Open Forum

Job Title: Middle School Theater Teacher

This person needs to be passionate about student centered learning and be committed to combining the power of forward-thinking skill development with the purposeful integration of research-based learning. Knowledge and practice of Understanding by Design teaching framework is preferred.

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.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Arts Program at Miami Country Day School is well-respected in our community and nationally. We have a new 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.

The Theater teacher will be responsible for teaching 5 sections of drama courses for 6th, 7th, and 8th grades and directing two performances, academic advising to a group of 10-13 Middle School students, and actively 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 and Tasks:

• Collaborate and create with a team of fellow professionals for the enhancement of common artistic goals and educational experiences.
• Plan, prepare and deliver lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning, using the Understanding by Design model of instruction.
• Use relevant technology to support and differentiate instruction.
• Include a variety of of teaching methodologies including multiple modalities of instruction.
• Manage student behavior in the classroom by establishing community norms that support core values and procedures.
• Responsibilities inherent in teaching middle aged children using developmentally appropriate curriculum and fostering positive social skills and community core values.
• Work with the Grade Level Team to discuss and plan activities and student progress.
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities.
• Communicate 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.
• Attend departmental meetings.
• Sponsor for Junior Thespians.
• Teach acting principles and techniques to individuals or groups: conducts readings to evaluate student's talent.
• Adapt course of study and training methods to meet student's need and ability.
• Teach 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.
• Produce, direct, collaborate and rehearse plays for school and public performances.
• Audition students to select cast and assign parts.
• Observe and evaluate 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.
• Perform supervisory duties as assigned.
• Work 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

Knowledge, Skills, and Physical Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree (MFA preferred) in Theater Education or related field.
• At 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.
• A lifelong learner willing to balance past experience with the demands of a new environment.
• 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 and enhance the diverse, supportive environment at the school.
• 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.

• Be able to lift 20 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• Work in varied and extreme weather conditions, including extreme heat.