Elementary Performing Arts Teacher

Uncommon Schools, Inc.; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Uncommon Schools seeks a Performing Arts Teacher to train students in musical theatre, implementing a comprehensive curriculum focused on communication skills. The role involves teaching, producing school events, and fostering a positive school culture. Candidates should possess strong musical theater skills and a Bachelor’s degree.

Benefits

Generous paid time off

Extensive training and development

Comprehensive health insurance

Paid leave of absence options

Mental health and counseling support

Qualifications

• Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player.
• Bachelor’s degree is required with GPA 3.0 or higher.
• Professional experience on stage is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach Uncommon School’s Performing Arts musical theatre curriculum.
• Direct and produce school productions annually.
• Produce and oversee the school’s Community Circle.

Skills

Musical theater skills

Self-motivation

Team player

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Producing

Playwriting

Directing

Job 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

ROLE

Performing arts teachers at Uncommon Schools train communication skill through musical theatre. They hold responsibility for the implementation of Uncommon Schools’ performing arts curriculum and the success of its students. This performance-based program, which teaches during the school day, ensures that students perform multiple times annually.

Our Performing Arts Mission Statement: Uncommon NSA-CP Performing Arts team is an inclusive collective of anti-racist artist activists, dedicated to closing the opportunity gap by training confident communicators through theatre, music, and dance. By building a comprehensive communication toolkit, scholars will be able to express their authentic voices with confidence, seize opportunity, choose their own path and become agents of change.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

The Performing Arts teacher’s responsibilities fall under 3 categories: teaching, producing theatrical and community events and supporting/building the school culture.

Teaching:

Teach Uncommon School’s Performing Arts musical theatre curriculum which involves music, acting and movement (at Uncommon Schools much of this curriculum is already planned and written, so teacher is responsible to implement it, or select from show options depending on show)

Implement curricula and activities to meet grade level performing arts standards

Collaborate with our Performing Arts Team in curriculum development process.

Producing:

Direct and produce school productions annually ( can include: Community Circle, Latinx & Hispanic Show, Black History Show, Spring Musical and Moving Up Ceremony for every grade level annually)

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.

School Culture and Daily School Activities:

Produce and oversee the school’s Community Circle. This involves organizing all traffic patterns, chants, cheers, drummers, mascots, flags, working with principal to rehearse and prepare all students.

Oversee breakfast for students daily, greeting students, visitors and assisting with the start of the day.

Assisting 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

Writing:

Crafting new performance content pieces with PA team and Dean to add to shows, sharing across program.

Supporting with creation of curriculum materials to be shared across program.

Qualifications

Musical theater skills (singing, acting and moving) and ability to model all 3 content areas.

Some production skills preferred such as producing, playwriting, directing, or technical support.

Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player.

Bachelor’s degree is required with GPA 3.0 or higher.

Professional experience on stage is preferred.

Strong desire to teach in an Uncommon Schools setting

Willingness to teach using Uncommon teaching methods is required.

Valid NJ Certification is helpful but not required.

Belief in and alignment with Uncommon Schools’ core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable.

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 $60,000 to $85,000.

Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant full-time teaching experience, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Candidates without full-time Teaching experience will likely have a starting salary of $60,000.

* The range above represents our compensation scales for the 2025-2026 school year. If starting prior to June 30th, 2025, compensation will be based on a slightly lower range, reflective of current compensation scales. New hires who fall into this category will see an increase in their compensation starting on July 1st, 2025 for next school year which aligns to the scale above.

• 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)
• 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 [emailprotected] .