Job Description

The Atelierista usually has a background in visual arts (or dance, engineering, science, etc).  The role entails supporting children’s creativity and learning in the 100 languages of children.  The Atelierista will be working with children alone and alongside staff in classrooms and the Atelier, to provide experiences and provocations for the children and to observe and document the learning process in detail.  The Atelierista works to implement the IB-PYP Curriculum within the Reggio Emilia philosophy.

Schedule:  On site hours are 8:00 am. to 4:00 pm.

Additional time may be required to prepare curriculum, prepare assessments, attend meetings, conferences and curriculum nights; and take part in admissions events such as Open Houses, tours; and communicate with parents and staff and to meet the educational and program goals of the School.   The on-site hours are subject to change as necessary for the smooth operation of the School.  Any exception will need to be approved by HOS.  Direct reporting (on a day-to-day basis) to Division Director and Head of School. 

Key Responsibilities

• Assumes responsibility for the oversight of the atelier space for students  in Preschool through Grade 3, and the operation of the Atelier working directly with children and ensuring that there is a broad range of creative experiences available for the children at all times. Note: given construction or space limitations the atelier space may  be incorporated into classroom environments.
• Provides a stimulating environment for children and staff to work on long-term projects and providing a wide range of “intelligent” materials giving children the opportunity to express themselves through as many “languages” as possible
• Design and Develops the Art Curriculum for students in Preschool through Grade 3, including the learning outcomes.
• Supports the IB-PYP program and works with faculty in the development the different units of inquiry developed during the school year
• Develops staff awareness of working with children to encourage their learning through creative expression, individually, and as part of a group
• Develops staff understanding of the documentation process and the environment as the “third teacher”
• Supports training of faculty and staff, including monitoring progress on an ongoing basis
• Participates in internal and external  professional development opportunities 
• Presents and prepares materials at various events as needed throughout the year including Admissions open houses, Spotlight series and other events as needed

Responsibilities include:

• Working with children on creative experiences using a wide variety of media to encourage ideas, exploration and questions.
• Helping children express themselves creatively in as many ways possible.
• Teaching new creative skills to staff and children.
• Working with staff to interpret and document children’s work.
• Introducing provocative and intelligent materials into the classroom and occasionally giving training on how to use them.
• Supporting in-house training  and resources to faculty on the Reggio Emilia approach how to provide creative experiences.
• Producing display documentation, booklets and films on projects and learning experiences that happen in the classroom.
• Creating an aesthetic environment in the ateliers and around the school and influencing the aesthetic environment in both campuses
• Collecting images, books, interesting objects, intelligent materials for the atelier.
• Use technology as an extension of the creative process
• Communicating and presenting to others and influencing others regarding all of the above, as required
• Ensuring your own continued professional development, with support as required
• Managing the Digital Atelier with support from other members of staff
• Developing and curating the end of year School Exhibit

Qualifications

 Qualifications

• Requires Master of Arts, or Arts Management or Arts Psychology (Foreign Degree OK).
• Requires 24 months of experience with Reggio Emilia Approach (or equivalent) and familiarity with International Baccalaureate. 
• Italian language proficiency required

Additional Information

Position receives excellent benefits, including medical, vision and dental coverage. The school also offers group life insurance, employer-matched retirement, long-term disability insurance and commuter benefits. Other fringe benefits include PTO, paid holidays, daily warm lunch and outstanding professional development.

To be considered for the position, please apply here with a letter of intent, a resume and a minimum of 3 references. More information about our school can be found here https://www.lascuolasf.org/. 

Non-Discrimination Policy

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at La Scuola will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities. La Scuola does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, marital status, veteran status, physical or mental disability (actual or perceived), medical condition, genetic characteristics, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by state, federal or local law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including hiring, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, layoff, promotion, transfer and access to benefits and training. If you feel you may have been discriminated against on the basis of sex or would like more information, please contact Dani Sollberger, Director of Administration, by email or 415-558-9006 or by mail at 728 20th Street, San Francisco, CA 94107.