Job Description

Uncommon Elementary 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 and 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. TEACHING:

• You'll create an environment where students feel empowered to express themselves through song, dance, and drama.
• You'll teach enunciation, projection, acting, singing, and movement through our culturally relevant performance based program.
• You'll collaborate with fellow performing arts teachers to further develop a network-wide curriculum. 
• You'll teach Uncommon Schools performing arts curriculum which involves music, acting and movement.
• You'll design, direct and produce multiple school productions annually.

2. PRODUCING:

• You'll direct annual productions that enhance and reflect school culture.
• 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:

• 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 children’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. 
• You’ll support weekly morning circles and community meetings to celebrate student accomplishments and increase school spirit.
• You'll partner with your grade level team to develop academic goals and practice instructional strategies.

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 working with families in the best interest of students 
• A self-directed learner who solicits and implements feedback to improve outcomes and achieve objectives
• A passion for musical theatre (singing, acting, and dancing) and an ability to provide individual and small group instruction
• 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. Teacher certification is not a prerequisite for consideration at Uncommon Schools in the state of NJ, but you do need to meet NJ state certification eligibility requirements (a final undergraduate or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 for graduates on or after 9/1/16, or 2.75 if you graduated prior to 9/1/16). All instructional staff are required to become certified in the state of New Jersey within a reasonable period after beginning employment.

Additional Information

Salary range for this role is between $59,000 to $74,000

Uncommon Schools believes that people are our greatest resource for achieving our mission, and our total rewards (compensation, benefits, and other recognitions) are a key lever for attracting and retaining outstanding talent with relevant expertise. As an organization, we prioritize ensuring that the way people are compensated is rewarding, strategic, and fair. New hires are offered a salary commensurate with their experience and we offer generous benefits and time off and have extensive professional development opportunities.

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building an exceptional team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. We also strive to ensure an inclusive community by creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability. 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.