Detroit Country Day School is a private, independent, co-educational, non-denominational, preschool through grade 12, college preparatory school focused on a well-rounded liberal arts education. Emphasis on academics, arts, athletics, and character development is prevalent across the curriculum. DCDS believes diversity, equity, and inclusion are educational imperatives for the intellectual, social, and moral growth of every child. We honor the dignity of every human being and value differences that exist and are expressed throughout our vibrant school.
Position Summary
The Detroit Country Day School Visual, Performing and Communication Arts Department is seeking an experienced and qualified visual art educator with a background in Ceramics and Sculpture to join its talented faculty. The department consists of 11 working artists/educators This is a collaborative, passionate group who support one another and their students.
Candidates should demonstrate active professional creative practice in ceramics, sculpture, and/or related fields and be knowledgeable in contemporary and historical issues related to 3D media. Applicants should display evidence of effective interpersonal and communication skills, active engagement with students, and an interest in leadership opportunities. The Visual and Performing Arts department at DCDS is widely known for being at the forefront of creative arts teaching both locally and nationally. Many of the studio facilities rival that of colleges and universities. Opportunities abound for professional development and to collaborate within the department on creative projects and courses.
Reporting Relationships
Reports directly to the US Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair as their immediate supervisor and the Upper School Director of Detroit Country Day School.
Essential Duties
Candidates will have the ability to develop new courses and revise existing courses to meet future school needs
Ability to work in a structured environment with the capacity to deal with non-routine matters, such as special projects, with minimal specific instructions
Excellent communications skills and the ability to interface with students, parents, faculty and staff in a professional and positive manner.
Maintain records of student progress and growth through project based assessments
Provide constructive feedback to the students that encourages continued growth.
Candidates should have the expertise and ability to teach and incorporate the following competencies and instructional skill sets:
Material use, techniques and methods of ceramics and sculpture as both a traditional and contemporary art medium
Effective use of ceramic and sculpture materials and techniques to communicate content.
Safe handling practices in the working with, recycling of and disposing of materials.
Knowledge of the health and safety issues and practices as applied to the ceramic and sculpture studio
Knowledge and/or ability to instruct, repair, maintain and operate equipment found within a ceramics and sculpture studio, including kilns
Knowledge of the diversity of both historical and contemporary practices of ceramics and sculpture including their role in the larger context of the visual arts.
Minimum Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with emphasis on secondary or college ceramics and sculpture instruction. Masters of Fine Arts preferred.
Minimum of three years teaching experience. Secondary or Post-Secondary
Demonstrated ability to teach beginning and advanced wheel-throwing, hand-building, glaze chemistry, MIG welding, plasma cutting and plaster carving.
The ability to address work across disciplines when teaching interdisciplinary and capstone classes (ie. AP Art and Design) as well as to develop special topic courses of the candidate's choice.
Strong record of creative achievement in ceramics and related fields, as evidenced by exhibition record, awards, grants, or commissions.
The ability to contribute through teaching and service to the diversity, cultural sensitivity, and excellence of the academic community.
Strong knowledge of the foundations of art and design as the curriculum includes Foundations of Studio Art, Introduction to Ceramics, Introduction to Sculpture, Advanced Ceramics, Advanced Sculpture, Directed Studies, Portfolio Development, IB Studio Art and AP Art and Design courses.
Task-oriented, organized and professionally adept with the ability to collaborate with fellow visual and performing art faculty as well as Performing Arts Center staff.
General familiarity with computers; Apple and Microsoft Windows products, including presentation, Internet, spreadsheet application, and word processing software.
Ability to mentor students of a very diverse background in class and in club / advisory groups.
Detroit Country Day School offers students from preschool through high school an exemplary education rooted in academic rigor and a commitment to the full development of each student’s potential. The school is an independent, coeducational, non-denominational, college preparatory school nationally recognized for excellence in academics, athletics and the fine and performing arts. Founded in 1914 by F. Alden Shaw, Detroit Country Day School today enrolls more than 1,500 students on four campuses located in Beverly Hills and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.dcds.edu.
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