PYP Drama Teacher

Location: Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School – Bethlehem, PA
Position Type: Full-Time
Grade Levels: Kindergarten–Grade 5

Position Overview

Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School (LVA), an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, is seeking a creative and collaborative PYP Drama Teacher to join our K–5 instructional team.

The PYP Drama Teacher will provide engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction in drama and performing arts while supporting the inquiry-based philosophy of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). Through storytelling, role-play, improvisation, movement, and performance, students will develop creativity, confidence, communication skills, empathy, and an appreciation for the performing arts.

The ideal candidate understands that drama is both an artistic discipline and a powerful vehicle for inquiry, helping students explore concepts, perspectives, and real-world connections. This position includes the instructional and professional responsibilities of a K–5 teacher, with a specialized focus on drama education.

Key Responsibilities

Drama and Performing Arts Instruction

• Design and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate drama instruction for students in Kindergarten through Grade 5.
• Introduce students to the fundamental elements of drama, including character development, expression, movement, voice, storytelling, and performance.
• Facilitate activities such as role-play, improvisation, mime, drama circles, freeze-frames, readers' theatre, and collaborative performances.
• Guide students through the creative process of developing, presenting, responding to, and reflecting on dramatic works.
• Foster confidence, creativity, self-expression, collaboration, and responsible risk-taking in a supportive learning environment.
• Differentiate instruction to accommodate varying developmental levels, abilities, learning styles, and language proficiencies.
• Organize and support age-appropriate performances and opportunities for students to share their learning with the school community.

IB Primary Years Programme Integration

• Design and facilitate inquiry-based learning experiences that reflect the philosophy and framework of the IB Primary Years Programme.
• Collaborate with grade-level teachers and the PYP Coordinator to meaningfully integrate drama into transdisciplinary units of inquiry.
• Use drama to help students investigate central ideas, explore different perspectives, develop conceptual understanding, and make connections across subject areas.
• Incorporate the IB Learner Profile, approaches to learning (ATL), student agency, and reflection into instruction.
• Develop learning experiences that encourage students to think critically, ask questions, communicate ideas, and demonstrate understanding through creative expression.
• Participate in collaborative planning, curriculum development, and ongoing implementation of the PYP framework.

Teaching and Classroom Responsibilities

• Develop and implement instructional plans aligned with applicable Pennsylvania academic standards, the IB PYP framework, and LVA's curriculum expectations.
• Establish a positive, inclusive, and structured classroom environment that promotes student engagement, respectful collaboration, and appropriate behavior.
• Assess student learning through observation, performance-based assessments, student reflection, and other appropriate assessment practices.
• Maintain accurate records of student progress and provide meaningful feedback to students and families.
• Use instructional strategies that support the academic, social, emotional, and creative development of elementary students.
• Collaborate with special education teachers, English language development teachers, specialists, and other instructional staff to meet diverse student needs.
• Maintain appropriate student supervision and safety practices during instruction, rehearsals, and performances.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with students, families, colleagues, and school administrators.
• Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, school activities, and other responsibilities associated with a full-time teaching position.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Theatre, Drama, Performing Arts, or a related field.
• Experience working with elementary-aged children in an educational, theatrical, or performing arts setting.
• Demonstrated understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate instructional practices.
• Strong classroom management, communication, organizational, and collaborative skills.
• Ability to design and deliver engaging, inclusive learning experiences for students in Grades K–5.
• Willingness to learn and implement the philosophy and instructional practices of the IB Primary Years Programme.

Preferred

• Pennsylvania teaching certification in Elementary Education, a PA Theatre Endorsement, or certification in another relevant instructional area preferred.
• Experience teaching drama, theatre, performing arts, or creative movement to elementary-aged students.
• Previous experience teaching in an IB Primary Years Programme school or familiarity with inquiry-based and concept-driven instruction.
• Experience integrating performing arts into interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary learning.
• Experience coordinating student performances or theatrical productions.
• Familiarity with differentiated instruction and inclusive classroom practices.

Ideal Candidate

We are seeking an educator who:

• Believes that drama and the performing arts play an essential role in developing the whole child.
• Views drama as an opportunity to deepen conceptual understanding and promote meaningful inquiry.
• Engages young learners through imagination, movement, storytelling, and hands-on experiences.
• Collaborates effectively with classroom teachers to create authentic connections between drama and units of inquiry.
• Values student voice, choice, creativity, and reflection.
• Creates an environment where students feel safe exploring new ideas, expressing themselves, and taking creative risks.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm for contributing to a collaborative, internationally minded school community.

Salary : $58,000 - $60,750