Elementary School Art Teacher - Cranbrook Brookside Lower School

Elementary School Art Teacher - Cranbrook Brookside Lower School

Founded by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, Cranbrook Educational Community is one of the world's leading centers of education, science, and art. Comprised of a graduate Academy of Art, contemporary Art Museum, Center for Collections and Research, House and Gardens, Institute of Science, and more than 1,600 students attending our Pre-K through 12 independent college preparatory Schools, Cranbrook welcomes thousands of visitors and students to its campus each year. Critics have called Cranbrook "the most enchanted and enchanting setting in America" and in 1989 it was designated a National Historic Landmark. The campus is located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, about 20 miles north of downtown Detroit. For more, please visit our website: www.cranbrook.edu.

Cranbrook Schools Brookside is seeking an innovative and highly creative art educator to work with students in Kindergarten through second grade beginning August 17, 2026. This position requires working closely with a teaching partner to continually develop an evolving art curriculum, manage studio space, and share teaching responsibilities. Candidates should have a passion for helping students solve problems, develop intrinsic motivation, and see themselves as confident, capable makers.

Responsibilities include:

• Design and teach developmentally appropriate art curriculum with a pedagogical approach that reflects current and best practices.
• Regularly showcase student work, participates in school-wide art displays, and seeks opportunity for community engagement.
• Share in the organization and upkeep of storage areas and materials, including the kiln.
• Be an active team member and a collaborative decision-maker.
• Participate in responsibilities outside the classroom, including Curriculum Night, parent/teacher conferences, faculty meetings and all school events.
• Introduce students to diverse artistic styles and methods, artists, and relevant topics from art history.
• Provide opportunities for students to utilize and find appreciation for Cranbrook's campus, including the grounds and the collection at Cranbrook Art Museum.
• Establish and maintain a high level of classroom management.
• Assess student progress while providing constructive and supportive feedback to encourage their artistic growth.
• Develop artwork for a yearly notecard publication that all students participate in.
• Other duties include, but are not limited to, supervising students during lunch, at arrival and/or dismissal and recess.

Requirements:

• A bachelor's or master's degree in art education, fine art, or a related field is required.
• Previous classroom experience is preferred.
• Applicants should have a strong studio art background and be well versed in visual art through experiences in a wide variety of two- and three-dimensional mediums including drawing, painting, fiber, clay, printmaking, collage, and sculptural work.
• Candidates should be up-to-date and comfortable using technology.

Cranbrook offers competitive compensation and benefits that include medical, dental, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, and retirement programs with employer contribution.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter explaining your educational philosophy, a resume, copies of college transcripts and any certifications, along with contact information for at least three references. Please be sure all documents are uploaded at the time you submit your application.