Position Overview

The Academy for Integrated Arts (AFIA) seeks a specialist/enrichment teacher (music, dance, movement, theater arts, or related field) who believes learning should be engaging, meaningful, and joyful. This teacher will design rich, student-centered learning experiences where inquiry, creativity, and the arts deepen students’ understanding and expression.

The ideal candidate is committed to helping every child thrive academically and socially and believes that strong relationships, curiosity, and high expectations are essential to student success.

About the Academy for Integrated Arts

The Academy for Integrated Arts (AFIA) is an innovative public charter school in Kansas City where the arts are intentionally integrated into the core curriculum as a meaningful part of daily learning. At AFIA, the arts serve as a catalyst for curiosity, creativity, academic achievement, and student confidence.

Instruction is grounded in constructivist philosophy and developmentally appropriate practice. Students learn through inquiry, project-based experiences, and interdisciplinary learning that promotes deep thinking and authentic engagement.

AFIA is a collaborative learning community where teachers are reflective practitioners, leaders, and active participants in ongoing professional learning.

Learn more by visiting www.afiakc.org
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Why Teachers Choose AFIA

Teachers at AFIA value:

A collaborative and supportive staff culture
Strong instructional coaching and job-embedded professional development
Opportunities for teacher leadership and innovation
A school community that values creativity, inquiry, and student voice
The opportunity to integrate the arts into meaningful learning experiences

Teachers at AFIA:

Demonstrate a commitment to serving students who have been historically underserved
Believe in the power of student-centered learning to transform students’ lives
Create inclusive environments where all students and families feel a strong sense of belonging
Implement inquiry-based and constructivist instructional practices
Value families as essential partners in student success
Collaborate effectively and engage in continuous professional growth

Essential Responsibilities

The arts specialist/enrichment teacher will:

Plan and deliver engaging, arts-focused instruction aligned to their discipline
Design creative, student-centered learning experiences that foster expression, collaboration, and critical thinking
Integrate their art form into interdisciplinary and project learning in partnership with classroom teachers
Facilitate a learning environment where students explore, create, perform, and reflect
Support students in setting goals and taking ownership of their learning
Use assessment and observation to inform instruction and support student growth
Build a positive classroom community and support student behavior effectively
Maintain strong communication and relationships with students and families
Provide timely and meaningful feedback on student progress
Collaborate with classroom teachers, arts specialists, and community partners
Participate actively in professional learning, reflection, and coaching

What Success Looks Like in This Role

In this role, a successful AFIA specialist teacher:

Creates a joyful, engaging space where students actively create, perform, and think deeply
Designs arts experiences that enhance student learning, confidence, and self-expression
Builds strong relationships with students and families
Integrates the arts meaningfully into the broader school experience
Uses reflection and feedback to continually strengthen their practice
Contributes to a positive, collaborative school culture

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required
Missouri certification in a relevant area (Music, Theater, Dance, Elementary Education, or related field), or eligibility to obtain certification
Strong communication and collaboration skills
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive teaching

Preferred Experience

Experience teaching in an arts-based discipline (music, theater, dance, movement, etc.)
Experience integrating the arts across content areas
Experience working in diverse or urban school communities
Familiarity with restorative practices or responsive classroom approaches

Salary and Benefits

Minimum starting salary for certified first-year teachers: $50,500
Medical benefits
Kansas City Public School Retirement System (KCPSRS) participation
Ongoing, job-embedded professional development and coaching
Opportunities for collaboration and teacher leadership
Professional learning in arts integration and interdisciplinary teaching

Start Date

August 1, 2026

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

To apply, submit:

Resume
Brief cover letter
Three professional references

Questions about the position may be directed to:
Tricia DeGraff, Executive Director
[email protected]