Indianapolis Public Schools

TITLE: Art Lead (Elementary, Middle and High School) - Stipend Role 25/26 SY

WHO WE ARE:

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is a student-focused, innovative educational organization committed to academic excellence. Our mission is to empower and educate all students to think critically, creatively, and responsibly, to embrace diversity, and to pursue their dreams with a purpose. We are a family of excellent public schools in which every student has the opportunity to succeed and the power to create their own future.

Led by forward-thinking leadership and our commitment to prioritizing students, racial equity, and authentic engagement with our families, team members, and communities, our staff have diverse opportunities to develop their careers in a challenging but rewarding environment. We are an organization for people who are passionate about education and who are committed to the Indianapolis community.

SUMMARY OF OPPORTUNITY:

The Art Lead will play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of art education within our district, fostering collaboration among educators, and driving continuous improvement in teaching practices around the district. In this role, you will have the chance to inspire creativity, collaborate with colleagues, and make a positive impact on the artistic development of both students and art teachers across our district, ensuring that our practices support and honor students of diverse backgrounds.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

The following outlines what your core duties and responsibilities will be for this position and provides a sample overview of what your day-to-day may look like.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide vision and leadership for high-quality, standards-based visual arts instruction across all grade levels.
• Support the implementation of district art curriculum aligned with state standards.
• Coach and mentor art teachers to improve instructional practices and student engagement.
• Design and lead districtwide professional learning for visual arts educators focused on best practices, instructional strategies, and content updates.
• Facilitate collaborative planning and learning communities among art educators.
• Coordinate district art events, showcases, competitions, and student exhibitions.
• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding new visual arts educators.

“Day In the Life” Overview

On a regular day, as the Art Lead you might:

• Facilitate a professional learning session for art educators focused on standards-based instruction, culturally responsive practices, or integration of new media and technologies.
• Meet with district leadership to align the arts vision with broader instructional priorities and advocate for resources, staffing, or program expansion.
• Collaborate with community partners or arts organizations to develop student enrichment opportunities, artist residencies, or showcase events.
• Review and refine curriculum documents, ensuring alignment with state arts standards while promoting creativity, expression, and skill development.
• Support schools preparing for art shows, competitions, or exhibitions, helping to highlight student work and elevate the profile of arts across the district.

WHAT YOU’ll BRING: SKILLS AND MINDSETS

As an ideal candidate for this role, you will bring the following skills and mindsets:

• A strong foundation in teaching visual arts, with several years of experience in K–12 settings and demonstrated excellence in classroom instruction, curriculum design, and arts integration.
• Experience designing, implementing, and evaluating districtwide visual arts programs, ensuring alignment with state standards, cultural relevance, and academic rigor.
• Skilled in planning and delivering impactful professional development for art educators, focused on instructional strategies, assessment in the arts, and creative pedagogy.
• Commitment to expanding access to high-quality arts instruction and ensuring representation in curriculum and programming.
• Strong ability to collaborate with district leaders, principals, community partners, and cultural organizations to advocate for and elevate the role of the arts in a well-rounded education.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Education.
• Must Hold a Valid Indiana State Teachers License

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 3 years of teaching experience
• Have an overall evaluation rating of effective or highly effective for a minimum of two consecutive years
• Exhibit strong leadership among peers, especially tied to collaboration and work within teams
• Excellent communication skills (listening, writing, responding through email, phone call, messages, etc.)
• Confident speaker and able to lead professional development sessions

FLSA CLASSIFICATION:

Exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR REMOTE WORK:

Not Eligible

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The individual in this role will be expected to move around a classroom or building space, communicate regularly with students, families, staff and community members, and may be expected to transport materials up to approximately 30 pounds without assistance.

EEOC STATEMENT:

Indianapolis Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, will not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, homelessness or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. Indianapolis Public Schools does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation, threat, or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

DISCLAIMER:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the above representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This job description is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive list of all essential functions and duties performed by the occupant of this position. Factors such as regular and punctual attendance are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function.