Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 320,000 students in 600 schools and employing nearly 40,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

Located within the Office of Teaching & Learning, the Department of Arts Education (DAE) champions high-quality arts education by providing arts learning opportunities for students, strengthening teacher and administrator capacity, and promoting policies that expand equitable access to the arts for all students.

Job Summary:

The All-City Performing Arts Program provides students from any Chicago Public School (grades 3-12) with opportunities to participate in performing arts ensembles offering rigorous arts instruction and access to diverse artistic disciplines. Dance, music, and theater ensembles are formed through audition or application, with priority enrollment given to students who do not have access to in-school arts education at their home schools.

All-City Performing Arts (ACPA) Ensemble Leads are responsible for preparing cohesive lessons that prepare students in an ensemble for culminating performances in Winter 2023 and late Spring 2024. Ensemble leads will teach for 2 hours each Saturday and receive 1 additional hour of pay to account for planning time. This part-time position is compensated on an hourly basis.

The Department of Arts Education reserves the right to hire co-leads for ensembles. The final number of candidates hired will be determined by budget and student enrollment.

The part-time/temporary ACPA Ensemble Lead will be held accountable for responsibilities including:

• Conduct an equitable recruitment process to attract and invite students across the city to participate in the All-City Performance Arts Program.
• Monitor, document and communicate weekly student attendance in two locations: a Google attendance sheet and in ASPEN Out-of-School Time Module.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with the Site Director/Student Programs Coordinator, Department of Arts Education staff, other Ensemble leads, parents, and students to provide relevant program information and updates.
• Select and create a culturally relevant performance repertoire with a student-centered lens by actively soliciting student input, feedback, and assistance during repertoire development, rehearsal, and performance.
• Support preparation before showcase performances including, but not limited to: run-of-show rehearsals, preparing and loading instruments, etc.
• Appropriately manage student behavior in alignment with the CPS Student Code of Conduct.
• Other duties as assigned.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the part-time/temporary ACPA Ensemble Lead must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in an artistically related field from an accredited college or university is required
• Valid standard teaching certificate (Professional Educator License) issued by the Illinois State Board of Education is required; endorsement in an Arts focus area is preferred.

Experience Required:

• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in education, including the following, is required:
• Minimum of one (1) year of professional experience at a non-CPS arts educator/organization that regularly works with K-12 students in either an arts partnership or college/university setting
• Minimum of at least 1 year of instructional experience as a classroom teacher is preferred
• Experience preparing large student ensembles for public performances ispreferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• An unwavering belief that all students can achieve at high levels.
• Demonstrated content expertise in at least one of the following arts disciplines: Music, Dance, or Theatre.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with G Suite applications (Google Drive, Calendar, Docs, and Sheets).
• Strong communication skills (speaking, listening, and writing), including prompt communication with program administrators
• Strong leadership and team-building skills.

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.
• Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 - Unless approved for a medical or religious exemption, all employees are required to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and to submit proof of vaccination to the district within 30 days of hire. “Up-to-date” on vaccination is defined as being at least two weeks past all primary vaccine doses and any applicable boosters.