Location: Gwendoline van Putten School, St. Eustatius, Caribbean Netherlands
Department: Academic Affairs
Reports to: Head of Department / School Principal
Employment Type: Full-Time
Position Summary
The Gwendoline van Putten School is seeking an enthusiastic, innovative, and student-centered Visual Art Teacher to join its academic team.
The successful candidate will inspire students to explore their creativity while developing technical artistic skills, critical thinking, cultural awareness, and visual literacy.
The Visual Art Teacher plays an essential role in providing a dynamic learning environment that encourages artistic excellence, personal expression, and appreciation of the visual arts. The position requires an educator who combines strong instructional practices with effective classroom management, creativity, and a commitment to student success.
The successful candidate is expected to deliver a comprehensive programme fully aligned with the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) CSEC Visual Arts syllabus while preparing students to achieve success in internal assessments, School-Based Assessments (SBA), Reflective Journals, Production Papers, and external CSEC examinations.
Key Responsibilities
Teaching and Learning
The Visual Art Teacher shall:
• Plan, prepare and deliver engaging lessons aligned with the GvP curriculum, the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) CSEC Visual Arts syllabus, and applicable educational standards.
• Deliver instruction in accordance with current CXC curriculum requirements and examination standards.
• Teach a broad range of visual arts disciplines, including:
-
Drawing
-
Painting and Mixed Media
-
Sculpture
-
Ceramics
-
Printmaking
-
Textile Design and Manipulation
-
Graphics and Visual Communication
-
Digital Art where appropriate
• Differentiate instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
• Integrate Caribbean visual culture, art history, aesthetics, criticism, and contemporary artistic practices into classroom instruction.
• Encourage inquiry-based learning, experimentation, and independent artistic exploration.
• Integrate appropriate digital technologies into teaching and learning.
Student Development
The successful candidate will:
• Foster creativity, confidence, and artistic expression.
• Encourage originality and independent thinking.
• Develop students’ technical and conceptual artistic abilities.
• Support students in developing portfolios suitable for exhibitions, competitions, and tertiary education.
• Encourage appreciation of Caribbean cultural heritage through the visual arts.
• Identify and support students with exceptional artistic talent and those requiring additional educational support.
Assessment and Reporting
Responsibilities include:
• Preparing students for all CXC assessment components.
• Supervising and assessing School-Based Assessments (SBA).
• Guiding students in the preparation and completion of the Reflective Journal.
• Preparing students for Production Papers and external CSEC examinations.
• Maintaining accurate assessment records.
• Providing constructive feedback to students.
• Preparing academic reports and report card comments.
• Communicating student progress with parents and guardians.
• Using assessment data to improve teaching and learning.
Classroom and Studio Management
The Visual Art Teacher shall:
• Maintain a safe, organized, and stimulating classroom and studio environment.
• Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety standards.
• Manage art supplies, tools, equipment, and instructional resources responsibly.
• Maintain inventories and recommend replacement of materials when necessary.
• Promote responsible use of school resources.
• Ensure students observe proper studio safety procedures.
School and Community Engagement
The teacher shall:
• Organize school art exhibitions and showcases.
• Coordinate participation in local, regional, and international art competitions.
• Promote participation in community art initiatives.
• Support school cultural programs and creative projects.
• Assist with school beautification initiatives through student artwork.
Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities
The teacher will:
• Collaborate with colleagues across departments.
• Participate actively in staff meetings and professional development.
• Assist with curriculum review and improvement.
• Build positive relationships with students, parents, and stakeholders.
• Support the mission, vision, and strategic objectives of the Gwendoline van Putten School.
Qualifications
Education
Applicants must possess:
• A Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts, Fine Arts, Art Education, or a closely related discipline from a recognized institution.
• A recognized teaching qualification or teacher certification.
• Qualifications recognized by the Caribbean Netherlands and Nuffic are preferred.
Experience
Preference will be given to candidates who possess:
• Demonstrated experience teaching Visual Arts at the secondary school level.
• Experience preparing students for Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) CSEC Visual Arts examinations.
• Practical knowledge of the CXC Visual Arts curriculum, including:
-
School-Based Assessment (SBA)
-
Reflective Journal
-
Production Papers
-
Portfolio Development
-
External Examinations
• Experience working within multicultural educational environments.
• Experience organizing exhibitions, competitions, and extracurricular art programs.
Knowledge, Skills and Competencies
The successful candidate must demonstrate:
Curriculum Knowledge
• Thorough knowledge of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) CSEC Visual Arts syllabus and assessment framework.
• Understanding of the CXC philosophy of visual arts education, including creativity, critical thinking, inquiry, reflection, and cultural appreciation.
• Ability to prepare students successfully for:
-
Reflective Journals
-
School-Based Assessments (SBA)
-
Production Papers
-
External CSEC examinations
• Understanding of the Elements and Principles of Design prescribed within the CXC syllabus.
• Ability to integrate Caribbean visual culture and contemporary artistic practices into classroom instruction.
Technical Competencies
Demonstrated competence in several of the following areas:
• Drawing
• Painting and Mixed Media
• Sculpture
• Ceramics
• Printmaking
• Textile Design and Manipulation
• Graphics and Visual Communication
• Digital Art Technologies
Educational Competencies
• Excellent lesson planning and curriculum implementation.
• Strong classroom and studio management.
• Effective assessment and reporting skills.
• Ability to differentiate instruction.
• Ability to motivate and inspire students.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Language Requirements
Applicants must possess:
• Excellent command of the English language with proficiency equivalent to a minimum CEFR Level C2, demonstrated through outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of the Dutch language is considered a distinct advantage.
Additional Requirements
The successful candidate must:
• Demonstrate sound knowledge of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) education system.
• Understand CXC quality assurance and examination standards.
• Be capable of successfully preparing students for external CSEC examinations.
• Demonstrate proficiency in educational technology and digital art applications.
• Show commitment to continuous professional development and lifelong learning.
Personal Attributes
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Creativity
• Innovation
• Patience
• Adaptability
• Initiative
• Cultural sensitivity
• Accountability
• Enthusiasm
• Commitment to inclusive education
• Passion for student development
Working Environment
The position is primarily classroom and studio-based and includes:
• Practical studio supervision.
• Participation in extracurricular activities.
• Attendance at exhibitions and cultural events.
• Participation in professional development.
• Occasional evening and weekend school activities.
General Responsibilities
The successful candidate shall:
• Comply with all GvP policies and procedures.
• Observe Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students and staff.
• Demonstrate professionalism at all times.
• Perform additional duties reasonably assigned by the School Principal or Head of Department, consistent with the nature of the position.
Our Commitment
The Gwendoline van Putten School offers an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic and supportive educational community committed to academic excellence, inclusive education, and the holistic development of every student.
As the only secondary school on the island of St. Eustatius, GvP provides a unique professional environment where educators can make a meaningful impact while contributing to the advancement of education in the Caribbean Netherlands.
We offer a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, together with attractive employment benefits in accordance with the applicable Collective Labour Agreement (CAO), ongoing professional development opportunities, and a collaborative workplace that values innovation, integrity, and continuous improvement.
You can send your application letter and CV, including a passport photo, before to Mr. Charles Lindo via the e-mail address: board@gvpschool.com. Or c.lindo@gvpschool.com.
