MS Theater Teacher

The Middle School Program at Miami Country Day School is well-respected in our community and nationally.  Developmentally sound practices along with personalized learning experiences characterize our approach to instruction.  We nurture a passion for lifelong learning, self-confidence and leadership. We strive to make education relevant and to give our students the foundation they need for success beyond life at Miami Country Day School.

The Arts Program at Miami Country Day School is well-respected in our community and nationally.  We have a 35,000 square foot Center for the Arts with 600 seats theater/concert hall and Arts classrooms all under one roof.This venue enables the Miami Country Day community to showcase its award-winning artists, musicians, dancers and thespians. In addition, we have an amphitheater for outdoor performances.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Theater teacher will be responsible for teaching 5 sections of Middle School theater courses, directing one MS Spring Musical performance, facilitating students in Junior Thespians, academic and character advising to a group of Middle School students, and actively collaborating and participating in the Arts Department.

The successful candidate will be excited about working with Middle School students, possess excellent communication and organizational skills, and have experience with all elements of theater productions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & TASKS:

• Collaborates and creates with a team of fellow professionals for the enhancement of common artistic goals and educational experiences.
• Plans, prepares, and delivers lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning
• Uses relevant technology to support and differentiate instruction.
• Includes a variety of teaching methodologies including multiple modalities of instruction.
• Manages student behavior in the classroom by establishing community norms that support core values and procedures.
• Responsibilities inherent in teaching middle school-aged children using developmentally appropriate curriculum and fostering positive social skills and community core values.
• Works with the Grade Level Team to discuss and plan activities and student progress.
• Establishes and communicates clear objectives for all learning activities.
• Communicates effectively verbally, in writing and in person to foster a collegial relationship with all production coordinators and school personnel involved in events, programs and productions.
• Attends departmental meetings and sponsor for Junior Thespians: preparation for Districts and State
• Teach acting principles and techniques to individuals or groups: conducts readings to evaluate student's talent.
• Adapts courses of study and training methods to meet students' needs and ability.
• Teaches enunciation, diction, voice development, and dialects, using voice exercises, speech drills, explanation, lectures, and improvisation.
• Discuss and demonstrate vocal and body expression to teach acting styles, character development, and personality projection.
• Produces, directs, collaborates, and rehearse plays for school and public performances.
• Audition students to select cast and assign parts.
• Observes and evaluates student performance and development, providing timely feedback to students and their parents.
• Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic and ability backgrounds.
• Performs supervisory duties as assigned.
• Works with all faculty and teaching artists to develop and project the most positive working environment possible for the betterment of the team and for the students.

• Ability to work occasional evenings to help with events, coordinate with faculty/students on promotional materials for exhibitions and lectures.
• Must have a desire to engage in continual professional growth and to be a member of a dynamic community of learners and artists: Miami Country Day School
• Works as member of a grade level team and support one grade level overnight trip.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Bachelor’s Degree (MFA preferred) in Theater Education or related field and least 4-years theater teaching experience and directing in plays/musicals.
• Experience in leading/sponsoring Thespians preferred.
• Student-focused mindset.
• Professional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to take initiative and work well with others.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion. Must be professional at setting priorities and coping with competing demands
• Enthusiastic, flexible, patient, solution-oriented and positive demeanor
• Must be an innovator, invigorator, and visionary in working to develop and evolve the Middle School Theater Arts Curriculum.
• Embraces and actively promotes an inclusive and equitable work environment.
• Develops strong relationships with students, families, and faculty/staff and other constituents to foster a sense of belonging. 
• Ability to work on multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, ensuring on-time delivery, accuracy and end-user satisfaction is expected
• A willingness to understand and support the school’s mission and vision, as well as recognize impact the climate and culture of the school have on the work of the Arts Department.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the needs of various constituencies within the school community and the skills and attitude to deliver an exemplary experience to all.
• Work in a fast-paced, stressful environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, hand-held learning devices and other office equipment, and reach with hands and arms
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Work in varied and extreme weather conditions, including extreme heat.