Visual Arts Teacher, Upper

Employment Terms: Full Time, Permanent, 6/6 Workload

Start date: August 2025

Upper school teachers educate students in grades 8-12. They demonstrate passion and diligence in their core subjects and interdisciplinary learning, across the Humanities, Sciences, Languages, Physical Education, the Arts, English, Design and Mathematics. Their role involves planning, reviewing and revising curriculum as part of course teams, as well as implementing approaches to teaching in learning that are student-centered and skills-based.

We are currently seeking an enthusiastic, curious and creative Visual Arts Teacher for our Upper School Art Department to teach using a variety of media while demonstrating your comprehensive background and experience in teaching Art. The position will teach primarily Art. The successful candidate will have demonstrated a pattern of innovation, collaboration and engagement in learning and/or teaching, and share an eagerness to work with a variety of learners and diverse student body. In addition, they will share an interest in real-world and transformative learning experiences, as well as demonstrate cultural competency and an ability to work in a collegial manner.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

Academic

• Prepare and implement course objectives, lesson plans, outlines and assessment pieces for course of study following IB and College guidelines;
• Employ best practices for teaching students at the high school level, including inquiry and problem-based learning, scaffolding, book-ending, frequent review and feedback, and differentiated instruction;
• Create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere in the classroom;
• Establish a positive and aspiring classroom environment that best enables a diverse group of students to flourish, and recognizes the differing needs of students on the basis of their linguistic, historical, cultural and socio-economic experiences;
• Communicate regularly on student progress with faculty, administrators and parents;
• Use technology in the classroom and delivering remote learning to enhance learning and support student organization and planning;
• Collaboratively create engaging assessments to evaluate students’ progress, and provide meaningful feedback to students, in their journey towards continuous growth;
• Keep up to date with developments in subject area, teaching resources and strategies and make relevant changes to instructional plans and activities;
  Participate in faculty and professional meetings, educational conferences, assemblies and various professional development opportunities.

Advising

• Actively engage with students in their advising group in order to know them and support their growth in academics, co-curricular and social emotional wellbeing;
• Know the academic, physical and personal profiles of each advisee; student in the advising group;
• Emulate the values of the College-Learning, Community,
• Wellbeing, Service and Pluralism;
• Be an effective link between the school and families on both academic and non-academic matters by carrying out Adviser duties.
• Meet with advisees during advising sessions and deliver the advising curriculum;
• Write advising comments on reports and communicate formally and informally with parents of advisees in person, email and via telephone.

Co-Curricular

• Lead with skill, passion and enthusiasm, identified activities in our vast co-curricular program, including athletics (coaching expertise in basketball, soccer, hockey, volleyball, baseball), the arts, clubs and publications;
• Actively participate in the life of the school including, but not limited to graduation, school dances and other extracurricular community events as required.

Job Requirements

Experience, Knowledge and Competencies: 

• Visual Arts degree and comprehensive Art background including experience with a variety of mediums is preferred;
• MFA degree is an advantage;
• Relevant teaching or related work experience;
• Experience with the MYP and/or International Baccalaureate program an asset;
• Demonstrated ability in drawing, colour and design as these apply to different media including incorporating technology into teaching;
• Understanding of sculpture concepts and materials;
• Good working knowledge of Art History;
• Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator;
• Demonstrated creativity, flexibility and open-mindedness in teaching Art;
• Knowledge of web-based resources and involvement in the current art scene;
• Collaborative, energetic disposition with demonstrated creativity and passion for working with students;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to develop strong professional relationships with students, colleagues, administration and parents;
• Exemplary communication, problem-solving, negotiation and mediation skills;
• Willingness to adapt and change based on the unique and diverse needs of the students;
• Commitment to honesty, justice, fairness and equity;
• Concern for the whole student, not just academics;
• Effective team member;
• Strong attention to detail, organization and planning;
• Evidence of professional growth in art, pedagogy, continued learning  and/or involvement with professional art/education institutions;
• Ability to recognize individual learning styles and the characteristics of learners;
• Display  humility and empathy, and recognize their ability to positively influence change; Embraces the opportunity and responsibility to make a difference in their local and global communities;
• Commitment to a learning and working environment that is safe, healthy, meaningful, engaging and supportive;
• Celebrate differences, cherish similarities and give voice to multiple perspectives;
• Committed to teamwork, collaboration, mutual respect and a fundamental belief in our Vision, Mission and Values.

What We Offer 

• Unparalleled opportunities for professional development including workshops, networking sessions, a leadership program, and visiting experts and scholars;
• Flexibility to substitute statutory holidays in recognition of diverse religious and cultural practices;
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans, including health care and lifestyle spending accounts;
• Pension plan, generous vacation time, self-funded sabbaticals, parental leave top-up;
• Significant support for personal and family wellbeing and mental health, including the Employee and Family Assistance Program;
• Paid volunteer time off for involvement in the communities that matter to you;
• Social events for colleagues and their families;
• Collaborative and supportive team members and colleagues;
• Free on-campus parking.

About UCC

Upper Canada College is a place where tradition, excellence and innovation meet. At UCC faculty and staff thrive for many reasons: our dynamic, supportive environment; cutting-edge facilities; diverse and collaborative community; and competitive compensation and benefits. Surrounded by expert educators, dedicated students and a network of learning partners and resources, you’ll be inspired to explore your passions and be your best. Your work fosters the development of graduates who think critically, solve complex problems and lead lives of impact.

At UCC we are grounded in our mission to provide transformational learning opportunities and our values of learning, service, community, pluralism and wellbeing.

UCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals including women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQIA2S+ persons.  UCC embraces pluralism – celebrating differences, cherishing similarities, and giving voice to multiple perspectives. If you are contacted regarding a UCC opportunity, please advise if you require any accommodations.

Please apply on ADP by January 15, 2025 3:00pm. We thank all candidates in advance; however, we will contact only those selected for an interview.​

To learn more about UCC, please visit ucc.on.ca and https://careers.ucc.on.ca/