Job Description

Join Our Team at Uncommon Schools!

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. With locations in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are on a mission to close the college completion gap and prepare every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks , showcasing our commitment to their success. We invest deeply in our educators , offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

About the Role

As a Performing Arts Teacher at Uncommon High School, you will inspire a love for learning in every student. Our Performing Arts program is culturally responsive, fast-paced, and fun—filled with acting, dancing, and singing in every lesson. You will cultivate communication skills and build student self-confidence through your expertise in musical theater. Join a community that encourages respect, hard work, and celebrates both academic and non-academic achievements. Our goal is to empower students to express their authentic selves with confidence!

Key Responsibilities

1. Instruction

• Create an environment where students feel empowered to express themselves through song, dance, and drama.
• Build students' confidence by teaching enunciation, voice projection, and public speaking.
• Orchestrate culturally relevant in-class theatre activities.
• Collaborate with fellow performing arts teachers to develop a cohesive network-wide curriculum.

2. Producing

• Direct annual productions that enhance and reflect school culture.
• Review scripts annually to ensure relevance and engagement.
• Create or order costumes, production sets, and props as needed.
• Craft production elements such as lights, sound, and set design.

3. School Culture and Daily Activities

• Build positive relationships with students to ensure they feel seen, loved, and heard.
• Partner with students’ families to provide appropriate resources for their learning needs.
• Engage in practice-based professional development, mentorship, and coaching sessions.
• Support morning arrival, lunch duty, student assemblies, class transitions, and after-school dismissal.

Qualifications

• A commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools and a dedication to being an anti-racist organization.
• A demonstrated commitment to supporting students’ social, emotional, and academic development.
• An enthusiasm for collaborating with internal and external partners in the best interest of students.
• A passion for musical theatre (singing, acting, and dancing) with the ability to provide individual and small group instruction.
• A self-directed learner who actively seeks and implements feedback to improve outcomes.
• Required Experience:
  • A minimum of 2 years of combined experience as a performer, producer, playwright, director, and/or technical support.
  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required prior to employment. Certification is not mandatory at hiring, but you must meet NY state certification eligibility requirements.

Why Join Us?

Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity and fairness, aiming to attract and retain top talent.

Compensation

The salary for this role ranges from $50,000 to $64,700 . Most candidates who meet the job requirements will receive an offer between $50,000 - $54,100 . Starting pay is determined based on various factors, including relevant professional development, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer).
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development opportunities.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans, along with pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health savings accounts (HSA).
• Financial Planning: 403(b) retirement savings program with employer match.
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.).
• Mental health and counseling support, plus wellness benefits.

*A detailed list of all benefits is available upon request.

At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that reflects the diverse perspectives and experiences of the communities we serve, with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, prohibiting discrimination and harassment of any type. We ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions.

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