Middle School Studio & Design Teacher

Founded in San Francisco in 2010, Alta Vista School (AVS) is an independent K-8 school serving approximately 310 students across two campuses. We implement an inquiry-based STEAM program where students are encouraged to go beyond academic foundations to pursue their passions. Class sizes are intentionally small ranging from 8-15 students.

At AVS, we are "serious about play." We believe children learn best in joyous, authentic settings where teachers serve as guides in an inquiry-based journey of discovery. Our approach is rooted in the scientific method, design thinking, and the belief that technology, guided by the arts, can be leveraged to benefit all.

We are seeking a dynamic, energetic Studio & Design Teacher to join our middle school team. This role manages a shared creative laboratory equipped with ceramics facilities, laser cutters, 3D printers, and power tools. The ideal candidate is a collaborative partner in transdisciplinary STEAM projects, passionate about creating safe, inclusive environments that integrate Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). This candidate will bring a lens of equity and inclusion to all aspects of their work — ensuring that Studio instruction reaches and affirms every learner, and that innovation and design opportunities are accessible to all students regardless of background or learning profile.

• Instruction:
  Teach three sections of middle school design/visual arts while.
• Studio Management:
  Maintain a dynamic, safe, and welcoming "creative studio" for both students and faculty collaborators.
• STEAM
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Serve as a primary partner for inquiry-based projects across disciplines, guiding student iteration and critique. Collaborate with the STEAM and Mathematics coordinator and the MS Innovation Teacher.
• Curriculum & Assessment:
  Provide students with opportunities to question and wonder; evaluate progress regularly using various assessment tools within a standards based framework.
• Club Sponsor Run an after school club 2 days from 4:00-5:00 pm
• Community Engagement:
  Work collegially with administration, faculty, and parents to maintain an exemplary school environment; participate in all faculty meetings and conferences.
• Professional Growth:
  Maintain a growth mindset, examining one’s own practice with a critical eye to continuously improve and evolve studio instruction.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s Degree required (Experience in elementary or middle school preferred);
  Master’s Degree and/or Teaching Certification preferred.
• Technical Expertise:
  Strong background in visual arts, building craft, and the safe operation of power tools and fabrication technology (3D printers, laser cutters).
• Collaborative Spirit:
  Comfort working across disciplines in a project-based learning (PBL) environment.
• Communication:
  Effective written and verbal skills; ability to listen actively and communicate with professional ethics.
• Organization:
  Strong time management skills, strong organization skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects, maintain a safe and accessible space, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced setting.

• Requires physical presence on campus.
• Ability to sit/stand for 4–8 hours and navigate stairs regularly.
• Regular pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, kneeling, and lifting (1–20 lbs.).

Salary Range: $78,000 – $115,000 (Based on experience)

Alta Vista School is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Interested candidates should send a resume and a cover letter detailing your educational philosophy and why you believe you would be a good fit at AVS to:

NOTICE:
This position is not limited to those duties in the job description. Duties and responsibilities can be changed, expanded, reduced, or deleted to meet the needs of Alta Vista School. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Alta Vista School values a diverse workforce and inclusive work environment and as an Equal Opportunity Employer, AVS does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other status legally protected by Federal, State, or Local law.