Theater Teacher

Worcester Academy, Worcester, MA

Exempt/Non-exempt: Exempt

Schedule: Academic calendar

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

We are looking for a teacher who is committed to the ideals and joys of teaching middle school students and who can inspire a love of learning in their students through the development and application of thoughtful, meaningful learning experiences for students.

Our Middle School academic theater program is a hands-on introduction to theater practice; we currently include improvisation, scene study, puppetry and mask. Our goal is to enable self-exploration and expression through the arts. To that end our Visual and Performing Arts faculty work together as a team. The MS theater teacher is entrusted with developing and leading classes and two extra-curricular productions that further our goal. An assistant director, technical director, costume designer , and music director round out the creative team for productions. Our program draws on the skill set of each teacher; the specifics of what is taught are not as important as the opportunity for personal growth created for our students.

The successful teacher in this role will also understand the value of working cooperatively and collaboratively with adults in a team-based setting as well as have the ability to work independently. We are looking for an educator who embraces a growth mindset for their own professional development and who can help students to do the same. Flexibility and a commitment to your own learning are integral to success working with this age level and in this setting!

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND KEY OBJECTIVES

• Teach three sections of Middle School Theater Arts and a Middle School Elective.
• Develop units and lessons that support the goals of the WA VPA Department and the Middle School program.
• Support student learning through project-based, multi-modal approaches to teaching and learning.
• Maintain discipline in accordance with student handbook and team and division agreements.
• Provide appropriate feedback on student work and in term reports.
• Complete grading, comments and progress reports in a timely manner.
• Serve as the academic and developmental advisor to a small group of middle school students.
• WA Faculty are required to advise or co-advise two qualifying student activities. At this time, the MS Theater Arts Teacher fulfills this requirement by directing two Middle School Theater productions each academic year.
• Attend required meetings (team, faculty, department, parent).
• Fulfill duties of supervising lunch, recess, and social activities (chaperone at least 2 Middle School social activities each semester).

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain classroom and shared spaces as conducive to teaching, learning, and working.
• Maintain daily student attendance and adhere to tardiness procedures.
• Attend and participate in school trips.
• Maintain mature and age appropriate judgment and boundaries.
• Demonstrate a commitment to professional development and integration of new learning into practice.
• Follow accident & illness procedures.
• Participate in all safety drills, including fire, lockdown and evacuation.
• Represent the school and what it stands for positively at public events, admissions events, community events, development events, etc., some of which take place outside of the regular school day and calendar.
• Develop and sustain relationships with colleagues that benefit their students and further one another’s professional growth.
• Develop and sustain relationships with parents that support each student's well-being and increasing autonomy.
• Serve as a role model for students and colleagues.
• Affirm and defend the dignity and worth of each member of the community and maintain an environment that fosters respect.
• Other duties as assigned by the Division Head and Department Chair

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Theater, Fine Arts Education, or​ Education
• Preferred: Master’s degree in Theater, Fine Arts Education, or Education​

Experience

• at least 2-3 years’ experience in teaching Theater Arts/Drama at the middle school level.
• scaffolding and differentiation of content and skills, including executive functions.
• classroom organization and management.
• innovative and project-based curriculum design and pedagogy.
• multicultural curriculum design and pedagogy.
• collaboration with colleagues.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• demonstrated ability to prepare cohesive teaching units and daily lesson plans.
• knowledge of best practices in multicultural curriculum and pedagogy.
• demonstrated skill in working with students and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• ability to apply best practices for integrating technology into curriculum and pedagogy.
• ability to implement problem-based learning and assessment.
• an understanding of the value of working cooperatively and collaboratively with adults in a team-based setting and the ability to do so.
• ability to work independently.
• ability to communicate tactfully, thoughtfully, and in modes appropriate to the audience.
• flexibility.
• a commitment to one’s own learning and professional development

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

• Middle School faculty are supervised in curriculum and pedagogy through the partnership of the Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair and the Head of the Middle School.
• Middle School faculty are supervised in the execution of critical duties by the Head of the Middle School.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work full-time and maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Ability to move throughout the campus during all weather conditions.
• Ability to effectively communicate in person and digitally with faculty, staff, parents, students and external contacts.