Elementary Performing Arts Teacher

Uncommon Schools • Newark, NJ

1d • $60,000 - $85,000

About The Position

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!
ROLE
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. This performance-based program, which teaches during the school day, ensures that students perform multiple times annually.
Our Performing Arts Mission Statement: Uncommon NSA-CP Performing Arts team is an inclusive collective of anti-racist artist activists, dedicated to closing the opportunity gap by training confident communicators through theatre, music, and dance. By building a comprehensive communication toolkit, scholars will be able to express their authentic voices with confidence, seize opportunity, choose their own path and become agents of change.

Requirements

• Musical theater skills (singing, acting and moving) and ability to model all 3 content areas.
• Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player.
• Bachelor’s degree is required with GPA 3.0 or higher.
• Strong desire to teach in an Uncommon Schools setting
• Willingness to teach using Uncommon teaching methods is required.
• Belief in and alignment with Uncommon Schools’ core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable.

Nice To Haves

• Some production skills preferred such as producing, playwriting, directing, or technical support.
• Professional experience on stage is preferred.
• Valid NJ Certification is helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

• Teach Uncommon School’s Performing Arts musical theatre curriculum which involves music, acting and movement (at Uncommon Schools much of this curriculum is already planned and written, so teacher is responsible to implement it, or select from show options depending on show)
• Implement curricula and activities to meet grade level performing arts standards
• Collaborate with our Performing Arts Team in curriculum development process.
• Direct and produce school productions annually ( can include: Community Circle, Latinx & Hispanic 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 costumes/adapt annually.
• Supervise and craft production elements such as lights, sound, set.
• 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
• Crafting new performance content pieces with PA team and Dean to add to shows, sharing across program.
• Supporting with creation of curriculum materials to be shared across program.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer).
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA)
• New Jersey Pension program
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level