High School Graphic Design, Advanced Graphic Design & AP Computer Science Principles Teacher

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The High School Graphic Design & AP Computer Science Principles Teacher will provide engaging, hands-on instruction that combines creativity, technology, design, and computer science. The teacher will lead students through introductory and advanced graphic design coursework while also preparing students for success in AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP).

The ideal candidate is a creative, technology-focused educator who can teach both visual communication and foundational computer science concepts. The teacher will help students develop technical skills, creative problem-solving abilities, digital literacy, and professional portfolios while preparing them for college, careers, and industry opportunities.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES/KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Graphic Design

Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of graphic design and visual communication.

• Design principles and elements
• Typography and font selection
• Color theory
• Composition and layout
• Digital illustration
• Photo editing and manipulation
• Logo and branding design
• Posters, advertisements, and promotional materials
• Social media and digital graphics
• Introduction to Adobe Creative Cloud and other industry-standard software
• File organization and digital production workflows
• Copyright, licensing, and ethical use of digital media
• Portfolio development

 Advanced Graphic Design

Advanced Graphic Design students will build upon foundational design skills and complete increasingly complex, professional-level projects.

• Advanced typography and composition
• Branding and visual identity systems
• Advanced Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign techniques
• Publication and editorial design
• Advertising and marketing materials
• Packaging design
• Digital illustration
• User interface and web graphics
• Motion graphics and animation
• Photography and image development
• Professional design workflows
• Client-based and real-world design projects
• Portfolio development and presentation
• Collaboration, critique, and creative direction
• Preparation for college-level design programs and creative careers

 AP Computer Science Principles

The teacher will prepare students for the AP Computer Science Principles curriculum and examination while helping students understand how computing impacts the world around them.

• Computational thinking and problem-solving
• Programming fundamentals
• Algorithms and abstraction
• Variables, data, and data structures
• Boolean logic and conditional statements
• Loops and iteration
• Functions and procedures
• Program development and testing
• Data and information
• The internet and networking
• Cybersecurity fundamentals
• Computing innovations
• Impacts of computing on society
• Responsible and ethical use of technology
• Performance tasks and preparation for the AP examination

Key Responsibilities

Plan and deliver engaging instruction for Graphic Design, Advanced Graphic Design, and AP Computer Science Principles.

• Develop project-based learning experiences that encourage creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.
• Teach students to use industry-standard creative and technology tools.
• Prepare students for AP Computer Science Principles assessments and required performance tasks.
• Create opportunities for students to apply design and computer science skills to authentic, real-world projects.
• Guide students in developing professional portfolios and presenting their work.
• Differentiate instruction for students with varying levels of technical knowledge and experience.
• Establish a positive, inclusive, and collaborative classroom environment.
• Evaluate student work through projects, portfolios, presentations, assessments, and other appropriate methods.
• Provide students with constructive feedback and opportunities for revision and improvement.
• Integrate career exploration and college-readiness skills into classroom instruction.
• Stay current with developments in graphic design, computer science, software, AI, and emerging technologies.
• Maintain classroom technology, software, equipment, and digital resources.
• Collaborate with colleagues and participate in department meetings and professional development.
• Promote responsible, ethical, and appropriate use of technology and digital media.

QUALIFIED APPLICANTS/REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Must be a born-again believer in Jesus Christ; be involved with an evangelical, protestant church of like faith and practice; and agree with the philosophies, Statement of Faith and Statement of Christian Life Commitment of Southside Christian School. Willing to enroll eligible children at Southside Christian School
• Must be able to articulate a deep understanding of a biblically informed philosophy of Christian education. 
• Experience working directly with students in a project-based learning environment in a is preferred.
• Strong communication and presentation skills are required.
• Must be able to obtain ACSI Certification.
• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, Computer Science, Digital Media, Visual Communications, Art Education, Technology Education, or a related field.
• Experience teaching graphic design, digital media, computer science, or related subjects preferred.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud and other design software.
• Knowledge of the AP Computer Science Principles curriculum is strongly preferred.
• AP CSP training or College Board professional development is required or be willing to obtain College Board training.
• Professional experience in graphic design, digital media, technology, marketing, or computer science is a plus.

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

The successful candidate should have experience with several of the following:

Graphic Design & Digital Media

• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe InDesign
• Canva
• Digital photography
• Image editing and manipulation
• Branding and marketing design
• Digital illustration
• Video and/or motion graphics
• Web and social media design

Computer Science

• Programming fundamentals
• Computational thinking
• Algorithms and abstraction
• Data and data representation
• Internet and networking concepts
• Cybersecurity fundamentals
• Programming environments commonly used in AP CSP
• Understanding of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.