Are you a resilient, empathetic educator who understands that behaviour is communication? Can you use art not just as a subject, but as a powerful mechanism for emotional regulation, self-expression, and professional growth?
We are seeking a specialist Art Teacher to join a dedicated vocational unit in Kent. The setting supports young people whose primary needs are Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties, often accompanied by associated needs such as ADHD, trauma, and attachment disorders.
In this role, you will run a creative hub that bridges the gap between therapeutic artistic engagement and tangible vocational pathways.
The students are all based at a local specialist school, and come to the vocational unit to take part in Art, Woodwork and Construction, so there are multiple creative spaces as well as a large kitchen/catering space, pottery room and music room.
Key Responsibilities
Therapeutic & Vocational Delivery
- Design and deliver an adaptable art curriculum that balances therapeutic creative expression.
- Embed trauma-informed practices into the daily studio routine, using art as a tool to help students de-escalate, process emotions, and build self-esteem.
- Guide students in building professional portfolios, preparing them for further education, apprenticeships, or employment in the creative sector.
SEMH Student Support
- Implement positive behaviour support (PBS) strategies, maintaining high expectations while remaining calm, flexible, and non-judgmental under pressure.
- Co-regulate with students during times of crisis, working alongside a dedicated team of specialist teaching assistants and therapists.
- Create a low-arousal, safe, and welcoming studio environment that reduces anxiety and encourages high attendance and engagement.
Assessment & Collaboration
- Track progress holistically, celebrating small wins in emotional resilience and social development alongside academic or vocational milestones.
- Contribute to Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) and looked-after children (LAC) reviews, providing detailed insights into student progress and well-being.
Profile of the Ideal Candidate
- Qualifications: QTS, QTLS, or an equivalent vocational teaching qualification.
- SEMH Expertise: Proven experience teaching or supporting young people with complex SEMH needs, childhood trauma, or highly challenging behaviours.
- Artistic Versatility: Ability to teach a wide range of practical mediums that appeal to disengaged learners.
- Personal Attributes: Exceptional emotional resilience, patience, a thick skin, and a deep-seated belief that every young person deserves a fresh start every single day.
What We Offer
- A purpose-built art and design studio with excellent resources to facilitate hands-on, project-based learning.
- Regular, specialist CPD focusing on mental health first aid, trauma-informed education, de-escalation techniques (e.g., Team Teach/PRICE), and attachment theory.
- A highly collaborative environment where you will work daily with therapists, counsellors, and behaviour mentors.
- 4 teaching days, one full day for PPA.