Art Teacher (Pre-K–2nd Grade) – Paragon Prep

Paragon Prep has delivered a rigorous and nurturing environment to students PK-8th grade since 1997. Graduates are ready for the honors program of any high school and participate in athletics, academic competitions, robotics, and community service projects. Paragon delivers a first-rate education in a small setting for students who are excited about learning. Beyond mastering the most challenging curriculum in the area and the opportunity to earn up to five high school credits, students at Paragon Prep have the chance to excel in competitive sports and explore a wide array of electives, enriching their educational journey.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Professional development
• Comprehensive benefits package including 401(k)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off

About the Role

As an Art Teacher (Pre-K–2nd Grade) at Paragon Prep, you will design and deliver a developmentally appropriate visual arts program that nurtures creativity, confidence, fine-motor development, and foundational artistic skills. Paragon Prep provides a rigorous and nurturing environment for students in PK–8th grade, offering a first-rate education in a small setting for students who are excited about learning. We seek a committed and passionate educator who can create an art studio environment built on exploration, structure, inclusion, and joyful self-expression.

You will introduce young learners to a variety of artistic media, techniques, vocabulary, and cultural perspectives through hands-on experiences aligned with students’ developmental needs. The ideal candidate is creative, energetic, organized, and skilled at making art accessible and engaging while fostering independence, responsible use of materials, and an enduring appreciation for the creative process.

You will also:

• Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging visual arts lessons aligned with learning goals for students in Pre-K through 2nd grade.
• Introduce age-appropriate concepts in drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, printmaking, color, shape, texture, and design.
• Use demonstrations, visual examples, storytelling, movement, and hands-on exploration to make artistic concepts meaningful and accessible.
• Differentiate instruction to support varied developmental levels, learning needs, interests, and artistic abilities.
• Select, prepare, organize, and maintain developmentally appropriate art materials, tools, displays, and instructional resources.
• Teach and reinforce the safe, responsible use of art materials and establish efficient routines for setup, cleanup, and movement within the studio.
• Observe, document, and communicate student growth through artwork, portfolios, informal assessments, and age-appropriate feedback.
• Create a safe, inclusive, orderly, and welcoming environment that encourages creativity, respectful risk-taking, and positive peer interaction.
• Plan student displays, showcases, or schoolwide art experiences that celebrate learning and strengthen the school community.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers, families, administrators, and other school stakeholders to support student success and connect art learning across the curriculum.
• Follow school policies, procedures, and applicable educational guidelines while continuing to develop professional knowledge through meetings, training, and professional development opportunities.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Art Education, Education, Fine Arts, or a related field required.
• Teaching certification or credential preferred, where applicable.
• Minimum of three years of teaching experience required.
• Proven experience teaching visual arts to early childhood or elementary-age students.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate art instruction, child development, and early elementary classroom practices.
• Working knowledge of a broad range of visual art media, techniques, tools, and studio safety practices.
• Strong classroom management skills and the ability to establish clear, age-appropriate routines and expectations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, families, and colleagues.
• Well-organized, dependable, patient, creative, energetic, and committed to student growth.
• Strong moral values, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Must be able to work in person at the school campus and perform the essential functions of the role, including preparing materials and supporting students during hands-on activities.