Clinton, New York
Madison, Wisconsin
West Chester, Pennsylvania
Posted: 13-Feb-23
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Type: Full Time
Required Education:
Winchester Thurston School, a Junior Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 independent school in Pittsburgh, announces an opening for a full-time Upper School Theater Arts Teacher beginning in the 2023-24 school year. Winchester Thurston School faculty members are expected to actively engage students through a rigorous curriculum, which includes developmentally appropriate experiential learning programs in connection with the dynamic resources of the region through a nationally recognized initiative called City as Our Campus. Our faculty members lead the way in educational innovation, rigorous academics, scholarly standards, and a learning environment that prepares students for the challenges of a changing world in the twenty-first century.
The Upper School Theater Arts Teacher provides instruction and supervision primarily for students in grades 9 - 12. The individual in this position must understand and respond to the unique needs of students, fostering in each student a sense of confidence, ethics, responsibility and respect for others. The Upper School Theater Arts Teacher performs under the general direction of the Head of School and under the daily supervision of the Director of Upper School. The individual in this position will work closely with the Director of Upper School, Chair and members of the Performing Arts Department, and other faculty members, students, and parents.
Responsibilities
- Teach two Upper School theater classes (or a combination of theater and English classes, depending on qualifications/experience/interest of candidate and needs of school) per semester, managing curriculum, discipline and classroom community and environment
- Plan and execute lessons in the context of a semester-long departmental curriculum using varied methods of instruction and assessment in accordance with departmental competencies and the school’s educational philosophy
- Select, plan, manage, and direct three theatrical performances: An Evening of One Act Plays, a Winter Play, and a Spring Musical. Rehearsals for these performances are after regular school hours
- Communicate with and respond to parents’ questions and concerns in an effective and timely manner through a variety of means, including email, telephone, student progress reports, and parent notices
- Complete student assessment reports (e.g., grades reports, interim comments, etc.) in accordance with school guidelines and the deadlines established by the Director of Upper School
- Collaborate closely with Performing Arts Department colleagues to design assessments and activities that align with the department’s outcomes
- Work as a team member with teaching colleagues and administrators by attending all school-wide meetings, department meetings, Upper School faculty meetings, and in-service days, as well as serving on committees as needed
- Be available throughout the school day to provide instructional support to students both in and out of class, as needed, to answer questions regarding content
- Demonstrate enthusiasm for and engagement in the school’s:
o City as Our Campus initiative, actively seeking meaningful community connections for experiential learning opportunities within and outside the classroom
o Commitment to equity and inclusion, including but not limited to, curriculum, teaching practice, and professional growth
o Strategic priorities through designing and implementing learning experiences that are interdisciplinary, student-centered, and/or project-based
- Participate in a two-year mentoring program with an experienced faculty member
- Commit to ongoing professional growth and play an active role in the formative development process, which includes, but is not limited to, participating in goal setting, engaging in constant reflection, participation and contribution to collaborative curricular and professional learning groups, and participating in the peer observation process
- Assist the admission process by meeting with prospective families, attending admission events, and helping screen prospective candidates for admission
- Fulfill duties that are connected with non-academic responsibilities, including but not limited to serving as an advisor, monitoring study halls, chaperoning after-school events or grade-level trips, providing coverage for absent colleagues, as needed, and other assignments
- Perform other duties as assigned
Winchester Thurston School is an equal opportunity employer. WT is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic community and strongly encourages applications from people of color, LGBTQ candidates, and women.
Qualifications
- A Bachelor's degree, preferably in Theater Education is required; a Master’s degree is preferred
- Theatrical performance experience is required, preferably in all genres
- Experience directing theatrical productions, including managing any adult production team members who might be needed: music director, choreographer, lighting/sound designer, and/or set designer/builder
- Experience teaching in a school setting
- Strong verbal and written communication skills as well as the ability to collaborate and work effectively with students, colleagues and parents
- Ability to create an interesting and challenging learning environment for students
- Demonstrated ability to meet the needs of a diverse student population and to utilize technology in the classroom is required
- Educational philosophy that is consistent with that of the School
Applicants may apply at https://www.applitrack.com/winchesterthurston/onlineapp and will need to submit a cover letter, resume and the names and contact information for 3 professional references.