Job Description

High School Performing Arts Teacher at Uncommon Schools summary:

High School Performing Arts Teachers at Uncommon Schools deliver culturally responsive instruction in acting, dancing, and singing, fostering students' communication skills and self-confidence. They direct annual theater productions, manage performance logistics, and collaborate on curriculum development to reflect and enhance school culture. The role emphasizes supporting students' social-emotional growth while promoting a respectful and inclusive environment.

Company Description

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!

Job Description

Uncommon High School Performing Arts Teachers foster a love for learning in every student. Our Performing Arts program is culturally-responsive, fast-paced, and fun—with plenty of acting, dancing, and singing in every lesson. Teachers cultivate communication skills and build student self-confidence by sharing their expertise in musical theater. We have built a community that encourages respect, hard work, and celebrates our students academic and nonacademic achievements. Our performance based program goal is to train students to express their authentic unique selves with confidence.

Responsibilities

1. Instruction

• You'll create an environment where students feel empowered to express themselves through song, dance, and drama.
• You'll help build students' confidence by teaching them enunciation, projecting voices, and public speaking.
• You'll orchestrate culturally relevant in-class theatre activities. 
• You'll collaborate with fellow performing arts teachers to develop a network-wide curriculum. 

2. Producing

• You'll direct annual productions that enhance and reflect school culture.
• You'll review scripts annually.
• You'll create or order costumes, production sets, and props when needed.
• You'll craft production elements such as lights, sound, and set. 

3. School Culture and Daily School Activities

• You’ll build positive relationships with students to ensure they feel seen, loved, and heard. 
• You’ll partner with students’ families to ensure appropriate resources are available to support their child's learning needs.
• You'll engage in practice-based professional development, mentorship, and coaching sessions.
• You’ll support morning arrival, lunch duty, student assemblies, class transitions, and after-school dismissal.

Qualifications

• A commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools and investment in our vision for being an anti-racist organization
• A demonstrated commitment to supporting students’ social emotional and academic development
• An enthusiasm for collaborating with internal and external partners in the best interest of students
• A passion for musical theatre (singing, acting, and dancing) and an ability to provide individual and small group instruction 
• A self-directed learner who solicits and implements feedback to improve outcomes and achieve objectives
• Required Experience:
  • A minimum of 2 years of combined experience as a performer, producer, playwright, director, and/or technical support. 
  • Prior to the start of employment, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Certification is not required to be hired at Uncommon, but you do need to meet NY state certification eligibility requirements. To meet these requirements, you must enroll in a teacher preparation program and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher during your employment with us if you do not have a degree in education. Uncommon Schools teachers are required to become certified in the state of New York within a reasonable period after beginning employment.

Additional Information

Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent. 

Compensation

Compensation for this role is between $50,000 to $64,700. Most candidates who meet job description requirements will receive an offer of $50,000 - $54,100. 

Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant professional development, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. 

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
  • 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE .

At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.

Keywords:

performing arts teacher, high school education, musical theater instruction, student confidence building, acting dancing singing, theater production direction, curriculum development, culturally responsive teaching, social-emotional support, public charter schools

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