Elementary Art Teacher, Elkridge

K–5 PYP Art Teacher
Tarbiyah Academy | Full-Time | In-Person
Reports to: Head of Lower School
Salary Range: $40,000–$70,000 (based on placement on salary scale)
Tarbiyah Academy is seeking a creative, mission-aligned, and inquiry-minded K–5 PYP Art Teacher to bring the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme to life through the visual arts within a holistic Islamic educational framework.
As a PYP Art Teacher, you are responsible for teaching a visual arts program that is intellectually engaging, spiritually grounded, and developmentally appropriate.
You will teach art as both a discipline and a language of inquiry, helping students explore ideas, express identity, and deepen their connection to the world around them and their Creator.
At Tarbiyah Academy, teaching is both a professional responsibility and an act of stewardship.
We are an incredibly relational and collaborative community, grounded in a commitment to purifying our
niyyah
(intention) in service of our students.
Pedagogy & Instructional Excellence
The PYP Art Teacher is expected to:
Deliver high-quality, inquiry-based art instruction aligned with the IB Primary Years Programme
Tweak an already designed K–5 art curriculum that develops students' skills across a range of media, techniques, and artistic traditions
Collaborate with homeroom teachers to integrate the visual arts meaningfully into transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry
Teach art as both a creative process and a form of inquiry, encouraging students to develop and communicate ideas visually
Cultivate students' understanding of art history, global artistic traditions, and the Islamic visual heritage
Integrate Islamic values, aesthetics, and character education authentically into the art program
Clearly articulate what is being taught, why it matters, and how learning will be assessed
Use formative and summative assessments, including portfolios and student reflections, to guide instruction and differentiate for diverse learners
Provide high-quality scaffolding and timely, actionable feedback
Engage students in reflection, critique, and ownership of their creative work
Collaboratively plan with homeroom teachers and specialists to ensure coherence and progression across grade levels
Studio Culture & Student Development
Create a structured, joyful, and emotionally safe studio environment where students feel free to take creative risks
Establish and maintain clear routines and expectations for the safe, responsible use of art materials and tools
Implement positive behavior systems aligned with school-wide expectations
Support students' social-emotional growth and character development through the creative process
Foster belonging, dignity, and respect within the studio community
Maintain an organized, inspiring, and well-resourced studio space that supports optimal learning
Curate and display student work throughout the school to celebrate learning and build a vibrant visual culture
Family Partnership & Communication
Build strong relationships with families through proactive and transparent communication
Contribute to three-way conferences and student-led conferences
Provide clear and informative progress reports on students' artistic growth
Share student work and learning with families through exhibitions, showcases, and digital portfolios
Partner with parents to support student growth artistically, academically, and socially
Professional Collaboration & Growth
Actively participate in collaborative planning and professional learning communities
Engage in IB professional development and ongoing teacher growth, particularly in PYP arts education
Contribute to accreditation and authorization processes
Seek continuous improvement in instructional practice and technology integration
Offer at least one extracurricular activity per week
Support and contribute to school-wide events, exhibitions, field trips, and co-curricular responsibilities
Contribute to the visual identity of school events, productions, and community celebrations
Spiritual & Cultural Expectations
Tarbiyah Academy teachers are expected to embody:
Amanah (trustworthiness) in professional conduct
Ihsan (excellence) in preparation and delivery
Rahmah (compassion) in student interactions
Shura (collaboration) in team planning
Teachers are encouraged to engage in ongoing
tazkiyah
, self-reflection and intentional growth, to sustain patience, emotional regulation, and sincerity in their work.
We believe that spiritual culture and professional excellence are inseparable.
Who You Are
You are deeply aligned with the mission of an Islamic educational institution
You have a genuine love and appreciation for children and for the creative potential within every learner
You are a skilled artist and educator with strong command of a variety of media and techniques
You understand differentiation and inquiry-based learning
You see art as a vehicle for meaning-making, inquiry, and spiritual reflection
You are organized, reflective, and detail-oriented
You communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing
You build strong relationships with students, colleagues, and families
You are flexible, resilient, and maintain high expectations
You thrive in collaborative environments
Salary Determination
Salary placement is determined by full-time teaching experience, state certification status, and highest degree earned (Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate).
Minimum Qualifications
Required:
Bachelor's degree in Art Education, Fine Arts, or a related field from an accredited U.S. university
Authorization to work in the United States
Strong command of English, orally and in writing
Demonstrated artistic ability and a portfolio reflecting breadth across media
Preferred:
State certification in Art Education (K–12)
Master's degree in Art Education, Fine Arts, or a related field
Experience teaching in the IB Primary Years Programme
Experience in independent or Islamic schools
Familiarity with Islamic art traditions and their integration into K–5 learning
Why Tarbiyah Academy
Tarbiyah Academy is committed to developing confident learners rooted in faith, knowledge, and character.
We are building a school culture that values intellectual rigor, spiritual intentionality, collaboration, and growth.
We seek educators who approach teaching not simply as a job, but as meaningful work grounded in purpose.
To Apply
Send your resume through our application using LinkedIn.
Then email your resume, cover letter, and a link or PDF of your teaching/art portfolio to our Arts Coordinator, Nadia Janjua, ******