Elementary Performing Arts Teacher

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

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Best-in-class training and development

Comprehensive health insurance

Job summary

A nonprofit charter school network is seeking a Performing Arts Teacher to deliver a curriculum that encompasses music, acting, and movement. Responsibilities include teaching students, directing annual productions, and participating in community activities. The ideal candidate should possess strong musical theatre skills, a Bachelor's degree, and demonstrate a commitment to Uncommon Schools' educational philosophy. This role offers a competitive salary and benefits package aimed at retaining top talent.

Qualifications

• Proven skills in singing, acting, and movement across musical theatre.
• Experience with production elements like directing and technical support is preferred.
• Strong desire to teach using Uncommon Schools' methods.

Responsibilities

• Teach the performing arts curriculum focusing on music, acting, and movement.
• Direct and produce annual school productions.
• Oversee the Community Circle and assist in school daily activities.

Skills

Musical theatre skills

Production skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

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

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 theatre 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.

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
  • New Jersey Pension program
• 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.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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 [e-mail].