Theater Teacher

Position Summary 

The Theater Teacher inspires students to learn skills for self-expression and creativity and to develop critical thinking and empathy to interpret the world in new ways to inspire and inform others. The Theater Teacher guides students as they conceive and develop new artistic ideas and work; realize artistic ideas and work through interpretation and presentation; interpret and share artistic work; realize and present artistic ideas and work; understand and evaluate how the arts convey meaning; and relate artistic ideas and work with personal meaning and external context. In addition to teaching theater classes, the Theater Teacher will also develop and execute technical theater plans for school productions and oversee the new digital storytelling resource.

Teaching and learning revolve around a competency-based education system aligned with our Pillars: Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Human-Centered Design, Integrated & Experiential Learning, and Belonging & Togetherness. This system assesses “Pillar” competencies applicable across all subject areas and subject-specific competencies to demonstrate expertise in theater arts. The NEIA values of equity, agency, and adaptability are deeply embedded in this approach, ensuring that students, or ‘innovators,’ develop skills crucial for the next generation of leaders. NEIA’s educational process extends beyond traditional classrooms, encompassing activities like advocacy groups, explorations, residential programs, service projects, expeditions, and internships. These activities embody and promote NEIA’s values, striving to provide an innovative, relevant, and future-focused learning experience. At its core, NEIA believes in the transformative power of empathy, curiosity, and collaboration in making a positive impact on the world.

The position entails a full teaching load comprising four classes with two or three different course preparations. The role includes advising a group of five to eight students, chaperoning weekend activities once or twice each term, and actively engaging in various student life and extracurricular activities. Teachers also collaborate and innovate with colleagues across different curricular areas and divisions.

Teachers invest deeply in the school’s community by participating in the advising (called advocacy at NEIA) program, contributing to social and emotional learning initiatives, attending weekly staff meetings for subject areas and divisions, and participating in extracurricular activities such as explorations and clubs. The role is integral to enhancing the overall student experience, requiring a commitment to the various facets of school life at NEIA.

Under the supervision and guidance of the Head of Teaching & Learning, teachers are responsible for preparing lesson plans, regularly updating curriculum, and collaborating with colleagues. Their duties include assessing student work and performance through NEIA’s competency-based model, providing feedback, documenting student progress, writing student report notes, and assigning learning extensions. Teachers are expected to create and manage a learning environment that guides and encourages students to develop and fulfill their academic potential and accomplish the learning goals of NEIA. Finally, teachers are also expected to understand and utilize human-centered design as a process and set it as an ethos across our program.  

• Embody NEIA’s principles of empathy, equity, personalization, authentic work, and collaboration in all work activities and actions.
• Develop engaging, educational, and exciting integrated and experiential curriculum and lesson plans tailored to students’ interests and needs.
• Implement classroom management strategies to maintain focus and productivity among students.
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional techniques to accommodate students’ diverse needs and learning styles, aligning with individual learning plans where applicable.
• Regularly assess student progress through NEIA’s competency system, providing timely and constructive feedback and informing students about their performance.
• Build positive relationships with students, fostering their academic growth and development.
• Collaborate with other teachers, administrators, and school counselors to enhance student learning experience.
• Identify students facing learning or emotional challenges or home situations, and work with the Student Support Team to provide necessary resources and support.
• Stay informed about and actively utilize individual learning plans in teaching and student interactions.
• Communicate effectively with parents and guardians regarding students’ performance and needs.
• Incorporate goals, competencies, and objectives into lesson plans that directly apply to students’ lives.
• Strive to achieve school and course-wide performance goals for every student in class.
• Engage in ongoing professional learning per the school’s professional growth framework.
• Support the initiatives and strategic goals set forth by the School Leadership.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned and required by the position and the School.

• Passionate about teaching middle and high school students.
• Ability to create a welcoming and supportive community for a diverse study body.
• Ability to work with professionalism, discretion, sound judgment, equity, honesty, and personal accountability at all times.  
• Proficient knowledge of teaching strategies and methods.  
• Ability to incorporate goals, competencies, and objectives into lesson plans in ways that directly apply to students’ lives.  
• Ability to use technology effectively in teaching, learning, and administrative functions and willingness to stay current in technology skills and learn emerging technologies as needed.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.  
• Strong administrative and organizational skills.  
• Strong creative and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to efficiently and effectively manage the time of self and others.  
• Understanding and adhering to applicable laws, codes, policies, regulations, and safety practices and procedures.

The Theatre Arts does not supervise any other employees at NEIA.