Drama / speech teacher

Position Purpose:
Under the general supervision of the school principal, to develop students' appreciation and skills in the performing arts and stagecraft.  The successful candidate will be responsible for the production and direction for public performances including auditions, rehearsals, and assigning backstage production tasks.  Additional responsibilities in the area of language arts instruction may also be assigned depending on the needs of the school.

Essential Functions:

The following description is illustrative of the tasks and responsibilities associated with this position.  It is not meant to be an inclusive list of every task or responsibility.

• Develops and administers a language arts/drama curriculum consistent with school district goals and objectives.
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conductive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences to develop pertinent sequential assignments, challenge students, and best utilize the available time for instruction.
• Teaches acting principles and techniques to individuals or groups.
• Demonstrates vocal and body expression to teach acting styles, character development, and personality projection.
• Instructs students in the art of stagecraft in areas such as lighting and sound, scenic design and construction, costuming, makeup, and the procurement of props.
• Produces and directs public performances.
• Provides language arts instruction in the areas of literature, writing, grammar, public speaking, and mass media, as needed.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and progress, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs, including students with special needs.
• Maintains familiarity with district and state standardized tests for the purpose of adapting curriculum to maximize student achievement on such tests.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Ensures that student conduct conforms to the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Coordinates with other professional staff members, especially within grade level, and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.
• Maintains a regular and predictable attendance history while employed by the district
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment:

• Uses standard school and office equipment such as personal computers, printers, copy and fax machines, and telephones.

Travel Requirements:

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of theatre, stagecraft, and general acting principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of English grammar, word usage, word denotations and connotations, spelling, literature and other content areas taught.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Works in standard school building environment.
• For a complete list of the physical and mental demands needed to perform the essential functions for this position, please see the Summary of Physical, Sensory, and Environmental Requirements.

Qualification Profile:

• Certification:  Nebraska teaching certificate with an endorsement in drama or English language arts (preferred).
• Education:  Bachelors degree in education from an accredited college or university.
• Experience:
• Successful prior experience teaching the performing arts preferred.
• Successful prior experience involving the production of public performances preferred.

FLSA Status:  Exempt