Theater Teacher

The Branson School•Ross (SF Bay Area), CA

2d•$89,215 - $170,456

About The Position

We are seeking an engaging, brilliant, and joyful Theater teacher to join our team and help provide a relevant and impactful educational experience. Branson is a terrific place to work, lucky to have talented and collegial staffulty who teach bright, funny, and motivated students. Branson’s theater program provides students with a rich curricular and stage experience. The candidate should be comfortable teaching both scripted stage performance and improvisation, and have facility staging productions and performances, including a fall play, a spring musical, theatresports competitions, and performances at our annual arts event FAB (Fine Arts @ Branson). Candidates with a thoughtful vision for theater education in the 21st century are especially encouraged to apply—particularly those excited to leverage a range of pedagogical methods (such as filmmaking, screen acting, directing, devised or documentary theater) that engage students in performance as a tool for applied, interdisciplinary inquiry. The candidate may also be asked to teach in the English department depending on staffing and signups, so teachers with experience teaching English or drama as literature in discussion-based, analytical settings is a particular plus. Because the theater job is so public facing, candidates must be facile in choosing material that fits school culture, managing casting with grace and transparency, and centering the best experience for students in all of their design. Student growth is the primary goal of the Branson Arts program; we are much more focused on a rigorous and transformational process than putting on flawless performances. As such, candidates should find genuine joy in collaboration, whether providing students with leadership opportunities, working closely with the technical director to bring shows to life and manage the props and costume shops, or co-creating the narrative arc of the arts experience at Branson with the rest of the department. Not to be overly cute, but it’s a “Yes, and” position! The teacher will also serve as an advisor to a group of students in a particular grade, as well as perform an additional to-be-determined duty at the school—options include committee work, coaching (which includes a stipend), running a student club or organization etc.

Requirements

B.A. or B.S. in a related field, or equivalent experience.
Commitment to academic excellence, interdisciplinary learning, and advancing the Core Values and Strategic Plan of the school.

Nice To Haves

Prior teaching experience is ideal, but we will give serious consideration to recent graduates with strong academic credentials and a history of working with high school students.
Consideration will be given to candidates interested in coaching a sports team.
Curiosity, an appetite for collaboration, and a sense of humor are also most welcome.

Responsibilities

Teach four sections of Theater (or potentially a section of English), with three or four preparations.
Collaborate closely with the other teachers of each course to develop units, lessons and assessments.
Assist in designing the overall goals, scope and sequence of the theater curriculum.
Stress effective oral and written communication in all classes and encourage careful listening skills, especially those specific to the theater discipline.
Create a safe and inclusive classroom environment.
Treat all students equitably, be sincerely interested in them as individuals, and make a priority of responding to their needs.
Hold high expectations for all students and communicate these expectations clearly and regularly.
Hold students accountable for their actions and their learning.
Engage and encourage students in the active process of learning.
Incorporate appropriate and varied methods, materials, and technologies into teaching; have curiosity about how the technology of the moment (including AI) may impact assessment design.
Give timely, meaningful, and personal feedback on student performance and participation.
Regularly communicate with the department chair, administration and parents about student progress and concerns as they arise.
Serve as a faculty advisor to a group of 8-10 students.
Attend all assemblies, faculty meetings, department meetings and required school events.
Perform an additional extra-curricular duty approved by the school -- advising a student organization, serving on a committee, etc. Candidates interested in coaching a sport are especially encouraged to apply.
Respond to evaluations from supervisors and students professionally and constructively.
Be available to meet with students outside of class to provide academic, emotional, and mentoring support.