Company Description

KIPP — the largest nonprofit network of college-preparatory, public charter schools in the nation—has demonstrated, at scale, that all children have the potential to excel academically regardless of race or zip code. KIPP currently serves over 120,000 students in 275 schools nationwide, including Indianapolis. KIPP Indy Public Schools (KIPP Indy) was founded in 2004 with one class of fifth-grade students and has grown to serve 1,500 students across four schools. Of the students that attend KIPP Indy, 98% qualify for free and reduced lunch, 92% are African American or LatinX, 13% receive special education services, and 18% are designated as Multilingual Learners. As we continue to grow, our mission remains the same: to create joyful, academically excellent schools in which teachers, students, and families are all united around the same goal of preparing students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose —college, career, and beyond— so they can lead fulfilling lives and create a more just world.

VISION

At KIPP Indy Unite Elementary, we aim to be the school of choice in Indianapolis by developing confident, capable young scholars. Every student brings unique gifts—talent, curiosity, and creativity—and we are dedicated to helping them recognize and nurture these strengths. We focus on building a strong academic foundation while instilling key values like perseverance, teamwork, and respect. Through rigorous instruction and character development, we prepare our students to succeed in school and life. We foster a supportive, inclusive environment where every child can thrive, regardless of their background or challenges. Excellence in teaching is central to our mission. We invest in continuous professional growth to ensure our educators deliver the best possible instruction. As a community, we hold one another to high standards, knowing that success is built on collaboration, hard work, and resilience. At KIPP Indy Unite, we are laying the groundwork for lifelong success, empowering our students to excel and positively impact the world around them.

Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

KIPP Indy is seeking a passionate and creative Elementary School Art Teacher who will foster a joyful, student-centered environment where all students can explore, develop, and express their artistic talents. The ideal candidate will deliver engaging, age-appropriate instruction that builds foundational art skills, encourages critical thinking, and supports students’ social-emotional growth. This teacher will hold high expectations for all learners, use differentiated strategies to meet diverse needs, and work closely with staff and families to ensure every child thrives both artistically and academically.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, develop, and implement engaging, age-appropriate visual arts lessons aligned with Indiana Academic Standards for Visual Arts at the elementary level.
• Foster creativity and artistic expression while introducing foundational skills such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media.
• Regularly assess student progress through observation, projects, and formative assessments, and adjust instruction to meet varied learning needs.
• Create a joyful, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment that promotes risk-taking, problem-solving, and artistic exploration.
• Scaffold instruction to ensure accessibility for all students, including multilingual learners and students with diverse learning needs.
• Build strong relationships with students and families to encourage artistic confidence, academic growth, and positive identity development.
• Collaborate with grade-level and specials teachers to integrate art into interdisciplinary projects and school-wide events.
• Provide timely, constructive feedback that helps students understand artistic techniques and grow as creators.
• Reflect on and continuously improve instructional practice by embracing feedback, engaging in professional development, and collaborating with instructional coaches.

COMPETENCIES

• Strong knowledge of elementary visual arts instruction and familiarity with Indiana Academic Standards for Visual Arts (or willingness to learn them).
• Ability to differentiate instruction for students across a wide range of developmental and artistic abilities.
• A growth mindset and openness to coaching and collaboration.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and commitment to building an inclusive, identity-affirming classroom.
• Passion for arts education and belief in the creative potential of all students.
• Strong classroom management skills that support a safe and respectful creative space.

Qualifications

• Valid Indiana teaching license or applying for reciprocity with a valid out-of-state license (required).
• Bachelor’s degree in Art or related field (required).
• Experience teaching art courses (preferred).
• Commitment to the KIPP mission and community (required).
• Pass a criminal background check (required).

Additional Information

Licensed teacher starting at $50,000
Salary is commensurate with experience and includes a highly competitive benefits package. Opportunities for performance-based bonuses are also available.

KIPP Indy Legacy High is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.