Visual Arts Teacher

POSITION: Visual Arts Teacher 

GRADE LEVEL: Middle School

LOCATION: TBD You can view the current openings at this link. We encourage you to apply even if your preferred position is not listed as we will be posting new roles throughout the year.

SALARY: $60,000-$78,000 based on aligned years of experience up to 10 years. We also offer arelocation stipend for anyone joining us from 75 miles or more from Denver! 

STATUS: Full time school year, benefits eligible, exempt, in-person position (Denver, CO)

START: First day of new staff training at the end of July. You can view the current School Year Calendar here. 

THE ROLE

We are seeking a talented and versatile Visual Arts Teacher to inspire students in both digital and traditional art forms. This position involves teaching a wide range of artistic techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media such as graphic design and digital illustration. The ideal candidate will guide students in developing their creative skills while integrating technology to enhance visual expression. With a focus on fostering creativity, critical thinking, and artistic innovation, the teacher will encourage students to build a strong portfolio and explore the intersection of traditional and digital art.

Based on the campus and opening, you may be teaching any of the below courses. We will inquire about your preferences during the interview process. 

• Digital Arts
• Visual Arts 
• Ceramics
• Journalism
• Graphic Design
• Drawing 
• Studio Arts
• Photography 
• Guitar
• Capstone: Student Portfolio Art & Aligned Internship 

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver Rigorous & Engaging Content: Utilize DSST’s curriculum resources to plan, intellectually prepare, and teach rigorous grade level aligned content to 3-5 classes daily depending on campus and content area. DSST prioritizes curriculum that centers the cultures and histories of underrepresented and marginalized communities. 
• Track and Support Student Growth: Prioritize students’ intellectual growth by holding high expectations for academic success including monitoring and assessing the performance of all students through a variety of assessment tools and resources to guide instruction and support individual student proficiency.
• Promote Positive Culture: Employ DSST culture and support systems while validating students’ cultural identities. Actively promote a unified and positive classroom and school culture. Cultivate and maintain trusting relationships with students and families. 
• Pursue Professional Development: Engage in professional growth opportunities, including regular coaching, feedback, and development, with a focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Contribute to School Community: Undertake additional duties as needed, such as supporting student recruitment, running a small group advisory class, after school tutoring, etc. Explore more potential duties here.

THE PERSON

We value staff with diverse backgrounds, talents, and ideas. Our most successful employees share the following characteristics: 

• An unwavering belief that all students can succeed in school and reach their most ambitious post-secondary goals.
• A proactive approach to learning and growth, welcoming feedback to enhance your teaching practice.

Qualifications:

• Minimum: Bachelor's Degree in any field. Demonstrated content knowledge (known as in-field status) via various qualifications (see qualification options here). 
• Ideal: Proven commitment to and experience with serving students of color, students with disabilities, and/or multilingual students. A Colorado teaching credential is preferred but not required for most opportunities.

Please note: The DSST Talent Team replies to every application. If you haven’t heard from us by the indicated timeline, please check your spam folder first. If you don’t see an email there, reach out to us at [email protected]. We’re committed to providing an exceptional candidate experience.

Application Timeline

This is an evergreen position, meaning DSST Public Schools recruits for this role on an ongoing basis to support current and anticipated hiring needs across our network. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates may be contacted for interviews as opportunities become available.

For positions with a defined hiring timeline, the anticipated application deadline will be listed at the top of the job posting.

Who We Are

At DSST Public Schools, we are proud to achieve transformational results for our 7,500+ students — 97% of whom attend a Green (top-rated) school. Just as important is how we achieve them: values-centered, human-focused, and together.

We invite educators and leaders who share our belief that there is more in us — more brilliance, more courage, more possibility — to join us.

Our Impact

• 100% of DSST graduates have been admitted to college or a postsecondary program
• 15 of 16 schools rated Green on the 2024–25 SPF
• 9 out of 10 DSST families would recommend DSST to a friend
• 95%+ of staff say their managers check in regularly and care about them as people 

Why Work at DSST?

At DSST, our Quantum 5 Culture defines how we help every team member grow, belong, and thrive.

• Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits: Competitive pay and a Total Rewards package that includes fertility and adoption support, educator-focused mental-health care, and everyday perks like Safeway grocery discounts.
• Growth & Opportunity: Weekly 1:1 coaching, data-driven feedback, and clear career pathways such as Apprentice Teacher and Emerging Leader.
• Rewards & Recognition: Core Value and TOAST Awards, milestone celebrations, and the signature Flower Person Award honoring staff who help our community flourish.
• Whole Human Wellness: Access to the Therapist of Color Collaborative, Wellness Wednesdays, comprehensive health coverage, and six weeks of paid parental leave.
• Thriving in Colorado: Time to recharge with 11+ weeks off each year, relocation support for out of state applicants, and local discounts that help you enjoy life in our beautiful sunshine filled state.

Learn more about ourQuantum 5 Culture and Compensation & Benefits.

Employment Classification & PERA Participation

DSST Public Schools participates in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA). Unless otherwise stated in the position title or posting, all roles are full-time and are designated as PERA-covered positions. Candidates should review their individual circumstances and ensure they are able to accept employment in a PERA-covered role prior to applying.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

DSST Public Schools is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not exclude participation in, deny benefits to, or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), age (40 and older), disability, or genetic information. We also prohibit retaliation for filing a complaint, reasonably opposing discrimination, or participating in any investigation or proceeding.

DSST is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing these duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear and may spend extended periods standing, walking, bending, or kneeling. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 30 pounds and have sufficient hand and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.