Lower School Art Teacher

The San Francisco Friends School (SFFS), located in the heart of the Mission District in San Francisco, educates K-8 students in the tradition of Quaker learning. By example and commitment, we hope to inspire all connected with our school to work together toward a peaceful and caring society. For further information about San Francisco Friends School’s beginnings, mission, and philosophy, please visit our website at www.sffriendsschool.org.

The school seeks teachers who resonate with the Friends School mission, which provides an exemplary education in a community dedicated to problem-solving, service to others, simplicity, social justice, and quiet reflection. Our Quaker mission also compels us to create a diverse and inclusive community; we seek a person who will thrive and contribute to such a community, both within and beyond the walls of the school.

Job Summary

San Francisco Friends School (SFFS) seeks a passionate and creative Lower School Art Teacher to inspire students in grades K-4 through hands-on learning, innovation, and artistic expression. The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of a wide range of perspectives, art forms, ideas and techniques used by a variety of cultures. They should demonstrate a commitment to fostering curiosity, collaboration, and resilience in a diverse learning community.

The position calls for someone who is not only skilled in understanding art and art education but is also deeply student-centered, flexible, and enthusiastic about engaging lower schoolers in meaningful, creative work. Candidates should have a strong art background across various media and demonstrate curiosity to continue growing their practice. Our art program embodies progressive education principles through student-centered, inquiry-based learning that honors children's natural creativity and developmental stages. 

Rooted in Quaker values of community, equity, and reflection, the teacher will also cultivate a respectful and inclusive classroom culture that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and student voice. Teachers engage in regular collaboration, curriculum development, and pedagogical reflection with their peers, working together to create meaningful learning experiences that integrate art across the curriculum and support interdisciplinary projects that help children make connections between ideas and their world.

Responsibilities:

Art Department Responsibilities

• Design and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons in various media (drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, clay, and emerging maker/design techniques) for students in grades K-4
• Introduce foundational art skills, color exploration, composition, visual literacy, and design thinking principles appropriate to early childhood and elementary development
• Inspire imagination, creativity, and self-expression through hands-on, exploratory projects that bridge traditional art-making with design and making
• Support students in developing problem-solving skills through iterative design processes, prototyping, and experimentation with diverse materials
• Provide encouraging feedback that supports artistic growth and confidence, and maintain student portfolios that document learning over time
• Manage art gallery spaces in conjunction with other lower school teachers and MS art teacher to celebrate student work and maker projects

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Foster a classroom culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and affirming of all students’ identities and backgrounds.
• Integrate culturally responsive pedagogy and reflect on teaching practice through the lens of equity and justice
• Collaborate with lower school teachers to plan and support interdisciplinary units and projects that integrate art across the curriculum
• Support and participate in school-wide events, all-school meetings, service learning, and community-building activities
• Contribute to the life of the lower school through participation in grade-level or division meetings and professional development
• Build positive relationships with families through regular communication and participation in community events like Back to School Night and student exhibitions
• Attend lower school field trips and experiential learning opportunities as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in art, art education, early childhood education, or related field preferred
• Early childhood or elementary teaching experience and genuine love and appreciation for young children
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice and facility with hands-on, play-based, and exploratory instruction
• Alignment with the school’s mission and openness to Quaker philosophy
• Highly collaborative and creative team player
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and an ability to work with and support a diverse population of students and families.
• Patience, empathy, adaptability, and ability to work with young students, parents/guardians, and faculty.

Preferred Qualities:

• Teaching credential or Master’s Degree in art education or elementary education
• Connections to/knowledge of local artists and arts organizations preferable
• Knowledge of various traditional art media and techniques suitable for young children
• Experience with or openness to incorporating design thinking, basic engineering concepts, and maker education into arts instruction
• Familiarity with a range of age-appropriate tools and materials (e.g., cardboard construction, simple circuits, upcycled materials, basic hand tools)
• Experience incorporating age-appropriate digital tools into arts education
• Experience working with students with learning differences and ability to differentiate instruction within the classroom
• Language skills in Spanish 

Compensation and Benefit Summary: 

Competitive, exempt salary based on experience and qualifications. Excellent benefits are offered including medical, dental, vision, life insurance and matching 403(b). 

$2,886 to $6,190 per semi-monthly pay period for 24 pay periods per year ($69,250 to $148,580 annually). Placement on scale based on relevant teaching experience. This salary reflects the 25-26 school year and will be adjusted accordingly for the 26-27 school year

EEO Commitment: 

The San Francisco Friends School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, marital status or any other category protected by law. The school also makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants with disabilities; candidates who need accommodations in order to apply for this position should request an accommodation as part of the submission of interest.

Employment Clearances required:

• Livescan Background
• US Employment eligibility
• TB Clearance certificate