Elementary Performing Arts Teacher

Uncommon Schools • Newark, NJ

8h • $60,000 - $85,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Uncommon Schools is seeking Performing Arts Teachers to train students in communication skills through musical theatre. This role involves implementing the Performing Arts curriculum, ensuring students perform multiple times annually, and contributing to a mission focused on developing confident communicators and agents of change through theatre, music, and dance. The program is performance-based and operates during the school day.

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.
• 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.
• Strong desire to teach in an Uncommon Schools setting.
• Valid NJ Certification is helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

• Teach Uncommon School’s Performing Arts musical theatre curriculum which involves music, acting and movement.
• Implement curricula and activities to meet grade level performing arts standards.
• Collaborate with the Performing Arts Team in curriculum development process.
• Direct and produce school productions annually (e.g., Community Circle, Latinx & Hispanic Show, Black History Show, Spring Musical, Moving Up Ceremony).
• 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, including organizing traffic patterns, chants, cheers, drummers, mascots, flags, and rehearsing with students.
• Oversee breakfast for students daily, greeting students, visitors and assisting with the start of the day.
• Assist 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.
• Craft new performance content pieces with the PA team and Dean to add to shows, sharing across the program.
• Support the creation of curriculum materials to be shared across the 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).
• Financial Planning.
• 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: Mid Level