Theatre/Dance Teaching Artist Position

Part time; Salary range $30-$36/hr; Hourly Exempt

The educational program at Sussex School offers an enriching educational atmosphere that supports critical thinking, creativity, courage, and citizenship in its students and teachers. Faculty and staff are highly engaged and enjoy the flexibility, autonomy, and creativity associated with progressive education. In addition, successful Sussex School teachers are lifelong learners who are reflective about their practice, find ways to bring ‘real-life’ into their classrooms, have a ready sense of humor, enjoy and value the arts and outdoors, and seek out professional development and leadership opportunities.

: At Sussex School, the arts are an integral part of a student’s learning experience. We encourage students to explore the creative process, practice critical thinking, and employ courage in the visual and performing arts through three main disciplines: visual arts, music, and theatre/dance.

The Sussex School Theatre program is dedicated to staying current and connected to the world through innovation and exploration. While our students are learning to express ideas and emotions through story, they are also learning about connection, awareness, identity, trust, and respect. Students are encouraged to investigate all points of view and multiple avenues of communication both on and off stage. At Sussex, we value creativity, critical thinking, and open, clear, honest communication. The skills acquired through the study of theatre arts support this strongly.

The Sussex School Theater Program examines the use of voice, sharing focus, collaboration, creative movement, and story structure. We do this through storytelling, learning to take a walk in someone else’s shoes (empathy), and improvisational play. In K–4th grades, we weave our theatre learning in with our academia/classroom curriculum through an integrated arts model.

: The theatre/dance teacher instructs 1st–4th-grade students in six-week blocks of time. The theatre/dance teacher serves as a guide for creative instruction and works to integrate student voice and choice into their theatre education. As a valued team member, this position is expected to collaborate with other teachers to integrate subject matter and bring real-world learning into the classroom. The position will include in-school theatre/dance programming for 1st–4th-grade students, several extended-day-program learning opportunities for students, monthly open mic support, and performance support.

Extended-Day: The theatre/dance department offers a wide variety of extended-day programs to Sussex and non-Sussex students. These offerings range from full-scale musicals to community plays, to day-long workshops. This position is responsible for up to five extended-day classes per eight-week session.

Position Break Down

• 1st–4th grade theatre/dance teacher Sussex School
• Equivalent to five extended-day programs per session
• Four day-long workshops in the school year
• Minimum of 10 Spark Residencies in the year
• Mentoring and Training with senior arts staff

Specific responsibilities include:

• Design, record, and deliver curriculum for students
• Maintain, create, and contribute to student portfolios
• Organize and participate in family conferences and student reporting
• Deliver weekly written communication to parents
• Collaborate, communicate, and plan with colleagues regarding students, curriculum, and pedagogy
• Participate in staff, team, and Faculty Inquiry Group meetings and responsibilities
• Samling participation
• Provide lunch and recess supervision
• Follow accommodation plans for students as necessary
• Check Monday.com twice every week before staff meetings
• Read discipline updates regularly
• Participate in staff workdays distributed throughout the year including prep days, PD days, portfolio days, check-out days, and last staff days
• Attend school events (including back-to-school night/curriculum night, community meetings, open house/tours, annual fundraiser, Sussex graduation)
• Support NWAIS accreditation work
• Support the implementation of the strategic plan
• Attain certification in First Aid/CPR and other risk management trainings as required
• Arrive and leave 10 min before/after a scheduled class or meeting

Minimum Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively using strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong classroom management skills
• Ability to manage and guide student behavior
• Strong planning and time management skills
• Ability to assess student progress and performance
• Knowledge of Google Suite apps: Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Calendar, Sites, Pages, Classroom, and Forms
• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds
• Ability to walk up a flight of stairs

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in education or related field
• 3–5 years of teaching experience in a classroom setting
• Experience with a progressive educational approach
• Experience that demonstrates collaboration and teamwork

If you wish to join our fun and hardworking team, please send a cover letter, résumé, and three references to Arts Director Josh Davis at . The job includes a full benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement, and PTO.

Sussex School is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to diversity as a core value. We support equal access and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. Candidates from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $30.00 - $36.00 per hour

Work setting:

• In-person

Experience:

• Teaching: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person