Position Overview

Ocean Studies Charter School is seeking a creative, innovative, and student-centered Art & Creative Design Teacher to join our team. This position serves students in Kindergarten through 8th grade, building strong artistic foundations for elementary students while also supporting research, design, and creative problem-solving experiences at the middle school level.

The ideal candidate understands the fundamentals of art instruction and can help elementary students develop foundational skills in drawing, design, color theory, and creative expression. At the middle school level, this role shifts toward a Research & Design (R&D) focus, helping students apply creative thinking, basic engineering concepts, and hands-on design processes to support project-based learning (PBL) experiences.

This role is an important part of our school community and supports our mission of providing engaging, hands-on learning experiences that connect creativity, design, and real-world problem solving.

Key Responsibilities

Elementary Art Instruction (K–5)

• Teach foundational art skills including drawing, painting, sculpture, color theory, and basic design principles.

• Introduce students to a variety of artistic styles, artists, and cultural perspectives.

• Foster creativity, curiosity, and confidence in young artists.

• Develop lessons that encourage exploration, craftsmanship, and artistic growth.

Middle School Research & Design (6–8)

• Support research, design, and prototyping within middle school project-based learning experiences.

• Guide students through the design process, including brainstorming, researching, building, testing, and refining ideas.

• Incorporate basic engineering concepts, creative problem-solving, and hands-on creation into student projects.

• Help students design and construct models, prototypes, and creative solutions connected to real-world challenges.

• Encourage innovation while helping students develop persistence, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Program Development

• Maintain an organized, safe, and inspiring creative workspace or studio environment.

• Support school events that showcase student creativity (art shows, exhibitions, design showcases, etc.).

• Collaborate with teachers to integrate art, design, and creative thinking into interdisciplinary projects and field-based learning experiences.

• Encourage students to take creative risks while emphasizing craftsmanship and thoughtful design.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Art Education, Fine Arts, Design, Engineering, or a related field.

• Florida teaching certification (or ability to obtain certification).

• Experience teaching elementary or middle school students preferred.

• Understanding of design thinking, engineering processes, or hands-on creative design.

• Experience with project-based learning or interdisciplinary teaching is a plus.

• Strong classroom management and relationship-building skills.

Desired Qualities

• Passion for inspiring creativity and innovation in students.

• Ability to balance artistic skill-building with design and problem-solving.

• Interest in hands-on building, prototyping, and creative engineering concepts.

• Collaborative mindset and willingness to work closely with teachers across grade levels.

• Commitment to fostering curiosity, creativity, and resilience in students.

Why Join Ocean Studies Charter School?

Ocean Studies Charter School provides a unique learning environment where hands-on learning, outdoor experiences, and interdisciplinary projects are central to our mission. Teachers are encouraged to be creative, collaborative, and innovative in designing meaningful learning experiences that connect students to the world around them.