNITY CENTER•Milwaukee, WI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

UCC is seeking a passionate and dedicated Art Teacher to plan, organize and coordinate art activities for students at the elementary and/or middle school level. The ideal candidate will create a positive learning environment that inspires creativity and artistic expression in our students. The desired candidate will be an enthusiastic, innovative educator who demonstrates the ability to provide all students with rigorous and high-quality learning experiences. Our teachers will develop and implement creative art learning experiences that provide students with voice and choice, while designing a structured and organized classroom environment. Further, we are looking for a professional who has the ability to collaborate successfully with students, parents, and staff in ways that support student success, create understanding, and contribute to a positive school culture. UCC School teachers are responsible for creating a positive, engaging, and inclusive educational atmosphere that fosters student growth and achievement, where students have the opportunity to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, social, physical and psychological growth. Teachers are responsible for organizing and implementing an instructional curriculum/program that will result in students achieving academic success in accordance with United Community Center’s policies, procedures and curriculum guidelines. This role includes planning and delivering standards-aligned instruction, assessing student learning, managing classroom behavior, and building strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues. UCC School Teachers are dedicated, compassionate, highly effective, reflective, collaborative, culturally responsive, and committed to the academic and social-emotional development of all students.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in art or art education-related field, and current Wisconsin DPI teacher licensure required.
Passion for visual arts and a belief in every student's creative potential.
Must possess strong oral and written communication skills.
The candidate should be able to work independently with little direct supervision, work as part of a team, accept responsibilities, and be self-motivated.
Must display effective multi-tasking and time management skills.
Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Demonstrates Basic computer knowledge, Basic knowledge of excel, word, and Google forms and other Google applications.
Demonstrates leadership in the classroom.
Demonstrates enthusiasm towards students, parents and staff from diverse backgrounds.
Demonstrate the ability to adapt to any situation inside and outside the classroom.
Demonstrates organizational skills for the classroom and school environment.
Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills with students, families, school staff, and administration.
Reply to email, telephone, face to face, or other communications and enquiries in a timely manner.
Demonstrates the ability to multitask and prioritize work.
Demonstrates the ability to self- reflect, and seek feedback to improve practices.
Demonstrates a growth mindset committed to continuous learning, growth, and development.
Demonstrates the ability to work as a team as well as independently.
Demonstrates respect towards the students, parents, colleagues, and administrators.
Demonstrates knowledge to work with students’ special needs and parents.
Demonstrate the ability to listen to others and remain receptive to new ideas.
Demonstrate the ability to address criticism in an appropriate manner and develop constructive outcomes.
Demonstrate sustained effort and enthusiasm in the quality and quantity of work.
Demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with staff, students, and the community.
Demonstrate effective time management, organizational skills, and prioritization of work to meet the needs of the users.
Demonstrate the ability to follow and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Demonstrate motivation, initiative, flexibility, and the ability to work independently.
Demonstrate excellent human relations and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrates honesty, dependability, and the ability to meet deadlines and other professional expectations.

Responsibilities

Teach foundational art techniques and media (e.g., drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, digital art).
Introduce students to art history, contemporary artists, and multicultural art traditions.
Develop standards-based, developmentally appropriate lesson plans in alignment with school curriculum and instructional expectations.
Design coherent instruction that includes differentiated strategies and scaffolds for diverse learners.
Set clear instructional outcomes aligned to curriculum and grade-level expectations.
Demonstrate deep knowledge of content and pedagogy.
Integrate knowledge of students’ backgrounds, interests, and learning styles into planning.
Select and prepare formative and summative assessments to monitor student learning.
Deliver engaging, rigorous, and grade-appropriate instruction.
Use questioning and discussion techniques that promote critical thinking and student voice.
Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners, including English learners and students with IEPs.
Check for understanding and adjust instruction in real time based on student needs.
Plan and prepare art curriculum, lessons, assignments, and learning tasks aligned with the Wisconsin Standards for Art & Design.
Develop a variety of relevant, engaging, and appropriately-leveled instructional materials.
Prepare, schedule and organize art projects using clay, ceramic and painting, etc.
Instruct on the proper care and use of art materials.
Work with other departments to include art projects with ongoing special events, such as murals and masks.
Provide instruction by developing, selecting, and modifying instructional plans and materials.
Presenting them using instructional techniques, which meet the needs of all students.
Implement all school curriculum and instructional practices with fidelity, following the guidelines of the school, district, and state.
Plan and deliver effective lessons that facilitate active learning and accommodate different learning styles.
Differentiate instruction to meet diverse academic needs, learning styles, and language proficiencies.
Integrate technology and innovative teaching methods to enhance classroom learning experiences.
Implements instructional activities that contribute to a climate where students are actively engaged in meaningful learning experiences.
Identifies selects and modifies instructional resources to meet the needs of students with varying backgrounds, learning styles and special needs.
Assists in assessing changing curricular needs and offers plans for improvement.
Ensures that student growth and achievement are continuous and appropriate for the age group and follow the curriculum’s scopes & sequences & guidelines.
Assess student progress through projects, portfolios, and rubrics.
Conduct regular assessments to evaluate students’ progress and understanding of the curriculum.
Collects and analyzes student assessment data on an ongoing basis, and uses data to inform planning and groupings.
Provide timely, specific, and constructive feedback to students and parents on academic performance and areas for improvement to support student growth.
Promote student ownership of learning through goal-setting, self-assessment, and reflection.
Identify learning challenges and develop strategies to support students with diverse needs.
Assumes responsibility for meeting student performance goals, IEP goals, etc.
Demonstrates gains in student performances.
Prepares students for local, state, and national assessments as required by the school and grade level.
Create a classroom culture that fosters creativity, innovation, risk-taking, exploration, and respectful critique.
Maintain a safe, organized, and resourceful art studio.
Manage inventory of art supplies and submit timely supply orders within budget.
Creates a safe, inclusive, and respectful classroom climate in which students are encouraged to be actively engaged in the learning process.
Establish and maintain a positive and inclusive classroom environment conducive to learning.
Foster a classroom culture of mutual respect and high expectations, that is inclusive, equitable, and respectful of all students.
Implement consistent classroom rules and behavior expectations, promoting respectful and responsible behavior.
Foster a safe and supportive atmosphere where students feel valued and encouraged to participate, and are effectively supervised at all times.
Maintains order of students and class in classroom, cafeteria, hallways, playground, and across the school environment.
Manage student behavior proactively and respectfully using positive behavior supports across the school environment.
Maintain a well-organized, inviting, and culturally responsive physical space.
Encourage student collaboration and responsibility for classroom norms.
Integrate Tier 1 social-emotional learning (SEL) into regular instruction using age-appropriate strategies and curricula aligned with school-wide SEL initiatives.
Foster a safe, supportive classroom environment where students feel valued, understood, and emotionally secure.
Identify early signs of emotional, behavioral, or social challenges and collaborate with the school counselor, school administrator, and support team as needed.
Model and reinforce emotional regulation, empathy, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making
Communicates effectively both orally and in writing, with students, parents, and other professionals on a regular basis regarding students’ progress, behavior, areas for growth, and upcoming events.
Builds trust and rapport with students, families, and colleagues to effectively support student achievement and growth.
Counsel’s pupils’ academic and behavioral attitudes and achievements with parents throughout the year
Conduct parent-teacher conferences to discuss individual student performance and set goals for improvement.
Collaborate with parents to support students’ learning at home and encourage parental involvement in school activities.
Models professional and ethical standards when dealing with students, parents, peers and community.
Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with students, parents and other professionals.
Share academic and behavioral updates in a clear, empathetic, and strengths-based manner.
Collaborate with students, families, counselors, support staff, and school administrators when addressing student needs or concerns.
Participate in family-teacher conferences and contribute to school events or family engagement opportunities.
Engage in continuous professional development to stay updated on the latest teaching methods, educational trends, and curriculum developments.
Participate in staff meetings, workshops, and training sessions to enhance teaching skills and contribute to the school community.
Participates in all required training and meetings, as well as school and UCC training, and meetings.
Reflect on teaching practices and seek opportunities for continuous improvement.
Engage in professional learning communities and schoolwide initiatives.
Uphold ethical practices and professional conduct.
Collaborate with colleagues, support staff, and administration to support student success.
Contribute to a positive school culture and shared leadership.
Organize and display student artwork in the school and community.
Collaborate with grade-level teams and other teachers on cross-curricular projects.
Collaborate with colleagues, administrators, and support staff to create and enhance a cohesive and supportive educational environment and to promote a positive school culture, cross-grade alignment, and shared best practices.
Work closely with special education teachers, counselors, and other professionals to provide individualized support for students with special needs
Meets professional obligations through efficient work habits such as meeting deadlines, honoring schedules, collaborating with other staff, etc.
Collaborate with student support teams (e.g., MTSS, 504, IEP) to develop and implement academic or behavioral support plans.
Participate in data meetings and problem-solving sessions to identify student needs and recommend interventions.
Partner with the school counselor and other specialists to support students experiencing trauma, transitions, or other significant challenges.
Support classroom behavior through proactive management strategies and, when appropriate, restorative practices
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of students' attendance, academic performance, and behavior incidents.
Prepare progress reports, report cards, and other documentation in a timely manner, following school policies and procedures.
Arranges classroom events and activities, and collects the appropriate documentation in advance of field trips and other school functions.
Uphold school, district, and state policies regarding child safety, mandated reporting, and confidentiality.
Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by their supervisor to support students, colleagues, or the school community.