Art & Textiles Teacher 2025/2026 School Year
Job Description
Job DescriptionCompany Description
We are an independent Montessori school in Chicago serving over 500 students and their families, starting at a parent-infant class and up to 8th grade. We are a community of shared values working to fulfill a meaningful mission. NNM faculty, staff and parents strive for an equitable and inclusive school culture through intentional, reflective practices. We work together to challenge all students to think for themselves, pursue their ideas and become real learners for the real world.
Learn more about us on our website: www.nnms.org
Job Description
We are seeking an Art & Textiles Teacher to join our team here at Near North Montessori for the 2025/2026 school year!
The Art & Textiles teacher responsibilities include teaching art and textile skills and related classes for students during the regular school day and into extended day time (after school hours). The Arts and Textiles Teacher will provide a positive, safe, and supportive learning environment and develop innovative programming for students to build skills and confidence in STEM and/or textiles. This position deploys technology, design-based thinking, flexible problem solving, tinkering and a deep sense of the needs of students to seamlessly integrate technology into our learning community.
Schedule: 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday, with shifts falling between 8:00am and 6:00pm during the school year, with adjustments or additional time as needed. This role may also include an opportunity to work summer camps if desired.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Possesses knowledge of or willingness to learn foundational Near North Montessori (NNM) philosophy and practices, models class practices that align with Montessori
- Is able to work and engage with students ages 4-14 years of age in both individual and group settings
- Develops and teaches a developmentally appropriate and innovative arts and textiles curriculum whose objectives are based on the NNM Scope and Sequence
- Works closely with levels and teaching teams to foster creative and appropriate use of art and textile design in project-based learning
- Stays abreast of the latest resources and information for the classroom and understands how they can aid teachers; presents new trends in arts and textiles education to administration for consideration of implementing into the school programs and curriculum
- Works with faculty to bridge the appropriate use of art and textiles across and between levels
- Supports student projects and work when appropriate; provides art and textiles support for students
- Encourages student development of skills in the use of art and textiles
- Communicates with parents through, conferences, narrative progress reports, emails, phone calls as needed as well as monthly updates as designated by the academic directors and leadership team
- Works with the Academic Coaches to coordinate parent education events that involve arts and textiles
- Provides parent engagement programs and resources on art and textiles topics
- With the Associate Head of School and other school leaders, contributes to the budget planning process related to student related arts and textiles equipment and expenses
- Maintains inventory of arts and textiles classroom supplies and materials; facilitates the repair of equipment and machines, as necessary
- Fosters an equitable and inclusive educational environment
- Professional experience and/or a personal commitment to increasing understanding of topics and initiatives related to diversity, access, equity, and belonging
- Acquires professional training in the educational field by attending educational conferences, training workshops and other related activities
- Performs other duties and responsibilities as required, assigned, or requested
- Embraces and actively demonstrates a growth mind-set, a willingness and eagerness for feedback and a desire to continually be learning and improving their teaching skills
- Serves as a positive role model at all times
- Attend and chaperone a 5-day camp trip with students and their classroom teachers
Qualifications
- Bachelors degree; major in the arts, textiles or related field preferred
- Three (3)+ years teaching experience; Montessori experience a plus
- Strong understanding of student characteristics and faculty needs at various levels
- Ability to commit to equitable education practices, anti-bias, anti-racist work and learning
- Ability to work with users with a wide range of art and textiles skills; patient and disciplined in approach
- Knowledge of various art and textiles equipment, machines and techniques
- Experience developing engaging art projects for young learners
- Flexible mindset and ability to bring innovative approaches to identifying and solving problems
- Experience exploring and piloting new art techniques
- Creative and energetic teaching strategies and good classroom management skills
- Strong initiative and organizational skills
Additional Information
Full-time employment to start in August of 2025; however we would like to have this position filled by June of 2025.
Pay Information: The salary range for this position is $55,000 - $60,000 based on skills and experience.
Near North Montessori offers a variety of benefits which include:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision options
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- EAP Program & Pet Insurance
- Flexible Paid Time off
- Professional Development Opportunities
Near North Montessori believes that each individual is entitled to equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, ancestry, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. The School’s equal employment opportunity practices extend to recruitment, hiring, selection, compensation, benefits, transfer, conditions, and privileges of employment.