Lower School Creative Drama Teacher
Position Title: Lower School Creative Drama Teacher
Date Modified: January 2026
Reports to: Director of Fine Arts
Position Purpose: Responsible for student instruction for Lower School Performing Arts classes and performances. Creates a well-rounded, comprehensive instructional program that reflects best practice through inquiry and research-based instruction.
Work Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Some seasonal after-school rehearsals. Available nights and weekends, as necessary
Work Calendar: School Year
Description
The Lower School Creative Drama instructor teaches Lower School performing arts courses with a
focus on drama and movement. While primarily responsible for Lower School instruction, this position supports arts programming throughout the St. Francis Fine Arts Department. The teacher works closely with other faculty members to create interdisciplinary units and courses that align with and complement Lower School programming. Responsibilities may include various performances throughout the year, such as theatrical performances, open houses, and development events.
Essential Functions and Tasks
- Teach Lower School arts classes and electives to K-4 students.
- Teach and support the Fine Arts department in all divisions as needed.
- Under the guidance of the Director of Fine Arts and Head of Lower School, curate and implement an arts curriculum focused on the essential skills of voice, movement, expression, collaboration, and ensemble building.
- Provide an orderly and interactive classroom environment that supports a creative learning process.
- Work collaboratively with specialists, administration, and faculty to foster a positive work environment grounded in a growth mindset.
- Coordinate opportunities for presentations and various performances throughout the year.
- Attend and participate in Arts Department and division meetings.
- Demonstrate flexibility and enthusiasm to work outside of traditional school hours (after-school and weekends) to fulfill rehearsal and performance expectations.
- Provide a safe and joyful learning environment.
- Participate in student-centered assessment and reporting.
- Serve as a mentor and advocate for students and colleagues.
- Use differentiated instruction and integrate technology in the curriculum.
- Maintain course web pages and use student management software.
- Attend admissions-related and Fine Arts events.
- Fulfill duties assigned by the Head of School and supervisors.
- Participate in professional growth and evaluation programs.
- Maintain alignment with school mission and strategic plans.
- Assist in faculty recruitment and onboarding.
- Assessed through the Professional Growth and Evaluation Program.
- Represent and promote the school in a positive manner at various school events.
- Develop, research, and attend professional development.
- Employee may be required to work remotely, participate in an on-call rotation schedule, as determined by the employer’s sole discretion.
- Performs other tasks and duties as assigned by the Head of School and the Director of Fine Arts.
- This job description is intended to describe the basic, critical elements of the job and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job.
- This job description does not constitute a contract. It may be modified or amended at any time as determined in the employer’s sole discretion.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred, or equivalent professional experience.
- Professional experience in Performing Arts preferred.
- Experience teaching multiple performing arts disciplines
- Proven ability to serve as director for theatrical productions.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience teaching in an independent school environment is preferred.
- Demonstrates leadership and facilitative skills, including the ability to relate effectively with administrators, operations staff, colleagues, parents, and students.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
- Occasionally lift 50 pounds.
- Standard office conditions and climate.
- May work in varied extreme outside weather conditions during school events, special activities, and fundraising events.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, dealing with a wide variety of challenges and deadlines.
- May work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time.
- Ability to stoop, bend, kneel, stand, walk, and reach.