Join our Team!

University Liggett School seeks a full-time, experienced Upper School Visual Art teacher for grades 9-12 who is willing to offer an array of visual art activities. Teaching five sections of students, this teacher will steward skill growth in visual art. Our program welcomes the integration of theory, production, history, and criticism as a basis for exploring visual art.  This position includes collaboration and planning with departmental peers. We seek knowledgeable candidates who have experience with and delight in working with students and understand the unique needs and opportunities of our learners.

Responsibilities include: 

• Teach 5 sections of Visual Art which include various forms such as ceramics, design and crafts media, photography (darkroom), photography (digital/ PhotoShop), and art history.
• Guide and Support student portfolio creation and the college admissions process.
• Create an equitable class environment that promotes integrity, respect, and empathy 
• Design projects that stretch student thinking and imagination 
• Scaffold assignments effectively and respond thoughtfully and promptly to student work
• Collaborate with colleagues and engage in department discussions about pedagogy and other concerns
• Participate actively in advancing the Visual and Performing Arts Department Curriculum and The Liggett Approach
• Serve as an upper school advisor 
• Communicate thoughtfully, respectfully, and clearly with parents 
• Write thoughtful, articulate progress reports 
• Along with core teaching responsibilities, the candidate may be asked to take on additional duties that may include photography for the yearbook, assistance with scenic design, or other activities that integrate visual art in the life of our school.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A bachelor's degree or higher in art education, with a demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional growth. 
• Demonstration of upper school teaching experience in a germane content area is preferred.
• Enthusiasm for upper school learners and their developmental needs.
• An innovative approach to teaching, learning and assessment.
• A growth mindset about teaching practices and eagerness to work towards professional goals and development.
• A keen desire to work in a collaborative, inclusive and student-centered environment.
• Eager willingness to assist and be present in the life of the school.
• Facility with technology in the classroom.
• Ability to connect with students of diverse backgrounds to develop healthy, supportive, and responsive relationships.      
• Facility with digital visual art software (Adobe Creative Suite).                                                                                         

About University Liggett School

The oldest independent co-educational day school in Michigan, University Liggett School is among the preeminent PreK-12 institutions in the Midwest. Enrolling more than 640 students, University Liggett School offers a rigorous and innovative academic framework that allows students in every grade to find their passions and explore them in depth while developing creativity, critical thinking, teamwork and adaptability. This guiding philosophy is supported by a rich array of co-curricular programs and empowers students to drive their own academic experience, preparing them to flourish at some of the strongest colleges and universities in the country. Concentrated class sizes and challenging academics shape students, giving them a keen sense of self while simultaneously fostering lifelong appreciation for and an understanding of learning.

The mission of University Liggett School is to empower students to develop intellectual curiosity, leadership and confidence to contribute to a complex and changing world. We challenge students to excel and to achieve their highest potential. We create opportunities for discovery and achievement by developing a faculty who foster the strengths of each student through the Liggett Approach. We teach and practice the values of respect and responsibility in an emotionally and physically safe environment.

Contact Person

Qualified candidates should send a letter of interest, educational philosophy, and resume to Shernaz Minwalla, Head of Upper School, at sminwalla@uls.org

University Liggett School is committed to a culturally diverse faculty and student body. It is the policy of the school to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, disability, veteran status, military service, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, height, weight, marital or familial status or any other status specifically protected by applicable federal or Michigan law. Candidates from groups traditionally underrepresented in independent schools are encouraged to apply.