Academic Teacher - Visual Arts

Salary Rate : Dependent on qualifications Check out the YMCA’s !

Location : YMCA Academy

Work Hours : Must be available to work Monday to Friday; Must be able to attend Parent / Teacher interviews, Open Houses, Parent Socials, Curriculum Information Sessions for Parents, etc.

Employment Type : Contract Full Time Salaried

Number of Vacancies : 1

Anticipated Start Date : August 1, 2024

Deadline to Apply : June 19, 2024

Be the Spark! Join our passionate YMCA Academy team and help us to achieve great things in our community!

The Visual Arts Teacher will provide planning and instruction for YMCA Academy Secondary School.

Inspired and supported by the YMCA of Greater Toronto, The YMCA Academy is a small, innovative secondary school flourishing in downtown Toronto.

Created to respond to unique learning needs, the school integrates the Ontario Ministry of Education’s secondary school curriculum.

Our personal differentiated approach, specialized programs and individualized use of assistive technology are ideally suited to those students with learning disabilities or learning style differences.

In this role, you will :

• Develop and deliver a comprehensive visual arts curriculum in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Education guidelines and standards, ensuring alignment with provincial learning objectives.
• Design and implement lesson plans that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and the development of technical skills in various art forms, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media.
• Assess and evaluate students' artistic progress and achievements through a variety of assessment methods, including projects, presentations, and portfolios, ensuring alignment with Ontario curriculum expectations.
• Organize and supervise art-related extracurricular activities, clubs, and events to enhance the students’ learning experience and promote a broader appreciation for the arts.
• Provide individualized feedback and support to students to help them achieve their full potential in art, addressing different learning needs and styles.
• Manage classroom materials and resources, ensuring a safe, clean, and organized workspace for all students.
• Develop and administer formative and summative assessments to evaluate student learning.
• Maintain accurate records of student progress and achievements.
• Create a positive and inclusive classroom environment that encourages respect and collaboration.
• Implement classroom management strategies to ensure a safe and productive learning atmosphere; address and resolve conflicts or behavioral issues in a fair and consistent manner.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the varied learning needs and abilities of students.
• Provide additional support and resources for students with learning difficulties or exceptionalities.
• Serve as a mentor and role model, guiding students in their academic and personal development.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, administrators, and support staff to enhance the educational experience.
• Participate in departmental staff meetings, school committees, and professional learning communities.
• Attend Parent / Teacher interviews, Open Houses, Parent Socials, Curriculum Information Sessions for Parents; discuss student performance and strategies for improvement in parent-teacher conferences
• Maintain open and regular communication with parents / guardians regarding student progress and school events.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with educational best practices and curriculum changes.
• Attend workshops, conferences, and training sessions as required by the school.
• Maintain accurate records of student attendance, grades, and other required documentation.
• Prepare and submit reports, as needed, for school administration and the Ontario Ministry of Education.
• Participate in extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports, or student organizations, to support the overall school community.
• Assist in organizing and supervising school events, field trips, and other activities.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

You bring :

• Completion of a recognized teacher education program, such as a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) or equivalent, with a focus on secondary school education (Visual Arts) .
• Previous teaching experience at the secondary school level is highly desirable.
• Membership in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) and hold a valid teaching certificate.
• Qualifications to teach in the Intermediate (Grades 7-10) and / or Senior (Grades 11-12) divisions, with specific qualifications in Visual Arts.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the Ontario Secondary School Curriculum, specifically the Visual Arts curriculum and Ministry of Education guidelines.
• Proficiency in various art techniques, tools, and media, including traditional and digital forms .
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to effectively interact with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Strong classroom management skills and the ability to create a positive and inclusive learning environment.
• Ability to integrate technology into the art classroom, including the use of digital art tools and software.
• Dedication to continuous learning and professional growth through attending workshops, conferences, and pursuing further education.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse school community and incorporate inclusive practices that respect and reflect the diversity of the student population.
• Demonstrated experience in and enthusiasm for working with youth with learning disabilities, social / emotional needs, and / or language processing challenges who are under-performing or who are disengaged from their learning process.
• Knowledge of current curricular trends, use of manipulatives and assistive technologies
• Ability to work within the complexities of a large, not-for-profit charitable organization.
• Well-developed interpersonal, and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with students, parents / guardians, staff and volunteers.
• Excellent understanding of diversity, inclusion and equity including the ability to identify and address barriers, work effectively with diverse stakeholders, and integrate equity into program design.

What you need to succeed :

• Commitment to the YMCA’s
• Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA Academy and programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services.
• YMCA Competencies : Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter.

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities.

We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities.

See what you can expect from the YMCA .

Joining the Y means contributing to over 165 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors.

Learn more in our 2020 2025 strategic plan, which outlines how we are focused on boosting well-being and promoting equity across the Greater Toronto Area.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team.

As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people / people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people / people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check.

Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks .

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.

Check out the next steps in our and see about working at the YMCA.