Upper School Photography Teacher (¾ time)

The Holton-Arms School seeks a collaborative, flexible, and enthusiastic Photography Teacher to join our robust Fine and Performing Arts team for the 2025-26 school year. 

Founded more than a century ago, Holton-Arms School encourages young women in grades 3-12 to approach the world with a thirst for challenge, unflinching curiosity, and a sense of responsibility to use what they learn for the greatest good. A nationally-recognized school that prioritizes purposeful connections, Holton is a vibrant place where both students and faculty are deeply engaged in the process of learning and bring tremendous spirit and passion to their work.

With a long legacy of excellence in educating girls, Holton provides students with time-tested and future-forward programming, preparing them for what the world needs next. The mission of the Holton-Arms School is to cultivate the unique potential of young women through the “education not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit”. Founded in 1901 by two visionary women, Holton-Arms continues to cultivate a diverse, inclusive, and equitable school community; tend to the health and wellbeing of its members; and build a global curriculum that responds to the learners in its classrooms and the world around us.

The school’s aspirations and current program are rooted in Mrs. Holton’s founding vision: “My high hope is that they who enter through the ‘Open Door’ of Holton-Arms remember they felt, in the friendliness of a home, the urge to learn and the joy of overcoming obstacles as the way to happiness and the fullest life”. In this vibrant community committed to academic excellence, discovery, creativity, and joy, students are scholars, artists, and athletes who find their voices, take risks, learn from mistakes, pursue leadership opportunities, and build lifelong friendships. The school motto, Inveniam viam aut faciam (I will find a way or make one), exemplifies this spirit of agency and empowerment.

We seek applicants from diverse backgrounds, talents, and interests who share our passion for helping girls learn, grow, and thrive. Together, we are committed to cultivating the leaders of tomorrow who will make a positive impact on their communities and the world.

Position Overview

The Upper School Photography Teacher will teach courses introducing students to the fundamentals of photography (35mm and darkroom) with a focus on the principles of design and the larger cultural context in which photography serves as a powerful tool for communication and empowerment. Advanced students will focus on digital concepts. Students who hope to participate in the leadership level of the Scroll or Scribe Holton publications are highly encouraged to take these courses (and their prerequisites).

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, teach and maintain a Photography curriculum (Beginning to Advanced).
• Teach usage of a 35mm manual film camera.
• Teach 35mm film photography, black and white film development and printing using poly contrast paper in traditional darkrooms. 
• Teach digital photography.
• Mix chemistry. 
• Help maintain the darkroom.
• Curate student work displays across the school with the Fine and Performing Arts Department.
• Create and produce images for social media channels, email marketing, and other digital media.
• Stay up-to-date with photographic trends and principles.
• Monitor and maintain studio tools and materials.
• Organize and plan student admissions to statewide, county-wide, and cross-country curated competitions.
• Create a safe and trusted environment for students.
• Attend all departmental and division meetings when needed.
• Work collaboratively with other teachers in the department, as well as division colleagues and administrators
• Participate in supervisory and extracurricular duties, including chaperoning events and parent events.
• Contribute to school life beyond the classroom by serving as a faculty advisor, club sponsor, and/or other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree Required, Bachelors in Fine Arts preferred or equivalent experience.
• Experience as a professional photographer is desired.
• Experience teaching photography.
• Appreciation for the mission of a school devoted to girls’ education.
• Successful teaching experience with the capacity to initiate improvement in teaching, learning, assessment, and classroom management practices.
• Knowledge of curriculum, pedagogy, differentiation, and assessment with the ability to implement quality, inclusive teaching, and learning programs.
• A passion for developing a deep understanding of photographic concepts and student application of concepts learned.
• Ability to work collaboratively with grade-level teachers on curriculum development and implementation of units, assessments, and assignments for team-taught courses. Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills with the capacity to build relationships and engage students, parents, staff, and colleagues.
• Ability to plan and manage resources effectively to support competency-based teaching and learning.
• Desire to pursue ongoing professional development, making the most of the opportunities both within and outside the school to improve teaching and to demonstrate to the girls the value of lifelong learning.
• Demonstrate high levels of enthusiasm for teaching and learning, striving to engender a joy of learning in all students.
• Display excellent understanding of general photographic principles.
• Maintain a portfolio showcasing relevant photographic work.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Function in a multi-tasking environment as part of a team or alone on assigned work.
• Collaborate effectively with multiple stakeholders, meet deadlines, and work well under pressure.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
• Coaching experience is desired. Priority Varsity coaching opportunities include Basketball, Soccer and Lacrosse.

Salary Information

The average salary range for this position at full-time status is $52,000 to $75,000, the exact salary to be determined based on education and experience. Part-time salaries are calculated by percentage of full-time equivalency. We use a step scale to determine teacher salary. Early career teachers are initially compensated less than the listed salary range and highly experienced teachers are compensated more than the listed salary range. Additional stipends are available for coaching, certain club sponsorship, and significant commitments outside of the classroom. Benefits include health insurance with a generous employer contribution to medical, dental, and vision; life and disability insurance; 403b retirement savings with an employer match and non-elective contribution; employee assistance program, tuition remission for eligible children; professional development opportunities; paid parental leave after one year of employment; paid sick and personal days; and lunch is provided on school days.

Application Details

To be considered for this position, candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, statement of educational philosophy, and the names and contact information of three references (one of whom must be a current or most recent supervisor).

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Statement

Holton-Arms cherishes the uniqueness of each of our members including current and former students, faculty, and staff. We seek to create an inclusive environment that sees, values, and supports diverse identities and experiences, cultivates engaging discourse, and empowers our students to be thriving members of the global community.

At Holton-Arms, each of us is responsible for fostering an equitable, respectful, and just community. We are committed to:

• Discovering, developing, and valuing our full authentic selves.
• Deepening awareness of personal and systemic biases and being accountable for the impact of our words and actions.
• Developing an understanding of the historical origins and perpetuation of systems of power and privilege.
• Engaging in open and brave conversations that promote growth, understanding, connection, and agency.
• Embracing every individual as essential to the community.