Elementary Performing Arts Teacher (SY 20-21)

  • Full-time
  • Hiring Start Time: Immediate Start (SY 20-21)

Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a non-profit network of 53 outstanding public charter schools in grades K-12 across New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts. Our mission is to start and manage outstanding urban public charter schools that close the achievement gap and prepare students from low-income backgrounds for success in college and beyond. We are accomplishing that mission every day, with a college graduation rate that is well above the national average and thousands of stories of our students and alumni achieving their dreams.

Job Description

Performing arts teachers at Uncommon Schools train communication skill through musical theatre.  They hold responsibility for the implementation of Uncommon Schools’ performing arts curriculum and the success of its students.  

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

The Performing Arts teacher’s responsibilities fall under 3 categories: teaching, producing theatrical and community events and supporting/building the school culture.

  • Teaching:
    • Teach Uncommon School’s Performing Arts musical theatre curriculum which involves music, acting and movement (at Uncommon Schools this curriculum is already planned and written, so teacher is responsible to implement it)
    • Implement curricula and activities to meet grade level performing arts standards
    • Collaborate with our Performing Arts Team in curriculum development process.
    • Provide consistent rewards and/or consequences for student behavior.
  • Producing:
    • Direct and produce school productions annually (Community Circle, Latino Cultural Show, Black History Show, Spring Musical and Moving Up Ceremony for every grade level annually)
    • Adapt scripts annually
    • Create or order costumes, sets, props when needed
    • Assign and label all costumes for each performance, adapt costumes to each class (which changes annually and per show)
    • Supervise and craft production elements such as lights, sound, set.
  • School Culture and Daily School Activities:
    • Produce and oversee the school’s Community Circle. This involves organizing all traffic patterns, chants, cheers, drummers, mascots, flags, working with principal to rehearse and prepare all students. 
    • Oversee breakfast for students daily, greeting students, visitors and assisting with the start of the day.
    • Assisting around the school when not teaching if needed
    • Share responsibility for grade-level and school-wide activities
    • Commit to continual professional growth, participating actively in department meetings, faculty meetings, and other meetings if requested 
    • Participate in an annual three-week staff orientation and training in August

Qualifications

  • Musical theater skills (singing, acting and moving) and ability to model all 3 content areas
  • Some production skills preferred such as producing, playwriting, directing, or technical support.
  •  Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player.
  • Bachelor’s degree is required with GPA 3.0 or higher. 
  • Professional experience on stage is preferred.
  • Strong desire to teach in an urban public school or charter school setting
  • Willingness to teach using Uncommon teaching methods is required.

Valid NJ Certification is helpful but not required.  

Belief in and alignment with Uncommon Schools’ core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable.

Additional Information

Uncommon Schools offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package.  Aside from extensive professional development, all our staff members are equipped with a laptop computer, email, and all necessary supplies.

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive.  We are committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. At the same time, we work to ensure an inclusive community through creating a space for important dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students.  As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.